Common Roofing Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid
Simple roofing mistakes can have severe and expensive consequences. Luckily, avoiding such mistakes is easier than you might expect. Let’s walk through three common roofing mistakes homeowners should avoid.
Not Considering High-Quality Materials
Many homeowners choose asphalt singles simply because they’re a popular roofing choice; however, you’ll never learn about the better options available if you do this. For example, metal roofing is the best roofing option on the market, offering better energy efficiency and durability than asphalt shingles.
Also, choosing high-quality materials like metal is one of the best ways to improve your roof’s wind resistance. Beyond better wind resistance, high-quality metal roofing can remain resilient for anywhere between 50 and 100 years.
A good metal roof remains strong and beautiful no matter what elements it faces—from fire to snow. Often, even hail isn’t strong enough to damage metal panels. However, to ensure the best results, invest in metal roofing from reliable providers; look for protective Kynar coatings to help the roof defend itself from the elements.
Hiring a Lackluster Contractor
Even if you invest in the right materials, hiring the wrong contractor can compromise your roof’s overall quality. Whether you’re investing in asphalt or metal, hire a contractor with experience installing that specific material. Furthermore, dive into the contractor’s website and look for customer reviews.
Always ask for proof of insurance, years of experience, and examples of previous work, too. Each of these elements can tell you whether you’re working with a reliable professional or a lackluster contractor. This is one of the must-know common roofing mistakes homeowners should avoid because investing in the wrong roofer can yield costly results.
Forgetting To Clean the Gutters
Some believe that gutters and roofs are separate, but they’re both parts of the same system. As rain flows down your roof during storms, the gutters and downspouts catch it, transporting the water away from your home. The gutter system is incredibly convenient, but it will need routine cleaning due to clogging hazards.
How often you need to clean gutters depends on how severe your local weather gets. The common rule of thumb is to inspect your gutters every six to 12 months. During the inspection, clean out any debris clogging the gutter, from leaves to branches and beyond. Letting gutters clog will lead to rainwater overflowing during storms. The overflowing water will damage roofs, promoting mold growth inside and out. Cleaning gutters routinely is a simple task that prevents big problems.