There’s no doubt about it, renovating your roof is a job that isn’t just big, but also needs to be done correctly - failure to do so can leave you with more than just a headache, it will also leave you out of pocket and potentially, put your home and family at risk. While we’re focusing on things to avoid, you should also consider what you could do in addition to a roof renovation while you have roof contractors out - you can make additional improvements. To start with, let’s focus on what you need to avoid.
Putting off roof repair
Roofs are often ignored when it comes to the upkeep of a home and when left, roof damage gets significantly worse. Don't ignore your roof, ensure that you regularly check and maintain it to avoid hefty costs down the line. Whether it’s old or loose shingles, tiles or cracks, you may think nothing of it initially. However, if left, it’s small issues like these that can later lead to structural damage, or severe water ingress, causing hundreds, if not thousands of pounds worth of damage.
It’s not just about the pounds in your pocket though, as insurance companies won’t cover you in certain circumstances if your roof hasn’t been regularly maintained. All insurance contracts will demand that it is regularly maintained and looked after. Make sure you’re carrying out annual inspections of your roof to avoid any nasty surprises.
Going with a cheap and unqualified roofer
With a roof renovation, it’s imperative that you don’t cut corners. Depending on your circumstances, you may be looking for ways to make sure your roof renovation project is on budget, but one area you can’t compromise on is the quality of your roofer.
You may find that certain roofers are considerably cheaper than others, however, if this is the case, alarm bells should be ringing as it increases the chances that they aren’t qualified.
Having your roof renovation project carried out by someone who isn’t a professional will vastly increase the risk to your home both in terms of security and also its safety. An inexperienced roofer can fail to spot issues, install parts incorrectly and even cause additional damage. While you might save time and money in the short term, there’s no doubt that in the long run, you’ll end up paying more.
Don’t forget roof removal costs
A common mistake amongst people who budget for roof renovations is forgetting about the cost of removing the old roof. While unexpected costs like water damage can crop up, it’s the cost of removing the old roof that can appear on your invoice without your prior knowledge.
Stay on top of your budget by being aware that roof removal charges can be a significant part of your total cost. Depending on your setup and contractor, these costs can vary wildly as a full roof removal can take a significant amount of time and when you're paying by the hour, it can quickly add up. When you’re enquiring about your roof renovation, ensure that you ask for details on the cost of a roof removal as well so that you can see the full picture and true cost of the project before committing.
Reroofing
Laying down an additional layer of tiles over your existing roof (or commonly known as reroofing) seems like a good idea, however, the reality is that it’s riskier and will potentially cost more in the long run when compared to a roof renovation.
Reroofing will make it harder to inspect and maintain a roof, as new tiles will be laid on top of old ones without the legacy tiles or shingles being removed. If your roof is in decent condition, this will hold for a while but the additional weight of tiles or shingles on top of old material will lead to your roof holding more weight, meaning. The risk of damage increases during winter months when your roof will also have to contend with heavy rainfall, snow and ice - adding to your roof’s weight problem.
Essentially, the short-term cost saving of reroofing is outweighed by planning properly and conducting a thorough roof renovation or repair project - depending on your specific needs.
Hasty roof inspections
A good roofer needs to take time when it comes to a roof inspection. A roof is complicated with its multi-layered system, meaning that it’s not as simple as a quick check and the job’s done. A roof needs to keep water out, and is designed to consistently combat water as it freezes and thaws over time.
A roofing inspection needs to be completed both inside and outside of the home, with every nook and cranny thoroughly inspected and tested to ensure there are no leaks or other mitigating factors. A hasty or insufficient roofing inspection, can lead to long-term issues that will cost you in the long run. Missing out small leaks or cracks, can later turn into serious issues and cause major problems if not dealt with sooner.
Going with an uninsured roofer
With a roof renovation, you want to make sure that you’re using a roofer who is a licensed professional, who knows what they’re doing. If not, an unlicensed or uninsured roofer can lead you to encounter more problems further down the line.
Hiring a roofer who isn’t licensed or qualified, will be shown in their ability to provide quality workmanship. This can lead to poorly finished jobs, that won’t last as long as work that is completed to the highest standards. We recommend doing a thorough background check of your chosen roof contractor, to ensure that they meet the regulations and standards set when it comes to a roof renovation.
There's no doubt that roofers have a dangerous job, and as a result issues of safety and security when working at heights need to be handled with the utmost care and attention.
Unlicensed or uninsured roofers, will also be laxer about issues of safety, and should the worst happen on a job, you may find yourself severely out of pocket. Therefore, it is essential you hire a professional.
The wrong materials
While who you hire, and the quality of their work is important – unquestionably, the quality of the materials will also play a role in getting the best roof renovation possible.
Tiles and other materials will eventually come to the end of their lifespan, but the higher the quality, the less likely it is that it’ll be sooner than expected. You can’t underestimate the importance of materials, as they can also impact the value of your home. Lower-quality, less-durable materials are seen as a negative aspect when buying a home or assessing its value, as this means the roof has a shorter lifespan.
Ensure that when it comes to your roof renovation, you’re not prioritising cheaper materials. While we all need to work to a budget to some degree, there’s no doubt that the better value you can get will help you in the long run.
Renovating your roof? Here’s the next step
You now know what you need to avoid but now what about how you can take advantage? While your roof renovation might initially be about fixing an on-going issue, why not take advantage and upgrade your home at the same time? If you’re planning to renovate your roof then why not talk to our Daylight Experts to discover how you can completely transform the look of your home with a rooflight.
Created in a way that is made to brighten your family’s day, rooflights bring a vibrance and freshness to any home thanks to its ability to allow more natural light into your home than ever before. For more information, contact us today and see how a rooflight as part of a roof renovation can transform your home.
