ImproveIT! of Atlanta

Roof replacement is a big undertaking, and the project may feel particularly daunting if this is your first time going through it. You’ll want to have all your bases covered, which means making sure to avoid some of the biggest and most common mistakes that people make when tackling roof replacement. Today, trusted roof repair and replacement company ImproveIT! of Atlanta explains what you need to know.

Prioritizing Price Over Quality

Wanting to save money on your roof replacement is understandable, but you shouldn’t prioritize price over quality. Doing so usually results in subpar materials and workmanship, which will only lead to costly repairs and premature roof replacement down the line. Low-quality roofing materials simply don’t last as long as high-quality ones–you get what you pay for. The cost of ongoing repairs will stack up, and you’ll end up paying more to maintain your system than you would have paid for a better roofing system in the first place. Eventually, you’ll need another roof replacement. For this reason, be wary of contractors offering prices that seem too good to be true–they almost always are. 

Re-Roofing Instead of a Complete Tear-Off

When investing in a roof replacement, you’ll need to decide re-roofing or a complete tear-off. The former involves just installing a new roofing system over the old one, while the latter requires completely removing the old system before installing the new one. The choice is up to you–but the scales may tip in favor of a tear-off. 

While re-roofing costs less, it has several big downsides. For one, with re-roofing you can’t repair underlying damage to the roof, which can cause trouble later on. Secondly, the additional weight of the new layer of shingles can put strain on the roofing structure and can compromise the ventilation in your attic, leading to mold and mildew growth. In some cases, a poorly ventilated attic can void the warranty coverage of your new roofing system, as well. You won’t have to worry about these issues if you tear off your old roof.

Failing to Secure a Building Permit

Most large home improvement projects, such as roof replacement, will require a building permit to ensure the work is done safely and complies with local codes and regulations. Is the contractor adamant about not getting a building permit for your roof replacement? That’s a big red flag. 

Failing to secure the necessary permits can result in forced removal of your new roof, large fines, potential litigation and even your insurance provider refusing to cover your project. It’s always a good idea to turn to a trusted local company like ImproveIT! of Atlanta for your roof replacement. Before starting any project, we make sure to acquire the necessary permits to ensure your safety and to guarantee everything is being done by the book.

Forgetting to Set Aside a Contingency Fund

Unwelcome surprises are not uncommon in a roof replacement. Your roofing contractor will need to solve any existing roof problems before the new system can be installed. Perhaps the existing roof structure has weakened due to rot, or maybe the attic needs better ventilation. Whatever the issue, it’ll need to be dealt with so it doesn’t interfere with the performance of your new roof. This is where a contingency budget comes in. Setting aside some funds for unexpected roof repair will save you a lot of stress and ensure you don’t go over budget.

Not Taking Roofing Material into Account

How long your new roof lasts and how well it stands up to extreme weather will depend on your choice of material. There are many options available today, and deciding which to choose can feel overwhelming. Consider these factors as you narrow down your options:

1. Durability. You’ll want a roofing material that can offer superior resistance against high winds, heavy rainfall, blistering heat and hailstorms.
2. Longevity. Your choice of roofing material should be able to provide decades of long-lasting performance.
3. Aesthetics. The roofing material should be versatile, allowing it to complement your home’s style and color palette beautifully.
4. Energy Efficiency. Keep energy performance in mind when choosing a roof material. It should be eco-friendly, helping to keep your energy costs to a minimum.
5. Reasonable Price. There are cost-effective roofing materials that can rival more premium options when it comes to weather performance.

The Safe but Proven Choice. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing option available in today’s market, and their popularity is not unearned. Asphalt shingles are lightweight, which makes them easier and faster to install than most other materials. Unlike heavier materials like tile and slate, asphalt shingles don’t require an additional support structure to hold them up, further reducing the labor costs. 

Aside from roofing insurance claims assistance, ImproveIT! of Atlanta can also handle your roof replacement needs. We carry top-tier asphalt shingle roofing systems from the leading brand, CertainTeed®. These shingles are engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions, ensuring your home remains safe and damage-free for many years. Our CertainTeed shingles come in a variety of colors, textures and thicknesses. With so many customization choices, it’s easy to find a solution that fits with any home style or color palette.

As a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster® company, ImproveIT! of Atlanta can offer you industry-leading roof warranties. These include the SureStart PLUS™ extended warranty when you install a CertainTeed Integrity Roof System™, adding an extra layer of protection to your investment. 

Not Getting a Written Estimate

We’ve mentioned that a new roof will take a significant amount of your time and money. That’s why you’ll want to get a written estimate from your contractor. This should include an itemized list that allows you to see every detail that affects the total cost of your new roof. 

Not Getting a Signed Contract

A verbal agreement and a firm handshake between you and your contractor is not going to fly–make sure you obtain a written, signed contract. This will be especially important if something goes awry during your roof replacement, whether property damage or improper workmanship. A written, signed contract will determine who should be held accountable.

Not Vetting Your Roofer

Roof replacement requires experience and precise workmanship. Otherwise, it’s a waste of your time and money. For a project this complex, you need a trustworthy, experienced, local roofing professional. At ImproveIT! of Atlanta, who can deliver exceptional results. We’re not just your go-to company for roofing insurance claims assistance–we can also deliver excellent results on roof replacement and repair projects. Here are some of the reasons to work with a pro like us:

1. Licensed and Insured. We have the necessary business licenses that make us eligible to perform this kind of work in your area. ImproveIT! of Atlanta also has proof of insurance, including workers’ compensation and liability coverage, to better protect you in case something goes wrong during the project.
2. Experienced. We have more than 40 years of combined experience, allowing us to effectively meet the roofing needs of Metro Atlanta homeowners. When you work with us for your roof replacement, expect nothing but excellent workmanship and superior customer service throughout the project.
3. Certified. ImproveIT! of Atlanta is certified by leading roofing manufacturers, including GAF and CertainTeed.
4. Customer-Centric. We have always aimed for complete client satisfaction through high-quality products and workmanship. We will be happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you might have to ensure your project goes on smoothly. Our commitment to customer excellence is one of the reasons we’ve earned an A-plus Rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Look no further than ImproveIT! of Atlanta for your roof replacement needs. We proudly serve the areas in and around Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur and Riverdale, GA. Call us today at (770) 612-5635 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.