Because roofing can be so expensive, it is not uncommon to come across scams in the industry, whether from those who claim to be roofers but do not actually have any qualifications or companies that take shortcuts so they can offer lower rates. Scams are particularly common following severe storms when scammers will knock on doors and offer repairs that seem too good to be true and are. Get some general tips to spot scams and learn about the most common ones so you can protect your roof and your pocket book.
Always Research The Roofing Company
A simple step that can help you avoid the vast majority of roofing scams is to do a bit of research. In today’s world with smartphones, you can confirm a company’s reputation in a matter of seconds via your favorite search engine. Look for reviews of the company, whether they have a rating (or complaints) with the Better Business Bureau, and even consider doing a search for the company with the word “scam” if you suspect they have bad intentions. Also take the time to confirm that the roofers in question have licenses and insurance before hiring anyone.
Taking the time to always research a roofing company or contractor in Austin will help you avoid a long list of scams, such as mysterious and pushy door-to-door salesmen that show up promising a free roofing inspection. In this case, they may cause damage while doing their inspection, such as tearing off a few shingles so you think there is wind damage that requires extensive repairs. This can also help you avoid storm chasers who just do the bare minimum and leave you with a still-damaged roof.
Scam To Avoid: Unnecessary Roof Repairs
One of the more common scams you will get from less reputable roofing companies is recommending repairs that are not necessary. They know that the repairs will be easy, especially if there are none needed, so they can make a nice profit. These unscrupulous roofing companies will take advantage of the fact that roofs can be complicated and the average homeowner does not understand how minor problems can be caused by other issues. Avoid the scam by always getting more than one estimate for a project. Any reputable company will tell you flat out that the service you think you need isn’t necessary. They will hope that since they were honest with you, you will recommend them to others and use their services in the future so good companies prioritize customer service.
Scam To Avoid: Low Bids That Rise
Another common scam to be on the lookout for is offering a very low bid for the project, then adding in “unforeseen” costs as the project goes along. They will claim to find new damage they hadn’t seen before, discover materials cost more than they think, or other similar things. While material prices do fluctuate, the difference should not be too significant and most roofers account for the possible fluctuations. To protect your pocketbook, be wary of bids that are much lower than the others. Remember that if something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Instead, stick to a reputable company with strong reviews online and you should not have any issues with scams.
Source:
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/common-roofer-scams/
Having a leak in your roof can be a serious problem since water is known for causing extreme damage. Water will seep into the walls and ceilings of rooms, hurting your home’s structural integrity and causing cosmetic issues like discoloration. Of course, any time there is a leak, you also run the risk of mold developing, putting the health of your entire family at risk. To minimize the damage caused by a leaky roof, you should try to figure out the cause of the leak as soon as possible so you can get to the root of the problem. An experienced roofer should be able to diagnose and repair the issue, but you can get a head start by being aware of some common causes for leaky roofs.
What Is The Age Of Your Roof
While roofs regularly last several decades or more depending on the material used, they do eventually deteriorate and begin to show signs of age. Asphalt shingles, in particular, will begin to weaken with age and any material will at some point. As the temperatures change, the roof’s materials will expand and contract, leading to cracks. Additionally, the direct sunlight can weaken certain types of roofing, such as tar holding together composition shingles. If your leak is due to an old roof, then your best choice is to bite the bullet and replace the entire structure. It is best to get the roof inspected by an respected roofer in San Antonio.
Problems With Your Brick Chimney
If you have a brick chimney on your property and the roof’s leaking comes from this area, then take a closer look at the chimney. The structure itself can last for decades or even a hundred years or more. Unfortunately, only the bricks can stand the test of time, not the mortar holding them together. Over time, the mortar will crumble from exposure to elements, leading to potential leaks. You can typically resolve this issue easily with patches or by replacing the mortar.
Clogged Gutters
Every homeowner knows that you need to clean off your gutters regularly, but you may or may not realize that not doing so can cause a leak. If gutters are blocked, they cannot bring water off your roof and away from your foundation. Instead, the water will start to pool on the roof, weakening the structure and probably leaking through. Avoid this by regularly cleaning your gutters or having a professional do it for you.
Holes In The Roof
It should not come as a surprise that if you have a hole in your roof, you will have a leak. While this connection is obvious, the holes causing the leak are not always so obvious. In fact, you may not notice a small hole for years unless you have a detailed inspection done or it causes a leak. Holes are usually from storm damage or some sort of damage caused by a wild animal. You can typically fix these effectively with a little bit of flashing underneath the shingle.
Complex Architecture
While homes with complex roof architecture look gorgeous, they are a nightmare in terms of maintenance and potential leaks. If everything is done correctly and you take care of maintenance, even the most complex roof should be fine. If, however, a single portion does not have the proper seal or a leak barrier, you will find yourself with multiple potential spots for leaks to originate.
Source:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/ten-common-reasons-roof-leaks-84644.html
When it comes time to replace or repair your roof, you should start the process by getting at least one or two estimates from reputable roofing companies. For those unfamiliar with roofing terminology or who have never had to replace their roof in the past, you may find the estimate slightly confusing. Considering that roofs last at least several decades, it is very likely you have not had to deal with a roofing estimate in the past. No matter your situation, keep the following advice in mind and you should be on your way to understanding the estimate.
Feel Free To Ask Questions
You should certainly make an effort to understanding the roofing estimate yourself, but if anything on it confuses you, go ahead and ask. Good roofing companies will be willing to answer questions and explain various elements of the estimate to you in more detail. They see this as customer service that will improve your overall experience and their reviews and ratings.
Look For What Is Included
When examining your roofing estimate, be sure that you clearly understand what exactly is included in the figure. After all, if one company’s estimate just includes the roofing itself while another company also includes new gutters, their estimated costs may be dramatically different. If you aren’t sure what is included, you may end up accidentally paying more instead of saving money like you think. Pay attention to not only what services and materials are included but also the estimated time range for the project and terms of payment.
Pay Attention To Roof Materials
As part of the items included in the estimate, make sure you are clear about what materials each roofing company is using. The best estimates will specify the type of shingles, ventilation, underlayment, and flashing. Make sure that the estimate includes the materials you actually want to use and not a cheap alternative.
Confirm The Cost Breakdown
The best roofing companies will give you a detailed estimate that includes at least some breakdown of the cost. Instead of just telling you that the entire project will cost X dollars, they will say about how much the materials should cost, about what the labor should cost, and about what the cost is for permits and cleanup. This lets you make a more informed comparison between roofers so you can get a good deal on a quality, inclusive project.
Check For A Warranty
Most of the roofing estimates you come across will include mention of a warranty or guarantee for the project. If this is not included on the estimate, be sure to ask the roofing company whether they offer one, what is included, and how long it lasts. Remember that a typical manufacturer’s warranty only covers defects in the material itself and they may not cover labor. As such, some roofers offer additional guarantees.
Other Information To Know
In addition to fully understanding the estimate, be sure that you know a few other facts about the roofing company in Austin before you choose them. You should have seen proof of a contractor or roofing license, liability insurance, and workman’s compensation insurance.
Source:
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/what-information-should-be-roofing-estimate.htm
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