Myth #1: They’re expensive for the work they do

While extensive repairs can be expensive, most roof issues that are not an obvious leak can be identified by an experienced roofer and quickly solved with an affordable fix. The truth about roofing contractors and roofing, in general, is that you will get the quality of roof you pay for. In short, a DIY’d roof is not a guaranteed job well done. When it comes to protecting your home, one of your biggest assets, you’ll want to hire a professional contractor for a roof done right.

Myth #2: Roof replacement is rarely needed

When to replace your roofing largely depends on what kind of roof you have, as well as a few other factors including the type of climate and weather you live in, and how well you’ve maintained it.

- - Asphalt shingles: 15 – 20 years
  - Clay/Cement tile: 50 – 100 years
  - Slate: 100+ years
  - Wood shingles: 20 – 30 years
  - Metal roofing: 50 – 100 years

Myth #3: They don’t need insurance

The first thing you should do when you hire a roofing contractor is ask for proof of license and insurance. The proof of license should be specifically for the state where your home is located– all states require building contractors to be licensed to protect property and property owners from fraudulent or incompetent contractors. A valid contractor’s license is the first sign that a roofer may be qualified to do the work you need.

Second, you’ll want to verify that a roofing contractor has two types of insurance: workman’s compensation insurance and liability insurance. Workman’s compensation insurance protects the roofers in case any accidents should occur during a roofing installation or repair. This type of insurance will help cover any medical bills and missed wages if the worker is injured on the job. On the other hand, liability insurance will protect you, the homeowner, in case any accidents may occur. If the workers make a mistake while working on your home, liability insurance will protect you from having to pay for those mistakes.

Myth #4: Customer reviews don’t matter

Reading a contractor company’s online reviews can reveal a lot about a roofer’s customer service and caliber of work before you hire them to do the job. By looking into previous customer experiences, you can gauge their level of thoroughness and how committed they are to a job well done. You can also get a feel for how well they communicate and how they resolve any complaints. Taking a moment to read through a contractor’s track record could be the difference between a great roof repair or installation experience and a bad one.

Myth #5: You have to pay upfront

You should never have to pay for a roofing project upfront. If a contractor asks for full payment prior to the installation or repair, they are likely a fraudulent company. Depending on the size of the project or contractor you go to, the company may request a deposit. Again it depends on the scale of what your contractor is undertaking, but a general rule is that a deposit should never exceed ⅓ of the total cost.

Myth #6: Anyone can do storm repair, it’s all the same

Storm damage is one of the biggest issues you will face when it comes to maintaining the integrity of your roof– and it’s just not something you should try to take care of on your own. Problems like hail and wind damage may be unnoticeable to the untrained eye. But a professional contractor who has the tools and knowledge to notice will do so and apply the appropriate fix right away.

4 Reasons Why you SHOULDN’T DIY Roofing:

1. Cost: DIY-ing your roof installation or repair may end up costing you more than hiring a contractor. You likely do not have all the special roofing tools and supplies needed for a roofing project– and the cost of these add up! A professional contractor has everything they need to work on your roof on hand and in abundance too.
2. Warranty: Many shingle manufacturers may render your warranty void if the shingles are not installed by a certified installation company, which could cost you much more in the long run if anything goes wrong with your DIY job.
3. Danger: Roofing is considered one of the top ten most dangerous jobs in the country. Even if your roof repairs seem like minor projects, simple tasks like carrying your tools become exponentially more dangerous when you need to simultaneously climb a 20+ foot tall ladder!
4. Expertise: Roofing contractors carry experience that allows for a more efficient installation and the expertise to notice any issues with the structural integrity of your roof. Things like rotten beams or sodden shingles may not be as apparent to an untrained eye, and a professional roofer can help identify and prevent these types of damage from becoming a bigger problem.