The average lifespan of a roof is 30 years – provided it was well-constructed with quality material. Roofs are, however, prone to weather damages because they are the most exposed part of a house so more often than not, roofs require repairs in some parts.
Caring for your roof is essential. Doing repairs when necessary prevents leaks in rainy weather. Leaks lead to the development of moisture that can damage the wooden structure of the house. Not waiting until it is too late to have repairs done will also save you lots of money.
For many DIY people, the most obvious thing to do is to repair the roof themselves. But roofing repairs, it must be noted, can be quite tricky and unless you are a roofing contractor yourself, you must come to terms with the fact that you might need to hire a professional roofer.
In the following short report, you will find out practical reasons why roofing repairs must be left to the professionals only, the benefits of hiring a roofer, and the 5 essential things you must know before calling the local roofing company.
Should You Do It Yourself?
Many people opt for DIY repairs because it saves a lot of money, and it can be fun sometimes. However, there are simply some projects that must be handled only by professional contractors and roofing repair is one of these.
There are lots of mistakes that one who is not well versed in doing roof repairs can commit… And these mistakes can be really costly and even life-threatening!
The following are the most common mistakes DIY people commit when it comes to roof repairs:
They ignore safety precautions
Roofing repairs and installations are one of the most dangerous occupations of all time. There are a lot of hazards involved in it such as falls, tool hazards, injuries like puncture wounds and cuts, electrical and fire hazards, and natural dangers like strong winds, ice, and lightning. Is it worth it to lose a limb or life just to save a small amount of money?
- Fasteners end up in the wrong place
Just one fastener out of place can cost you hundreds of dollars plus more repairs. This mistake is easily avoided if you know what you’re doing or if you hired someone who does.
- They buy the wrong roofing systems
A poor choice in roofing systems increases the risks already associated with roof repairs. Metal roofs become slippery with the slightest amount of moisture and asphalt roofs require a certain slope to prevent leaks. Speaking of slopes, there are requirements that must be considered and only a roofer understands these.
Mistakes in roof repairs or installations will lead to the necessity of replacing the system again, thus the need to spend more cash. Additional expenses can be avoided by hiring a reliable roofing company.
With so many Toronto roofing companies advertising their services, how do you choose the one that is best for you and your roofing job?
It is always best to find a Toronto company that has a history of roofing excellence, and below are some of the best things to do and say to recognize a professional Toronto roofing company:
1. Request for services: as Toronto residents, we know that there are many companies around offering the same services, so it is important to let the company know that you know about it. When dealing with a roofing company, make sure that you get the level of service that you think you deserve. If you don’t get that, move on to the next roofing company.
2. Appearance: when you are interviewing Toronto roofing companies, pay attention to the way they present themselves to their future customers – you. Are they elegantly dressed? Neat and tidy? Even though they are in the roofing business, it doesn’t mean they can’t do their best when trying to get your business.
3 Quotes: When searching for a roofing company in Toronto, make sure you get quotes from each company. Quotes should be free and no obligation and a good source to compare companies. Remember that the cheapest quote may not mean that it is the best roofing company for the job.
4 License and Insurance: All roofing companies in Toronto should be fully licensed and insured to protect themselves and their clientele. Ask to see the roofing company’s license and insurance documents so you know it is a legitimate and professional roofing company.
5 Company Values: What kind of values do you expect from your roofing company? Do you want it to be family owned and operated so that you receive family-oriented services? Do you want your Toronto roofing company to use Australian-made materials? Think about these questions when talking to your Toronto roofing company.
6. Variety of services: Often roofing companies have very few services for customers, so it’s important to know all the services a roofing company offers, even if you don’t need them. This can tell you a lot about the company, for example, they value diversity in their business; they have a wide range of skills, which is beneficial to you; and they can offer you alternative solutions to your roofing problem.
7 References and Recommendations: The best companies come to you through word of mouth, so if you know someone who has used roofing companies in the past, talk to them and check their reviews. When looking at different roofing companies in Toronto, ask them for a list of recommendations and check their website for references so you can see the feedback they have received.
8 – Work Guarantees: Always ask roofing companies what kind of warranties they offer on their work? Would you trust a company that doesn’t guarantee its work? If the roofing company doesn’t trust their work enough to guarantee it, why would you?
9- Follow the Plan: Following a plan in business is crucial to a company’s reputation. It is also important that the roofing company does what they say they will do because you rely on them to do it. Tracking is also important when it comes to the roofing quote – are the final costs the same as the original quote?
10 – Quality of workmanship: When choosing a roofing company in Toronto, their workmanship is one of the most important aspects because you want to know that they will do a good job. Ask about current or previous projects that you can see to get a sense of the quality of workmanship of the roofing company.
You will never be able to get a true sense of a Toronto roofing company until you have worked with them, but by considering the top ten things to think about, you will be better informed.
