We all want to save money where we can, but when it comes to roofing, sometimes cheap isn’t the best option. It’s tempting to go the cheap route for roofing repairs, but in some cases, it’s not the smartest decision.
Contractors have several ways to help you save money, but some of those aren’t always such a good idea. The roof is the first barrier between the construction and weather elements. It’s meant to protect you from the weather, so it has to withstand a lot. For this reason, it’s important that it’s quality-made or it may not live up to your expectations.
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Here are the five most common reasons why cheap roofing is a bad idea:
More Frequent Repairs
If you choose a cheap roof, you should be prepared that it may require more frequent repairs after several years or a harsh weather season. This can cost you not only time and money but also inconvenience. For example, constant leaks can lead to mold growth, requiring you to replace all your drywall. The water and mold can cause severe health problems.
Cheap Materials May Be Worse
As we mentioned before, protecting your home from the elements and all the dangers is crucial. For this reason, roofing materials have to be of good quality. When you go with a cheap option, it could actually put your house at risk because the material won’t be as strong as what’s considered top-of-the-line.
This will leave your house vulnerable to leaks and damage, leading to big problems like those mentioned above. Your home is your biggest investment, so it’s important that you protect that investment by using quality materials.
It’s okay to go cheap where you can, but be careful when buying materials for your roofing. Things can turn ugly very quickly, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather. Strong winds and heavy rains can break cheap materials easily.
Short Life Span
The life of your roof is determined by the materials used as well as its installation. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for some homeowners who originally had a cheap option to end up having to replace their roof within a decade after installation. The average lifespan of most roofs is about 20-25 years, but we definitely recommend that you invest in one that may cost a bit more initially but will last you at least twice as long.
More Expensive in the Long Run
Cheap roofing may seem to be the best solution in the short term, but it can end up costing you not only more time and money but also lots of stress. It’s almost inevitable that you’ll have to replace your roof at some point or make other repairs because cheap materials will deteriorate over time, leaving holes where water can come through.
This means that you’ll have to pay another installation fee for your new roof, which can be extremely pricey depending on the size of your home and the number of repairs needed. You will also have to invest more in materials, as it’s likely that those from a cheap option won’t hold up.
Reputable roof installation professionals will be able to provide you with an estimate of what your roof may cost you in repairs and replacement, so make sure to ask about this when they assess the damage.
A cheaper option might seem like a good deal initially, but if it’s not of top quality or doesn’t properly protect in the long term, it’s probably not the best option.
Inadequate Protection from the Elements
Finally, a cheap roof will not properly protect your home from the elements for several reasons. First, the materials won’t be as durable and will deteriorate over time, leaving your house vulnerable to anything Mother Nature decides to throw at it. This is serious because the damage may end up requiring even more expensive repairs or replacements down the road.
The same thing may happen if you choose to cut corners hiring a cheap contractor. Many homeowners are tempted to go with the cheapest option they can find, but this can be a big mistake because these contractors may either cut corners or provide poor service.
If you want to make sure that your roof is properly installed, ask for referrals from friends and family members who have recently replaced their roofs, or call some of the contractors in your area and ask for their references. You should also see if you can find any complaints against each roofing company before choosing one to work on your home.
What to do Instead?
So if cheap roofing sounds like a bad idea, what should you do instead? Make sure to invest in a quality roof from a reputable contractor. It’ll protect your home from the elements and provide you with an adequate warranty. It should be installed correctly, so make sure to hire a professional who has plenty of experience working on roofs.
Don’t Install New Over Old
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you shouldn’t ever install a new roof over the old one. Unfortunately, it’s a common practice people use to save money. Although it makes sense as an idea, it didn’t prove effective in practice.
There are some cases where this may not be practical, so it’s important to ask your contractor about their experience in this area.
Hire a Professional
If you want to make sure that your roof is installed correctly, hire a professional to recommend quality materials. The contractor should also provide a fair estimate of the cost.
Serious professionals won’t try to cut corners where that’s a bad idea. Instead, they’ll help you understand why investing in a quality roof is more beneficial in the long run.
Have a Budget
Roofs aren’t cheap, so it’s best to start the project only once you have enough money for it. Trying to build one with less money than required may end up in making decisions that will come back to haunt you.
For this reason, it’s best to postpone the project until you have enough money. You can always have a contractor give you an estimated price to know what you’re working with.