Choosing to put a new asphalt shingle roof on your house is a large investment. Here in Derby, Kansas, our weather puts roofs through heavy strain. Between high spring winds and sudden summer hail storms, your roof takes a beating. Over the years running Derby Roofing Company, I have seen plenty of homeowners rush into a project and make completely avoidable mistakes.
We will look at what goes wrong so you can skip the problems and protect your wallet.
Chasing the Lowest Bid Without Checking the Details
Everyone likes saving money, but a bargain-basement quote usually means someone is cutting corners. When a contractor comes in thousands of dollars below everyone else, ask yourself where they are saving that cash. Are they skipping the synthetic underlayment? Are they reusing old flashing? Are they hiring uninsured labor?
Down here in Sedgwick County, cheap materials and rushed installation will not survive our wind gusts. Shingles need proper nailing patterns to hold tight during severe weather. If a crew rushes through the job just to get to the next one, you will be dealing with blown-off shingles before the year is out.
Failing to Verify Local Licensing and Insurance
It shocks me how many people hand over a check to a guy with a magnetic truck sign without checking his credentials first. Storm chasers love rolling into town after a heavy hail event, knocking on doors, and offering quick deals. If they do not have a local physical address or proper Kansas licensing, close the door.
You need to verify that your contractor carries both general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If a worker gets hurt on your property and the company is not insured, guess who can be held liable? Your homeowner's insurance policy. Always ask for certificates of insurance sent directly from their carrier.
Ignoring the Details of the Manufacturer Warranty
Most homeowners think a shingle warranty covers everything automatically. That is not how it works. Manufacturers like Owens Corning or GAF require specific installation methods for their enhanced warranties to apply. If a contractor is not certified by the manufacturer, you might only get a basic warranty that leaves you high and dry if a material defect shows up five years down the road.
Make sure your contractor is certified to offer extended warranties and get the paperwork in writing. Read the fine print about ventilation requirements, too. Poor attic airflow can actually void your shingle warranty because trapped heat bakes the materials from underneath during those scorching Derby afternoons.
Skipping the Complete Tear-Off
Some companies will offer to lay new asphalt shingles right over your old asphalt shingle roof to save time and labor costs. Do not let them do it. Putting a second layer on adds heavy weight to your roof decking, hides existing rot or soft spots, and shortens the lifespan of the new asphalt shingle roof.
A proper asphalt shingle project means stripping everything down to the bare wood deck. That way, Derby Roofing Company can inspect the plywood, replace any damaged boards, and install a clean, flat waterproof barrier from scratch.
Taking your time upfront to hire the right crew makes all the difference. Do your homework, get multiple estimates, and make sure you partner with Derby Roofing Company for your roof work in Derby, Kansas.