Repairing or replacing the roof of your house can be a very expensive and sometimes un-needed expense. I know for a fact because I was a flat roofer for many years and have seen many preventable problems or leaks due to bad workmanship.
This article can be used for a quick reference if the time ever comes where you need a repair or replace your roof and what to look for if you're going to repair it yourself or hire a roofing contractor.
It's the little things that will cost you plenty of time, money and headaches so if you have roofing problems or leaks then you might want to read this to save yourself being one of the millions of people who might get ripped of by shady and under experience contractors.
I'm an experienced flat roof but the same basics should apply to shingle roofs as well
Life of a Roof
Now depending on when your roof was last replace, if it was in or after the 70's the shingles or flat roofing materials was suppose to last 35 years to 40 but that's pushing it. Now with today's technology roofing material can last up to 50 years or even lifetime roofing which is available but pricy.
Most shingles and flat roofing materials are made out of asphalt and then a coat of what is called “Granules” which is little rocks which resembles cat litter. It comes in many colors and is basically used to help reflect light and heat. Shingles usually have a laminated backing.
So if you have replaced your roof in the last 5-10 years and finding you're having problems or leaks then chances are your roof was either not laid properly or cheap and old materials could have been used. Watch out.
Picking the Right Roofing Contractor
Now this is tricky no matter what kind of contractor you hire because there are many fly by night companies or people with good intentions who can't handle either the size or magnitude of the job.
Number one thing to NEVER do is hire friends or family even if they beg or offer to do it cheaply. The reason for this is simple, because if the job is done incorrectly then it creates problems between you and whoever and you eventually lose money and a friend or family member. The second problem that stems from hiring people close to you is if they do a bad job it could end up costing you way more to have everything taking down and replaced.
Make sure you check references of the contractor and definitely make sure that they are roofing specialists and not painters or tile guys who do roofs on the side. This is a very common and costly mistake.
Get at least 3 quotes which most companies do for free and cross check it with other companies. Also the bigger and more known companies are not always the best choice since they have so many other clients and some of their work could not be up to par and they tend to skip or cut corners. Also they tend to have more money to fight you in court if it ever came to it.
You should pick the company which can explain the problem clearly in a manner you can understand then give you options. Also make sure to have everything promised to be done in a clearly written contract with total price after job completion. Remember this is like your insurance if anything goes wrong on the job.
Make sure the company is insured and has insurance so you're not sued if injury takes place on your property. Also if your property is damage during the job then you can get it replaced or repaired.
Also don't forget the old saying “Seeing Is Believing” which means when the contractor comes to give you a quote either ask them to take you up and show you the damages or take digital video to show you.
Knowing When to Repair or Replace
Most people when they see a leak automatically assume their roof is either done or has a hole which is not always the case. A lot of roofing companies will lead you into believing your roof needs to be replaced when they come across a problem like this. Not all companies are bad but remember a lot of people are out to make a buck no matter what the cost to you.
A lot of time a leak can come from something as simple as a piece “Flashing” might have come lose on your chimney when strong winds where blowing and heavy rains where falling causing a little water to get in. I have also found through out the years that satellite dishes which have been mounted on your roof can cause all kinds of problems as well as minor leaks. Shingles tend to come loose and fall off and even water can run down your vent pipes on the roof.
