Dealing with a damaged roof is expensive. The average cost of a roof repair is around $700 – and if you need to completely replace a roof due to storm damage or aging shingles, you’re going to be looking at an average investment of $7000.

Given the steep costs of repairing your roof (just one of the many joys of home ownership!), it’s crucial that you get your roofing job done right – whether you’re doing it yourself, or hiring contractors. 

So in this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common roof repair mistakes that can cost you big money if they go unnoticed – and show you how to recognize and avoid them. By doing so, you can make sure your project goes off without a hitch, and that your beautiful new roof has a long life ahead of it.

Mismatched shingles may not present a structural problem for your home, but they can be quite unsightly. Asphalt shingles are typically manufactured in large batches, and if you or your roofing contractor purchase batches of shingles from different suppliers, they’re not going to be identical.

To avoid this, you should choose to partner with only one roofing supply dealer – even if it’s a little more expensive to do so. This will ensure consistent quality and coloration of your new shingles.

If you’re looking to save some money on a new roof, your contractor may suggest layering your shingles – simply installing new shingles on top of your roof without tearing out the old shingles. While this can be a legitimate method of roof installation, many municipalities don’t allow it – you could be violating building codes and regulations.

Layering your shingles can actually end up costing you in the long run, too – tearing your shingles off allows your roofing contractor to conduct a thorough inspection of your roof, locate areas that may be fragile or damaged, and recommend an appropriate course of action.

Finally, layering shingles can compromise the structural integrity of your roof – the cumulative weight of both layers of shingles can harm the roof structure and the walls of your home. Even if you save a couple bucks by layering, it’s never worth the risk of long-term damage to your house.

If you’ve invested in a new roof, you’re going to want it to be as protected as possible – both by your roofing contractor, and the manufacturers of your roofing materials. 

However, each individual roofing product manufacturer has different warranty policies regarding installation techniques, required nails in each shingle, placement of shingles, and other issues. 

If you or your roofing contractor fails to conform to these recommendations, you may be out of luck when it comes to warranty coverage – even if your roof fails prematurely due to poor quality building materials.

So ensure that you have a full knowledge of each product you’re using and its warranty provisions, and that your roofing and exterior staining contractors are abiding by these guidelines during your project. By doing so, you can maximize the protections you have on your new roof – and rest easy, knowing you’re covered in case of premature roof failure.

Attic ventilation is absolutely crucial to the overall health and integrity of your new roof. In the winter, the warm air vented by the attic prevents ice dams from forming, and in hot summer months, attic vents release hot, humid air that can otherwise cause excessive shingle heat, and encourage mold growth, decreasing the lifespan of your roof.

When installing a new roof, make sure that your attic ventilation isn’t compromised, and have your contractors check your turbine vents or ridge vents to make sure that they’re in good condition. 

If your attic isn’t venting correctly, your expensive new roof will have a shortened lifespan, and the structural integrity of your home could be put at risk.

We get it – roof repair is expensive, and finding a low-cost roofer can seem like a real blessing that helps you cut down on costs. 

But if you get an offer that’s too good to be true, there may be a reason – cut-rate roofers sometimes aren’t insured properly, and while that means they can offer lower rates, they’re never worth the risk. If your property is damaged by your roofers or a worker is injured during your project, you could be held liable for damages if they aren’t properly insured.

When working with a roofing company, ask first for documented proof of an insurance policy – any above-board roofer will be more than happy to furnished the required documentation, and prove that they’re insured for the amount that they claim to be. If your prospective roofer seems reluctant, just walk away – saving a few bucks isn’t worth the massive legal risk of working with uninsured companies.

Getting a roof replacement or undertaking serious roof repairs costs a lot of time and money – but by avoiding these common roof repair mistakes, you can maximize your return on investment and minimize your risk during your next roofing project.

So get out there, get your roof repaired, and do it with confidence – if you follow this simple guide, your roofing is sure to be a success, and will keep you dry, safe, and happy for years to come.