10 Risks When Hiring a Cheap Roofing Company

The roof is one of the most important components of a home, protecting us from the elements and extremes of temperatures. But it is often out of sight and out of mind, making it easy to overlook. Then, the time to repair or replace a roof comes with unique challenges. Investing in a new roof is a significant decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, the cost of a quality roof can often cause sticker shock.

Opting for a budget-friendly roofing contractor might seem like a good way to save money, but it can lead to unexpected expenses that far exceed the initial savings. Cheap roofing contractors might cut corners to offer lower prices, using subpar materials or employing improper installation practices. When it comes to probably the most important component of your home, choose only a certified roofing professional that has a history of delivering quality and satisfaction. Here are some common tactics they might use to minimize costs, so you can be aware of potential pitfalls:

• Using Cheap Materials: Some contractors may swap out high-quality materials for cheaper, visually similar alternatives to increase their profit margins. Obviously, this is a risky practice as the roof will need maintenance and repair more often, resulting in a way more costly investment in the long run.
• Insufficient Nailing: We all want our roofing project to finish as soon as possible, but a faster job does not equal the same quality. Proper shingle installation requires a minimum of six nails per shingle, but some contractors might use fewer to save time and money, compromising your roof’s integrity.
• Inexperienced Labor: Budget contractors might hire less experienced workers who charge lower rates, leading to poor workmanship and potential issues down the line. This might lead to inappropriate installment and future issues.

Here are the seven risks you take when hiring a cheap roofing company:

Risk of Being Exploited by a Bad Roofer

Hiring a cheap roofing company increases your risk of being taken advantage of by unethical contractors. These roofers might offer low prices by cutting necessary corners, using low-quality materials, and employing cheap labor. While different roofing companies have varying overhead costs and preferences, an estimate that seems too good to be true often is.

Lack of Long-Term Protection

Significant roof issues may be visible only after the first storm of heavy rain. Cheap roofing companies typically offer shorter workmanship warranties, which means you won’t be covered for long if an installation mistake leads to a problem. A reputable roofing company should provide a warranty of at least ten years to ensure long-term protection. This guarantees that they will be there whenever there’s a problem with your roof.

Potential Company Closure

Selling cheap roofs isn’t sustainable in the long run, often leading to the company shutting down. If this happens, any warranties they offer become void, leaving you with no recourse if problems arise. Ensure you hire a local, well-established roofing contractor with a strong history in your area. For those in NJ, Boundless Roofing & Chimney is a certified roofing contractor in New Jersey, delivering quality and satisfaction for over 12 years. Make sure to always choose a reliable company that delivers expert roofing services that last.

Subpar Quality

A cheap roofing job usually means using the cheapest materials and labor available, resulting in poor quality. This might be good for your budget in the short-term, but it will result in a more costly decision in the long run. This can lead to roof leaks and premature roof failure. While budget constraints are understandable, it’s crucial to invest in quality to avoid these issues.

Higher Long-Term Costs

Hiring a cheap roofing company is like taking a high-interest loan. Poor-quality materials and labor can lead to frequent repairs, negating any initial savings. If your cheap roofing contractor doesn’t honor warranties or fails to address issues, you’ll end up paying another company to fix the problems, leading to higher overall costs. Low initial quotes can be misleading, with additional charges added later. This is why it’s wise to request detailed quotes to avoid unexpected costs.

Shortened Roof Lifespan

The longevity of your roof is significantly impacted by the quality of materials and workmanship. A cheap roofing job means your roof won’t last as long as it should. This is true even for high-quality materials that will fail prematurely if not installed correctly.

Ineligibility for Enhanced Warranties

High-quality roofing materials often come with enhanced warranties that require certified installation. Cheap roofing companies usually lack the certifications to offer these warranties, meaning you miss out on valuable protection. Avoid potential headaches by only hiring roofing contractors that are reliable, certified and have a positive history of track record.

Property Damage

Due to the low pricing, cheap contractors tend to employ inexperienced labor and intend to finish the project as soon as possible by cutting necessary corners. These inexperienced or rushed workers might cause property damage during the roofing process. A reputable contractor will take precautions to protect your home and belongings.

Licensing and Insurance Issues

Cheap contractors might not have the proper licensing and insurance, putting you at risk. To avoid potential headaches, check shingle manufacturers’ websites as they list all their accredited roofing contractors. Always verify these credentials before hiring.

Poor Customer Service

Customer service is a very important part of every business. However, budget contractors often skimp on customer service, making it difficult to resolve post-installation issues.

Finding a Great Roofing Company

After understanding the risks of hiring a cheap roofing company, it’s crucial to know how to find a reputable one. A good roofing company will provide high-quality materials, skilled labor, and excellent customer service. They will also offer fair warranties and be transparent about costs.

To help you find the right roofing contractor, consider reading articles and guides that offer tips and insights on what to look for in a roofer. Doing your research and investing in a quality roofing company will ensure your roof is durable, reliable, and worth every penny.