In an ideal world, home improvement projects are completed on time, with the entire process running smoothly every time. In reality, that’s a rare occurrence, especially with a project as complicated as a roof replacement. A variety of factors can lead to delays, and in such instances, the best thing you can do is to anticipate them. Taking the necessary steps should help you avoid them beforehand or at least soften the blow if they ever happen.
As a homeowner, you need to be aware of the common causes of roof replacement delays. Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. takes a look at seven of the most common here.
1. Inclement Weather
Bad weather is one of the many things that can put a stop to the progress of your roofing project — at least temporarily until the skies clear. Even a small amount of rain can cause problems, because most parts of a roof, like the sheathing and starter strips, need to be completely dry before the next layer is installed. Otherwise, any moisture that stays on your new roof can hurt its overall performance.
If you don’t want bad weather to delay your roof replacement, it’s best to plan it for early spring or summer, when the weather is generally pleasant. However, if you have to proceed with the replacement at other times of the year when inclement weather is to be expected, make sure you and your roofing contractor keep tabs on the weather forecasts before setting the schedule.
2. Change Orders
A change order is any change applied to a home improvement project that’s already in progress. It can be caused by different factors, including issues with the material, the supplier of the products required for the project, or even the contractor itself. Change orders can also occur because homeowners suddenly change their minds about certain aspects of the roofing project. You’ll want to minimize the need to make adjustments while the project is ongoing, so it’s best to work with your roofing contractor in planning the project carefully in order to reduce the chances of delays.
3. Additional Repairs
Before the actual project can begin, the installation team may find moisture damage on the decking after tearing off the old materials and components. This may set you back a few days, and since extra repairs are required, there isn’t much you can do but let the roofers address the issue first.
Fortunately, you can anticipate it by setting aside a contingency budget during the planning phase of your roof replacement. It should be about 20% of the total project cost, which should be enough to jumpstart the repairs and get the replacement roof installed sooner rather than later.
4. Permitting Problems
Since you’ll be making a substantial change to your home’s structure makeup, a roof replacement always requires a permit. But it takes time to fill out an application and get approval, and the rules for permits vary from one city to another. Inspections are also part of the process. How long it takes to set up an inspection depends on how many qualified inspectors are available in your area.
If you start working on your roof without the right permits and an inspector finds out about it, they can stop the project until you get a permit. If your new roof hasn’t been completely installed yet, stopping work will leave your roof open to the elements and you and your family without protection. Before you start replacing your roof, make sure you’ve taken care of all the paperwork so that the roofing process can go smoothly.
5. Material Delivery Issues
Most of the time, your roof repair and replacement contractor will plan for materials to arrive before starting a job. However, if work has already started and all the materials aren’t there, delays can happen. Before starting a roofing project, the contractor has to make sure that the materials will arrive on time. Thorough project planning is required to minimize such instances, taking the shipping time of certain items and other aspects of logistics into consideration.
Ensuring a Smooth, Hassle-Free Roof Replacement Project
The following are tips to keep your roof replacement project on track and minimize potential delays that may derail its progress:
- Finalize everything. The planning process is the most crucial part of the project, so be sure to focus on it. Decide on the materials and components you’re going to use for the installation, and see to it that they’re readily available for delivery on the scheduled start date. Do this and you won’t have to worry about going over budget. Secure all the necessary permits beforehand as well prior to starting the project.
- Work with a reliable contractor. The roofing contractor you hire must have the necessary equipment, training, and skills required to ensure your project’s success. They must be licensed and insured, and, most importantly, local. Apart from the fact that they are near your location, the team can provide better recommendations on the type of roofing materials you’ll need, taking into account the building codes and local climate.
- Maintain clear communication with your roofer. Being on the same page with the roofing contractor you hired is vital to the timely completion of your roof replacement project. As such, you’ll want to inform them of your preferred mode of communication and the best times to reach you.
At Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc., our mission is to provide customers with excellent roofing solutions. We’re a family-owned business with deep roots in West Tennessee, and we’re committed to giving our valued friends and neighbors service that can’t be beaten. As a growing roofing company, customer service is always our top priority, which is why we worked hard to earn the GAF Master Elite® certification. Only 3% of the nation’s roofing contractors have earned this distinguished factory certification, and we joined those ranks to make sure our customers get the high-level roofing solutions they deserve.
If you need roof repair or replacement, turn to our team of skilled professionals who can help you gain access to the best roofing products and provide you with top-notch workmanship. Call us at (901) 430-1974 . You can also fill out our contact form to request a quote.