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Are you considering repairing parts of your roof, or replacing it altogether? Then you should consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to do the job for you. You may think that doing it yourself or hiring a local handyman will save you hundreds on your roofing project, but this isn’t the case.
Here at Hepler Contracting LLC, we like to ensure that homeowners know the proper methods, products, and information around roofing so that they make decisions that will protect their homes and keep them safe for years to come. In this blog post, we’ll explain the importance of hiring a professional roofing contractor to complete your roofing project, some signs that an inexperienced contractor worked on your roof, and what you need to look out for in order to hire the best roofing contractor in the future.
Why Shouldn’t You Hire A Handyman, Or Do It Yourself?
If the person you’ve hired to handle your roofing project has little to no experience with roofing, or you’ve decided to take on the project yourself, the lack of experience could be the reason behind multiple mistakes that will cost you in the long run.
Even if you believe you’ve hired a professional, taking a look at their past work will allow you to determine if they have enough experience to do the job you want. If you’re worried about the current condition of your roof, here are some tell-tale signs that an inexperienced contractor has worked on it.
Improper Installation
Inexperienced roofers may not properly install roofing materials, which can result in leaks and other issues. An improper installation also voids the manufacturer’s warranty on certain products and may result in additional repairs and expenses down the line.
We’ve included some ways you can tell that a roofing system has been installed incorrectly based on the roofing material used:
Asphalt Shingles
Cupping or curling: This occurs when the edges of the shingles turn upwards, which can be a sign that they were installed too tightly, or that there is an issue with the decking below.
Cracking: Cracks in the shingles can be a sign that the roof deck was not properly prepared or that the shingles were installed in excessively hot weather. An experienced roofer knows the best weather conditions in which to install an asphalt shingled roof.
Nail pops: Nail pops occur when nails work their way out of the shingles, which can be a sign that the nails were not driven through the material correctly, or that the shingles were not installed with enough spacing between them.
Poorly aligned shingles: If the shingles are not properly aligned, it can create gaps between them and allow water to penetrate the roof.
Metal Roofs
Leaks: One of the most common signs of an incorrect metal roof installation is the presence of leaks, which can occur at seams, around fasteners, or in other areas where the metal roof was not properly secured.
Rust or corrosion: If metal roof panels are not properly coated, or if there is improper ventilation, rust, and corrosion can occur, which can compromise the integrity of the roof and lead to leaks.
Fastener problems: If fasteners are not properly spaced or if they are not installed in the right location, they can loosen over time, which can lead to the panels shifting or separating.
Poorly aligned panels: If panels are not properly aligned, it will create gaps between them and allow water to penetrate the roof.
Damaged or dented panels: If metal roof panels are not handled or installed with care, they can become damaged or dented, which compromises their ability to protect a building from the elements.
Tile Roofs
Loose tiles: If tiles are not properly secured to the roof deck, they’ll become loose over time, and possibly fall off.
Incorrect spacing: If tiles are not properly spaced, it will create gaps that allow water to leak through.
A sagging or uneven roof deck: A professional roofing contractor knows whether a current roof deck can handle the weight of the tile, or if needs extra support before installation to prevent sagging.
Poorly Installed Underlayment
The underlayment is a layer of material that is installed between the roofing material and decking to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture. If it’s not properly installed, water damage is likely to occur.
Missing Flashing
Flashing is installed to direct water away from vulnerable areas of a roof, such as the valleys, dormers, and chimneys. Its purpose is to prevent leaks, but an inexperienced handyman may not properly seal flashing, or may not install flashing at all.
Improper Ventilation
Ventilation is important in preventing heat buildup and moisture in an attic. If it isn’t installed, or the incorrect type is installed, a range of problems may occur including mold, rot, and structural damage. Inexperienced roofers or handymen usually don’t understand how ventilation pairs with certain roofing materials.
Poor Workmanship
Inexperienced handymen may not have the skills or attention to detail necessary to ensure that roofing materials are properly installed, aligned, fastened, or sealed.
Lack Of Safety Measures
Any work done on a roof can be dangerous, and inexperienced handymen may not have the training, experience, or equipment necessary to safely complete the job. This may result in accidents, injuries, and other safety hazards, and if you’re not careful you may end up becoming liable for it. Hiring a professional who is insured will prevent this problem from happening.
What Makes a Professional Contractor Worth The Cost?
If you’re not already convinced by the sheer number of issues that can occur without a professional onsite to handle a roofing project, we’ve provided some other reasons to consider a professional roofer over your average handyman.
Expertise
Professional roofing contractors have the expertise and experience necessary to properly diagnose and repair roofing problems. Their unique knowledge and skills allow them to correctly install and maintain roofing systems and identify and address potential problems before they become more serious.
Certifications
Many professional roofing contractors have certifications from leading brands and manufacturers of roofing products. These certifications back up their reputation as a professional, and by hiring a certified roofing professional, you’ll have access to benefits such as product warranties too.
Safety
Roofing work can be dangerous, and professional roofing contractors are trained and equipped to work safely on roofs. They have the training, experience, and equipment necessary to complete roofing projects safely, which minimizes the risk of accidents, injuries, and other safety hazards.
Warranties
Professional roofing contractors typically provide warranties on their work, which gives you peace of mind knowing that the work will be done correctly and that you’ll have protection in case there are any issues. Handymen may not provide warranties for their work, which leaves you responsible for any problems that arise.
Here are some examples of warranties that a roofing contractor may offer:
Material Warranty: A material warranty covers the cost of repairing or replacing any faulty or defective roofing materials. This type of warranty is typically offered by the manufacturer of the roofing material and can vary in terms of the length of time and type of materials covered.
Workmanship Warranty: A workmanship warranty covers the cost of repairing any defects or problems that are a result of poor workmanship during the installation of the roof. This type of warranty is typically offered by the roofing contractor and can vary in terms of the length of time and type of work covered.
No-leak Warranty: A no-leak warranty is a guarantee from the roofing contractor that the roof will not leak for a specified period of time. This type of warranty is typically offered for a longer period of time than other warranties, such as 5 or 10 years, and is a strong indicator of the roofing contractor’s confidence in their workmanship and materials.
How Do You Know If A Contractor Is A Professional?
If you’re looking for a professional contractor to handle your roofing project, here are some signs that you’ve found one:
License and Insurance: A professional roofing contractor will have valid license and liability insurance, as well as workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. These credentials ensure that the contractor is legally allowed to perform roofing work and that you are protected in case of accidents or injuries on the job.
Positive Reputation: A professional roofing contractor will have a positive reputation in the industry and in the community. You can check online reviews, ask for references, and check with local roofing organizations to see if the contractor has a good track record.
Experience: A professional roofing contractor will have years of experience in the industry and be knowledgeable about the latest roofing techniques, materials, and local building codes. They will also be able to diagnose and repair roofing problems quickly and efficiently.
Professionalism: A professional roofing contractor will have a professional demeanor and communicate effectively with you. They will be able to explain the roofing process, answer your questions, and provide you with a detailed estimate on the work that needs to be done.
Quality Materials: A professional only uses high-quality materials that are backed by manufacturer warranties. They will not use low-quality materials or cut corners to save time or money.
Warranty: A professional roofing contractor will offer a warranty for their workmanship and materials, which gives you protection in case of any problems or issues with your roof.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post helped you understand the importance of hiring a professional roofer over a handyman or doing the job yourself. Professionals have the experience to ensure a quality roof installation that will leave your home protected for years to come, providing you peace of mind that you won’t have to handle any repairs or replacements down the road due to shoddy workmanship.
If you need a professional roofing contractor to handle your roofing needs, then contact the team at Hepler Contracting LLC. We don’t want to see homeowners struggle with faulty installations, repairs, or replacements, which is why offer our professional services across the state of Pennsylvania. Give us a call today, at (412) 694-8785, and we’ll come out to your home to help you get started on your roofing project.
