Does experience really matter when it comes to roofing?
The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” holds true in many facets of life. However, rarely is it more relevant than in the roofing industry.
Where the tried-and-true roofer triumphs, the inexperienced roofer stumbles. Even minor roof repairs are rarely a DIY project for homeowners. Roofing is dangerous and complex—there is no substitute for the knowledge gained over decades of doing the job right.
Today, we’re going to touch on six benefits of hiring a seasoned roofing contractor, why they are important in any repair or replacement, and shed light on the dangers of do-it-yourself roofing.
1. EXPERTISE
When choosing a roofing contractor, experience matters. New roof companies entering the market may know the basics of repair and installation but with a seasoned professional you will benefit from their many years in the industry.
Not all projects go smoothly 100% of the time. Once the old roof is removed, it’s common for contractors to find additional issues. If this happens, a certified roofer will be better prepared to handle the situation. Because of their experience, you can trust them to understand the cause of your problem and the best materials, approaches, and practices to address them.
Certainly, there are amateur roofing contractors who do quality work. However, who wants their home to be the guinea pig for an inexperienced company testing unfamiliar practices?
2. LONGEVITY
When choosing a roofing contractor – one of the most essential factors to consider is “how long have they been in business?”
You want to work with someone that has been in the industry for some time and has a solid reputation. A well-established organization will offer quality, reliability, and have the knowledge and tools to best serve you. A solid foundation is also not likely to go out of business any time soon.
3. QUALITY MATERIALS
A professional roofer knows which manufacturers produce durable, high-quality materials and they have built long-term relationships with local suppliers, which enables them to access these materials at lower prices.
The quality of the materials used by a roofing contractor can impact the roof’s performance. Lower-quality materials can lead to decreased performance, lowered resistance to damage, and shorter service life.
4. COST-EFFECTIVE
While a new roofer may offer you an affordable estimate for your roof repair or replacement, it can be much more cost-effective to hire a seasoned roofing company.
An experienced contractor will know how to find the source of your roofing problem, identify hidden damages as well as provide their professional opinion of future problems, effectively saving you money.
5. WARRANTIES
Professional roofers provide warranties on both labor and materials. This gives you peace of mind that the repair will be protected no matter what happens after the work is complete.
Typically, contractor workmanship warranties on repairs are for one year or more. However, longer warranties are not necessarily more valuable than shorter ones. The length of the warranty is less important than the intent and ability of the roofer to stand behind it.
For roof replacements, leading brands like GAF require extensive experience in business for their certification programs. Since a certified contractor has access to the most powerful warranties available, you can’t expect the same from an inexperienced roofer.
6. SAFETY
Accidents related to roof repairs are very common. Not only do roofing workers have a higher rate of injury than those in other industries, but the risk also increases for inexperienced workers.
The more experienced contractor generally invests more resources in training and safety gear, such as body harnesses, edge guards, and rope grabs, to reduce risk.
SO, WHAT’S NEXT?
Now that we’ve gone over all the benefits of hiring an experienced roofing company, you should have an easier time finding the right contractor for your home.
Remember, your roof is a major part of your home. For something so important, it is crucial to hire an experienced contractor.
Wait! Before you go, we have one more piece of advice: hire local! This will help you find a contractor that knows the best practices for roof repairs and replacements in your area. Click here to learn more about the importance of hiring a local roofing company.
If you’re local to Raleigh and need a contractor for your roof repair or replacement, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll be happy to help.