Few things can cause anxiety to mount like a leaking roof. Whether you recently noticed a small leak or are suddenly contending with a large hole in your roof, it is up to you to act quickly when your roof is damaged. Below is a look at the key reasons why roof repairs are so important and your six-step guide to seeking roof repair in Northville, Michigan.
Why are roof repairs so important?
Roofing maintenance and repairs play a vital role in your roof’s performance and sustainability. Roof repairs can also help protect the health and well being of you and your family. Essentially, there are three key reasons why you should take the roofing repair process seriously:
1) Repairs can help extend the life of your roof
Your roof’s lifespan will depend on many factors, including climate, prolonged exposure to the elements, and the roofing materials you choose. However, the single best way to avoid premature replacement of your roof is to monitor its condition and handle repairs right away. Through regular maintenance and prompt repair work, you can help your roof last for decades.
2) Repair work can help prevent damage to other parts of your home
Failure to tend to roof repairs can cause them to spiral out of control, potentially leading to water damage and costly structural damage to your home’s interior. Your furnishings and belongings will also be at risk for water damage.
3) Repairs can help prevent mold and fungi from developing
A leaking roof can pave the way for mold, mildew, and harmful bacteria to emerge. According to the CDC, exposure to mold can cause a variety of health problems such as wheezing, eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, and coughing. These problems can be especially dangerous to people with compromised immune systems. By tending to roof repairs quickly, you can help prevent this pitfall.
What are some steps you can take as a homeowner to facilitate your roof repairs?
Clearly, roof repairs are essential to creating a safe, secure life in your home. Now that you recognize the importance of repairing your roof, it is time to swing into action and get the repair process started. Here are six simple steps you can take to promote a smooth roof repair process and six things you should avoid doing at all costs.
Step One: Take action today. Never delay your roof repairs
When you are facing the prospect of paying for roof repairs, it can be tempting to stick your head in the sand and hope for clear weather. But with Northville averaging 137 days of precipitation per year, this is simply not an effective strategy. Here are some of the most common excuses that can cause a small leak to morph into a big problem:
- Money-related excuses: “I am a little short of cash right now, so really can’t afford to repair my roof.”
- Time-related excuses: “I have too much going on right now to contend with roofers and repairs.”
- Minimizing excuses: “I think we should be okay for awhile because the leak is small.”
Before you use money or time as an excuse, remember that the top roof repair providers in Northville will do their best to accommodate your schedule and budget. Some even offer multiple modes of payment, attractive payment plans, or special promotions to help cover the cost of roof repairs.
And if you are still tempted to put off your roof repairs, remember that the longer you delay your roofing repairs, the greater the chances that small problems can evolve into costly ones. You can minimize damage and costs by contacting an experienced roof repair provider as soon as you notice a leak or missing shingles.
Step Two: Choose your roof repair provider with care. Never let yourself get scammed.
“According to the Better Business Bureau, it is common for scammers to follow storms and try to solicit work from homeowners with damaged property. They recommend doing three interviews, not paying in advance and doing research on the company.” – Phil Bergman, KMTV
Roofing scams are on the rise across the United States. From storm-chasing scammers to sweet-talking overpromisers, it seems that the nation’s fraudsters have zeroed in on the roofing industry. When combined with the growing number of uninsured, inexperienced fly-by-night roofers, the prospect of finding a trusted roof repair company in Northville can seem like an impossible task.
The best way to protect yourself from fraud, scams, and overpriced services is to choose your roof repair provider with care. Take time to do your homework and look into a company before contacting them to request an estimate. Here are the top five things to look for as you compare roof repair companies:
- Industry Experience: Companies with at least 10-15 years of successful roofing experience are typically the safest options.
- Certifications and Memberships: Look for roofers who are preferred contractors, Owens Corning certified, and BBB accredited.
- Five-star Reviews: Positive customer reviews and testimonials speak volumes about a roofing company’s industry reputation.
- Before and After Photos: Sometimes a photo is worth a thousand words. Ask to see before and after photos of jobs before you commit.
- License and Insurance: Failure to choose a licensed and insured company could leave you without recourse if your property is damaged.
Step Three: Secure a written quote. Never pay based on a verbal estimate.
A written quote might be your only line of defense if a roofing company tries to take advantage of you. But that is not the only reason why you should request a quote in writing. A written estimate contains key pieces of information that you should consider before you decide to move forward with your roof repairs. In addition to a description of suggested repairs, your written quote should contain the following:
- Suggested repairs: A brief summary of recommended repairs, including removal and replacement of defective roofing materials.
- Warranty information: Top roofing companies typically offer GAF and Owens Corning warranties with repairwork.
- Date and signature: Your quote should contain a date along with the signature and title of the individual who gave you the estimate.
- Expiration date: Estimates can vary with factors such as timing, temperature, and cost of materials. Make sure an expiration date is noted.
- Special discounts: If you reached out to a company because of a discount or promotion, the discount should be reflected on your quote.
- Contact information: Your quote should always contain the name, address, and contact telephone number of the roofing company.
Generally speaking, a more detailed quote is a safer bet than a quote that only lists a total estimate and a generic summary. For instance, a quote that contains one line item that reads, “Cost to repair hole in roof” provides little information. A more useful description might read, “Patch approximately four (3) square feet of roof shingles, matching shingles as much as possible. Notified customer that new shingles might be slightly darker than existing shingles.”
Step Four: Review your options. Never pay for repairs if costs are too high.
“Most home owners spend between $300 and $1,100 for a roof repair, or an average of $650 to fix a roof related issue. Going beyond $3,000 is possible, but at that point a replacement roof could be your best bet. The average cost to install a new roof in 2019 for a moderate sized home is $7,500+.” – Roofing Calculator
If you are not accustomed to paying for roofing repairs, you might not know what to expect when you request an estimate. As you review your quote, remember that roofing repair might not be the best option for you in the long run. If you have a shingled roof that is already three decades old and you are facing a $4,000 repair bill, you might be better off replacing your roof.
A trusted roofing company in Southeastern Michigan will proactively help you decide whether it is best to repair or replace your roof in Northville. They will evaluate your existing roof’s condition and estimated repair costs to determine whether you may save money in the long run by investing in a new roof. They will also provide you with as many feasible choices as possible to ensure that you are aware of the latest cost-saving repair options.
Step Five: Prepare for your roofing repairs. Never leave children or pets unattended.
Now that you have selected your roof repair company, it is time to prepare for your roof repairs. The most important thing to do is to secure arrangements for small children and pets. While professional roofers should take precautions to avoid putting you and your family at risk for harm, it is best to secure offsite care for toddlers and animals who could inadvertently come into contact with nails or roof debris. Here are some other tips to help you prepare for your roof repairs:
- Prepare for the noise that will likely accompany the roofing repair process. Hammering loud bumping, and thumping noises are all common.
- Remove delicate frames from your walls, as they could shatter or crack if your walls vibrate due to the commotion on your roof.
- Move your cars and bikes away from your house, as they could sustain damage if hit by flying nails or debris.
- Do not use your sprinklers before or during your roof repairs, as repair work will flow more smoothly when your roof and tools are dry.
- Cover up valuables in your attic to protect them from dust and debris that may fall through open holes in your roof.
- Secure accommodations for your whole family if your roof damage is extensive, as your home might be temporarily uninhabitable.
While your roofing repair team should arrive prepared with tarps and other protective materials, it is wise to follow the tips above to safeguard against injury or damage to your property. You can also ask for specific suggestions on how to prepare for the repair work that will be done at your home, as every project is different.
Step Six: Get the name of your roof repair supervisor. Never lose it!
Before the repair work on your roof kicks off, make sure to get the full name and contact details of the person who will be supervising the technicians performing your repairs. If possible, speak to the project supervisor before your project begins to discuss any questions and receive any special instructions. This is also a good time to ask about the project’s estimated start time and completion time.
If you notice any unsafe or unprofessional behavior during the repair process, notify the project supervisor. The repair team should also make sure that they leave your surrounding property in the same condition it was in before the roof repair process began. If this is not the case, take photos of your property and send them to the supervisor or the manager of your roofing repair company.
It is highly unlikely that you will encounter any problems while your roof is being repaired. On the contrary, you will likely be highly satisfied with the results of the work and may wish to post a positive review online. You may even wish to commend your supervisor by name for overseeing a productive team and a successful repair project.
What is the single best way to guarantee professional roof repair in Northville, MI?
As outlined above, there are many steps you can take as a homeowner to make sure that your roof repairs go smoothly. However, the single best way to guarantee that you are satisfied with your roof repairs is to contact the roofing repair specialists at Twelve Oaks Roofing. Since 2005, our team of roofing technicians has served the roofing needs of homeowners in Oakland and Wayne counties. Here are just a few reasons why we are Northville’s most trusted roof repair company:
- Experience: With nearly 15 years serving the Northville community, our technicians are among the most skilled in Southeastern Michigan.
- Award-Winning Service: We are an Owens Corning Platinum award winner and have an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Full-Service Capabilities: In addition to roof repairs and roof installation, we install and repair siding, windows, sun rooms, and masonry.
- A Convenient Location: We encourage you to visit our showroom and offices on Fort Street in Southgate. Or, we will come to you!
- Complimentary Estimates: We are happy to meet at your home to evaluate your roof’s condition and provide a written quotation.
To discover for yourself why we are Northville’s top choice for roofing repairs, we invite you to reach out to us at Twelve Oaks Roofing today. We look forward to providing you with the high quality roof repair service that you deserve!
