THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER
PART 1 To Have: Why Your Roof Needs Work From Time to Time The roofing system is your home’s primary layer of protection, shielding your home from the harsh elements outside. This is why it is important that homeowners take the necessary steps to maintain a roof’s integrity. Not doing so will not only cause a number of roofing problems to surface, but it will also shorten the average lifespan of your roof.
THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER
TO HAVE: WHY YOUR ROOF NEEDS WORK FROM TIME TO TIME
REGULAR ROOF CHECKS ARE KEY
The rule of thumb is to have your roof checked at least twice a year. Ideally, it should be once before the start of the harshest season in your area, and once after. The common practice is usually during spring and fall. By regularly taking care of your roof, you ensure that you get the best out of your investment. Roofing is among only five – yes, there are just five – home improvement projects that continues to increase in terms of cost vs. value, with a midrange roof replacement project rising to 5.9 percent for 2015. While a roofing replacement project would set you back almost $20,000 – based on the 2015 Cost vs. Value Report – you do recoup 71.6 percent of your investment. This means you can recover nearly $14,000.
THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER
TO HAVE: WHY YOUR ROOF NEEDS WORK FROM TIME TO TIME
REGULAR MAINTENANCE MEANS FEWER ROOF PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE
Not all homeowners may know this, but some manufacturer warranties require homeowners to ensure that a roof is regularly maintained for the warranty to remain valid. A roof inspection is crucial to keep a roofing system performing well, especially in the face of harsh weather. Here are other top reasons to have your roof constantly checked by a professional: • Prevent small damage from getting worse, such as: * Water and Moisture Damage
* Loose, Missing, or Broken Shingles * Dings and Dents in the Roof
• Minimize repair costs
• Maximize the use of the roof
Head on over to the next part of the series to learn more about preparing for future roof emergencies. Use the checklist we’ve provided to better gauge in which particular aspects you may not be ready yet. THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER
PART 2 To Do: A Roof Repair Preparation Checklist So you have read the first part of our series highlighting the importance of having your roof checked at least twice in a year. Now let’s move on to discuss the things you need to do to prepare your roof for future roof repairs, as well as info on what to do during routine inspections.
THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER
TO DO: A ROOF REPAIR PREPARATION CHECKLIST
KEY REMINDER: ALWAYS CHOOSE A TRUSTED ROOF REPAIR COMPANY
If you know what’s good for you, skip the DIY work, and let the professionals do what they do best. Aside from ensuring your own safety, there’s a lot to gain from their expertise in roof work. Preparing for the Roof Repair Don’t let yourself get caught off guard by sudden necessary repairs. Here are some essential tips to follow: • Choose the right contractor for the job. Pick someone who’s licensed, bonded, and insured and has a good reputation. Check the Better Business Bureau and ask previous clients about their work. Also have a backup contractors who can work with you if your first choice is unavailable. • Make sure you are well aware of the full extent of the damage on your roof and the scope of the repair that needs to be done. This way you can properly make the right decisions when coordinating with the contractor during the project. • Get quotes from at least three companies. You do not have to settle on the first estimate you got. Having more than one estimate can help you properly gauge whether the prices quoted to you are reasonable. • Set a budget. This is crucial, as you do not want to take on a roof repair project only to realize at the very end that you’ve exceeded your budget. That would be a huge headache for any homeowner.
• Prepare your home. Cover your furniture and picture frames. Move valuables to a safer location. If you have houseplants, bring them outside. You might also consider looking for a temporary home, especially if the repairs are going to be extensive. Read the last part of this e-book and discover common homeowner mistakes you can avoid during a roof repair. THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER
PART 3 Not to Do: What to Avoid Doing While Roof Repair Work Is Ongoing Roof repairs can go very smoothly, or they can be a bumpy experience for both the homeowner and the contractor. The key to making a project go smoothly and reach its successful conclusion is to handle it professionally. Here are a few things you need to avoid when you’ve got an ongoing roof repair job.
THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER
NOT TO DO: WHAT TO AVOID DOING WHILE ROOF REPAIR WORK IS ONGOING
NOT COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR ROOFER
While it is true that your roofers can complete the work unsupervised, that does not mean you have to just sit back and wait for the project to finish. Regular communication means being able to know when there is a delay in the delivery of materials or whether a minor problem has been encountered. Things like these can affect the projected date of completion, something that you do not want to extend. Make sure that you are always kept in the loop, so ask your roofer politely. Communication with your roofer should be handled with the same degree of professionalism you want to receive from them. Do not hesitate to ask questions regarding the project, things that you are uncomfortable with or are curious about. You are after all, their client, which gives you the right to be informed about the work being done. Just do not overdo it, which is another mistake you want to avoid.
THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER
NOT TO DO: WHAT TO AVOID DOING WHILE ROOF REPAIR WORK IS ONGOING
HESITATING TO LET GO OF YOUR CONTRACTOR…WHEN NEEDED
We have all heard horror stories about roof work and it is not too far-fetched for you to have roofing work go wrong or to meet a contractor from hell. This is why we highlighted in the second part of this series: the importance of hiring the right contractor for the job. If despite your due diligence, the contractor you hired commits the following “transgressions,” then it might be better to let them go without hesitation. • Endless additional work. If the roofer keeps on seeing one problem after another and starts to behave rather suspiciously, then your contractor might be taking advantage of the situation at your expense. Get a second opinion and make the move to get a new roofer. • No license. A roofer operating without a license should be fired without question.
• Unprofessional. Are the members of the crew disrespectful, habitually late, or intoxicated while working? Then fire them as soon as possible.
• Failure to meet OSHA guidelines. The safety of anyone working on your roof should be everyone’s top priority. You might want to read up on OSHA guidelines to ensure they are being professional at all times.
THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER
THE ROOFING COMPANY AND THE REMODELING COMPANY
2106 Aluminum Avenue, Suite A, Hampton, VA 23661
757-903-0050
www.theroofingcompany.com
THE ULTIMATE ROOFING REMINDER LIST FOR THE HOMEOWNER