The Michigan roofing industry is a lot like Hollywood in one sense: It is constantly abuzz with myths and rumors. And it is not always easy to separate the myths from the facts – especially if you are contending with a damaged roof for the first time. By familiarizing yourself with some of the biggest myths about roof repair, you can help prevent more extensive damage from occurring. Below is a look at eight roof repair myths that can lead homeowners astray when pursuing roof repair in Ann Arbor, MI.
Holding off on your roof repairs may seem innocent enough. But procrastination is actually one of the worst mistakes you can make as a homeowner. As days turn into weeks and weeks evolve into months, you are planting the seeds for more extensive property damage and higher expenses. Here are some examples of the problems that can arise when you delay tending to minor roof repairs:
Leaders in Michigan’s roof repair industry believe that limited finances should never prevent you from ensuring that your roof is secure. They make it easy for customers to move forward with roof repairs by offering the best roofing financing in Ann Arbor. Homeowners can choose from a variety of financing plans such as $0 down payment plans, government grants, and manageable down payments. Some companies will even offer special options for customers in Ann Arbor with poor credit.
“…Falls account for 76 percent of fatalities in the roofing industry, and workers in the roofing industry are three times more likely to experience fatal work-related injuries than other construction workers.” – Laura Walter, EHS Today
Some Ann Arbor homeowners might be tempted to grab a ladder, some spare shingles, and a tarp and try to handle their roof repairs on their own. Unfortunately, many attempted DIY roof repair roof repair jobs end up causing more harm than good. Navigating a slippery, sloping roof without the proper tools or protective gear is a recipe for disaster, especially for untrained homeowners.
Many people are surprised to learn that the average roof repair job costs $650. In fact, some homeowners pay as little as $300 for minor roof repair jobs. While higher end repair jobs can exceed $1,000, they are the exception rather than the rule and are typically associated with extensive repair projects.
In the rare circumstances that a repair estimate adds up to several thousand dollars, an experienced roofing company will talk to you about the possibility of roof replacement as an alternative option to pursuing repairs. Replacing your roof might be the best option if your roof is several decades old or your damage is extensive.
The best roof repair in Ann Arbor is rarely the cheapest. While prices might be affordable, fly-by-night roofers may offer lower prices – some of which may seem too good to be true. While it can be tempting to choose the roofer with the cheaper price tag, it is important to recognize that a lower price often equates to lower quality. Here are some ways to ensure that you do not fall prey to a too-good-to-be-true roof repair scam:
Fly by night roofers will often struggle to answer these questions and may refuse to put any details of their offers in writing. Their knowledge of residential building codes and local regulations is often limited and they rarely use top roofing products such as GAF or Owens Corning.
Putting a patch or tarp over a roof leak may temporarily prevent water from entering your home. However, this is a temporary solution that is a poor match for the 43 inches of snow and 36 inches of rain that fall in Ann Arbor every year. Additionally, patches and tarps can look unsightly and can detract from the aesthetic appeal of your home and neighborhood.
The most effective course of action is a thorough inspection of your roof and repair of the damaged areas. A thorough evaluation and repair job offers homeowners a long-term solution that eliminates the need to purchase cumbersome tarps or patches. And a skilled roof repair specialist will work hard to ensure that replacement shingles are a good match for the color and texture of your existing roof materials.
If you think a small roof leak is not hazardous to your health, then think again. A small, slow roof leak that is not repaired can result in major property damage and can pose serious health risks. Here is a look at some of the serious problems that can arise when small roof repairs are ignored:
Repairing a small leak before it has a chance to worsen is the best way to safeguard against these problems and protect your well-being. And the good news is that small leaks can usually be repaired quickly by a trained roofing technician.
Roofers who do not invest in high quality roofing materials often tell customers that there is no difference between the elite shingle brands such as GAF, and lesser known basic brands. But the truth is that leading manufacturers such as CertainTeed and GAF stand behind their products by offering a lifetime warranty. Other manufacturers stop well short of this guarantee and homeowners often pay the price in the form of more frequent shingle replacement.
Understanding the myths and realities of roof repair is the first step on the path to a safer, more secure home. But the process does not stop there. If your roof is in need of repair, the best step you can take is to contact the roof repair professionals with A2 Roofing.
With over two decades of experience serving the Ann Arbor community, A2 Roofing has the tools and resources to make sure that your roof repairs are completed swiftly and professionally. Here are a few reasons why A2 Roofing is Ann Arbor’s most trusted choice for roof repairs:
To learn more about our commitment to providing the highest quality roof repairs, we invite you to contact us at A2 Roofing today. One of our skilled technicians will be happy to talk to you about your roof damage and outline the repair options we can offer. We look forward to helping to put a safer, more secure roof over your head!