What Can Cause Delays During a Roof Replacement?

You probably already know just how big an investment roof replacement can be. And while your roofing contractor will do their best to keep your project on track, there are some things that can cause unavoidable delays, which will set you back considerably in turn. If you want your roof replacement to go on swimmingly, you’ll have to do some careful planning beforehand. One of the trusted roofing companies in the area, ImproveIT! of Atlanta, discusses some of the common causes of delays in this project, plus ways to avoid them.

Adverse Weather

Bad weather is the most typical reason for delays in a roof replacement. The last thing you want is a downpour when the project is already in progress. Here’s why–the roof deck will need to completely dry before other components, such as the underlayment and roofing shingles, can be installed. A wet roof deck will only encourage moisture damage and rot, which can only compromise the roof’s structure and performance. What’s more, the adhesives used in start strips will take a longer time to dry, further slowing down the work.

What You Should Do: One of the main reasons summer is considered the best time for a roofing installation is because of the weather. The season allows for a string of hot, sunny days that makes the project easier and safer to do. But summer is the busiest time for roofers, as well. That’s why you should try to finalize your plans as early as spring. And what should you do when your roof replacement is urgent but summer is still half a year away? Then you’ll want to tune in to a reliable weather forecast and schedule your project on a week of possibly good weather. 

Not Getting the Necessary Permits

Because a roof replacement involves making large alterations to your home structure, it usually requires permits before any actual work can begin. But what happens when you don’t comply and just proceed with the work anyway? The answer is many things–all of them bad. Non-compliance can lead to forced removal of your new roofing system, hefty fines, potential litigation, and even your insurance provider refusing to cover your project. All of these not only delay the work, but add further to your project’s overall costs, as well.

What You Should Do: Once you’ve decided to get a roof replacement, you should promptly apply for the necessary building permits with your local licensing office. It pays to do this way beforehand because it will take some time before you get the go-signal to start the work. These days, most roofing contractors also handle the application for the permit, which makes it easier. In the event your choice of contractor actively refuses to get a permit for your project, drop them immediately.

Long Shipping Times

The materials take up a significant part of your new roofing system. In fact, they are its most visible components, contributing greatly to the overall look of your home. Roofing materials will need to be ordered from the manufacturer, and the speed of their arrival will depend on how common the products are. Those that are readily available are usually delivered faster, while specialty items may take longer. 

What You Should Do: The roofing material should be one of the first things you should decide on. This way, you can have it ordered promptly and it will arrive on time for your project. Hiring a certified roofer will also help. ImproveIT! of Atlanta, for example, is a CertainTeed® SELECT ShingleMaster™ roofing company. We can source your choice of CertainTeed shingles faster than non-certified contractors. Because we can tell just how long the shipping time takes, we can help you plan your roof replacement better.

Change Orders

They are one of the top reasons many home improvement projects–not only roof replacement–take longer than they should. Change orders refer to any alterations done to a project while it’s already underway. Perhaps the homeowner has changed their mind about their new roof color, or maybe they want to work with another contractor instead. Regardless of the actual reason, change orders interrupt the roof replacement process and rack up expenses.

What You Should Do: It pays to cover all the bases in a roof replacement. This means making careful decisions about every aspect of the project. Do you like a particular roofing material, for instance? Read up on its pros and cons to determine if it’s the right option for you. And once you’ve decided, be absolutely sure that it’s actually what you want. By making a firmer decision, you can prevent change orders and ensure your project remains within your budget and schedule. 

Undetected Problems

In a roof replacement, unwelcome surprises are not exactly uncommon. The tear-off, for example, may uncover damage to the roof structure that will need to be repaired or replaced before the work can proceed. Such unexpected occurrences set project completion a bit farther into the timeline. It’s a delay you’ll need to be patient with if you want your new roof to provide the superior, long-lasting performance you expect.

What You Should Do: This type of delay is unavoidable, but you can make it easier by setting aside a contingency fund. This allows you to deal with any unwelcome surprises in your roof replacement without having to overspend.

To ensure your project runs safely and smoothly, make sure to work only with a trusted roofing company like ImproveIT! of Atlanta. We are experienced, fully licensed, insured, and factory certified by one of North America’s largest roofing manufacturers, CertainTeed. This allows access to some of the highest quality shingle roofing systems available today. They can effectively withstand extreme weather conditions, while helping increase your home’s curb appeal with their wide selection of colors, textures, and designs. Not only that, our roofing options come with extensive warranty coverage that adds an extra layer of protection to your investment.

When you work with ImproveIT! of Atlanta, you can expect your roof replacement to be done perfectly right the first time. We’ll also help you deal with any issue that can delay the work process. We proudly serve the areas in and around Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Alpharetta, GA. Call us today at (770) 612-5635 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.

Rodney Finglass

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