Plan Your Roof Replacement Like a Pro: 10 Mistakes to Avoid

Good planning can help ensure the success of your roof replacement project — and the first step to coming up with a good plan is knowing which things to avoid. In this blog post, Local roofing contractor Shine Construction Inc. helps you get your roofing plan going by taking a look at the roof replacement mistakes that you should avoid.

1. Not working with a professional roofer. Taking the DIY approach is a great way to save money on projects like hardscaping or making your own furniture, but complex projects like roof replacement should be left to professionals. There are just so many variables involved that the risks just outweigh the savings. For instance, building such a large structure will require tools, material and labor an average homeowner may not have access to, which would make the project more complicated than it needed to be. Also, warranty coverage will be minimal, as there won’t be installation or workmanship warranties in place — the cost to correct installation mistakes will be covered out-of-pocket. Let’s not forget that roofing work involves a great risk of fall injuries, and that professional roofers are trained, equipped and insured for it. In comparison, a professional roofer will do all the heavy lifting, literally and figuratively, and make the process simpler.
2. Ignoring other roofing options. Choosing the exact same materials for your new roof may be the safest option, but you might miss out on the benefits that other roofing options — even those within the same category — have to offer. For example, if your existing roof has standard three-tab shingles, you may want to consider more durable and visually pleasing options like laminate shingles. You can also take advantage of enhancements like high wind and impact resistance ratings with complete roofing systems from manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed®.
3. Choosing inappropriate roofing materials. Choosing the roofing material is not about what looks good or a matter of preference. Factors such as local climate and the rope’s slope are taken into consideration; a mismatch can cause problems. Shingled materials like asphalt shingles, slate and tile are suitable for steep roofs because gravity helps prevent rainwater from flowing back up into the edges. Standing seam metal sheets provide more flexibility because each piece spans the length of the roof, making it an efficient roofing choice even on low-sloped roofs.
4. Not considering the roof’s maintenance requirements. While low-maintenance roofing does exist, no-maintenance options do not. You will need to keep up with maintenance tasks like annual inspections and maintenance appointments if you intend to get as many years out of it as you can. Most professional roofers offer maintenance agreements, which essentially sets up maintenance appointments throughout the roof’s life span. In addition to the convenience — scheduling a roofing maintenance appointment can be difficult during the busy seasons — your roof is also at a lower risk of a voided warranty caused by lack of maintenance.
5. Not considering changing the roof’s slope. On a related note, a roof replacement project is an opportunity to improve upon the roofing structure. Changing the roof slope can address problems like inefficient rainwater shedding and low curb visibility. A steep roof also creates a more spacious attic, which can open up future expansion options. It’s important to note that changing the roof slope will increase the roof area, which has a corresponding increase in material, labor and cost. It will also require gutters with a greater capacity: the steeper the roof, the faster the rainwater will flow into the gutters.
6. Not planning for the weather. You may have noticed that roofers (and exterior remodeling contractors, in general) are at their busiest during the summer season. This is because of the weather, as there’s a lower likelihood of weather-related delays and interruptions. Also, most roofing materials are easier to work with under certain temperatures. Fortunately, professional roofing contractors take weather conditions into account all the time, particularly during the off-season months, making it possible to install a new roof even during mid-to-late fall.
7. Ignoring the other exterior elements. The roof takes up about half of your home’s outer square footage, complementing the siding, trim and fenestrations. This means you have to choose a roofing style and color that works with your home’s exterior elements. Your local professional roofer is, again, a great resource for this. Roofers with certification from roofing manufacturers afford access to a wide selection of virtually any color that will match your exterior color palette. You will also benefit from design tools and the know-how that can only come from years of experience.
8. Not preparing for unplanned repairs. Sometimes problems with the roofing structure won’t be found until the project has already started. Your roofer may find signs of moisture hidden under the underlayment, or parts of the roofing structure may be so old that it’s out of compliance with current building codes. Since repairs are not included in the original quote, the costs will be tacked on to the final bill. This is why you should be prepared by setting aside a contingency budget, which should be worth about 10% to 20% of the project cost.
9. Not considering financing options. It’s no secret that roof replacement is a significant expense, but don’t be discouraged by the upfront cost. While cash remains the best way to pay for a roof replacement project, there are other options that may be available  to you: unsecured loans, secured loans including home equity loans (HEL) and home equity line of credit (HELOC), and contractor financing. We at Shine Construction Inc. offer flexible financing options that will help you get the roof that you’ve always wanted without worrying about the upfront cost.
10. Choosing the contractor based on the price. This is a common last-mile error that can derail even the best-laid plans. Beware of unscrupulous individuals that offer too-good-to-be-true prices, as they’d have put low quality materials and labor just to come up with that quote. Always review the contract, including the cost breakdown and list of materials, before you sign. Do your due diligence and look up a contractor’s license and insurance, as well as their customer feedback, before committing to the project.

Learn more about what your professional roof repair and replacement specialists at Shine Construction Inc. can do for you. Give us a call at (508) 278-3300, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.