Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes When Repairing Your Roof

 At PRQ Exteriors, we have worked on hundreds of different roofing projects over the years. While many of our clients seek out our services due to damage from recent storms or general wear and tear overtime, those are not the only problems we deal with. We often receive calls from property owners who have made a serious home improvement error and need help fixing the problem. Below we’ll explore the most common roofing mistakes we see and discuss how to avoid them when repairing your roof.

1. DIY Roofing Projects

Replacing or repairing a roof can be difficult and dangerous, and is not a task that should be taken lightly. Many of our clients come to us after attempting to fix their roof by themselves, only to realize that they were in way over their heads. We often find, that when clients try and take matters into their own hands, they end up making the original damage worse, leading to lengthier and more costly repairs. If you ever suspect roof damage, we recommend calling a professional before doing anything further.

2. Purchasing materials for repairs on your own

Sometimes clients think that they can save a bit of money by purchasing roofing materials on their own and later calling a professional to handle the labor. We highly advise that you let your contractor order the materials. Contractors are able to take more accurate measurements than you are on your own, meaning you don’t run the risk of under or over ordering. Contractors also typically have access to competitive industry pricing and higher quality materials than an individual is able to purchase on their own.

3. Not properly researching a contractor

Do your research and be sure to properly vet any contractors that you are considering for your home repairs. Don’t just hire the first roofer you speak with. We recommend asking for customer references and carefully reviewing a portfolio of their previous work. Compare estimates from multiple roofers and when you make your decision, don’t forget to ensure that the roofer you hire is properly licensed and insured.

4. Choosing products that aren’t right for your home or climate

There are certain products on the market advertised as essential for any roof, that actually end up causing more damage to property in the long run. One example of this is rain diverters. Rain diverters can actually force water underneath your shingles leading to extensive damage overtime, you are better off sticking with standard gutters. Certain materials and colors are also not always designed for all climates. Working with a licensed professional can help ensure you choose quality products that will help, not hurt, your home.

5. Delaying repairs

When you notice damage on your roof, it can be tempting to delay repairs. When clients bring the PRQ Exteriors team out to inspect their property, we are often told that they had first noticed the damage months or even years prior. They then list the time and cost of repairs as reasons for the delay. What people don’t realize is that by delaying repairs you are likely allowing your roof to become damaged even further, meaning more time consuming and expensive repairs. To avoid unnecessary expenses we recommend repairing damage as soon as possible.

If your roof has suffered damage and you’ve been thinking about taking matters into your own hands, we highly encourage you to reach out to a professional contractor. The PRQ Exteriors team is here to help with all of your roofing needs. Call us today to schedule your free home inspection and we will send someone out as soon as possible to help get your repairs underway.