If you’re looking at a roof replacement in your near future, you may be wondering if you can save a little money by buying a cheap roof. Or by shopping around for a roofing contractor who offers you the lowest rate for installation.
We get it. This economic climate has everyone looking for ways to cut corners.
But think about the last few times you opted for the cheap or knockoff version of what would otherwise be a premium product. Chances are good you ended up having to pay for that compromise at some point.
Curious about what the risks are with buying a cheap roof? Keep reading.
The Problem with Buying Cheap Roofing
Anyone else remember The Amityville Horror and the great deal they got on that seemingly beautiful house?
Granted, you (probably) won’t be haunted by ghosts or have your spouse turn into an axe murderer if you buy a cheap roof. However, there are other risks and dangers that come with cutting corners on this key part of your home’s structure.
1. The Quality Is Subpar
If we’re talking strictly about the quality of roofing materials, there are all kinds of things to worry about. Lightweight shingles. Inefficient sealants. Rusty fasteners. And so on.
This brings with it a whole host of problems. For instance, there’s a greater likelihood of:
- Superficial damage
- Leaks
- Structural damage
If you were hoping to save money by buying a roof made cheaply, there’s a much greater risk that those materials won’t hold up. It’s no different than buying knockoff sneakers instead of the real deal. Sure, they look like the real thing, but will you be able to wear them for years on end? Probably not.
2. It Takes More to Keep It in Good Condition
Buying a top-of-the-line roof isn’t a guarantee that you’ll never need repairs. Roofs are always going to be susceptible to damage brought upon by Mother Nature.
What it does mean, though, is that you won’t need your roof repaired as frequently and it won’t cost as much over time.
Whether it’s due to shoddy workmanship or low-quality materials, a cheap roof is going to require more upkeep. Because of this, the few thousand dollars you thought you were saving in the beginning will very quickly catch up to you in the form of repairs.
3. It Won’t Last Very Long
A poorly installed roof or one built with cheap materials (or, worse, missing components) is going to fall apart much more quickly than one that’s properly installed.
A well-built roof can last you decades. On the flip side, a poorly built and cheap roof could start seriously falling apart in just 10 years.
What’s more, it can put you and anyone who lives with you at risk. As the insulation and infrastructure suffer long-term damage from the elements, you’ll notice your energy bills climbing. If this goes on for long enough, it could create unsafe living conditions as well as insurmountable costs.
4. There’ll Be Limits on Your Warranty
Depending on the type of roofing warranty you get, there are different things that will be covered. For instance:
- Any products you buy
- Installation fees
- Defective materials
- Other related labor charges
It’s not as simple as asking for a lifetime warranty with full coverage. If you hire a budget roofer, they might not offer you much warranty coverage, if at all. So, if your roofing materials prove defective or you end up with frequent repairs, expect those fees to come out of your pocket.
5. Forget About Workmanship & Support
Another thing to consider is the quality of the workmanship and support you receive.
Let’s say you’ve found a contractor who’s offered you too good of a deal to replace your roof. This is only possible if they themselves are cutting corners. They might do this by using inexperienced workers, not installing essential components, misaligning the shingles, or leaving your yard a mess of nails and other hazardous materials.
If you work with a trusted roofing contractor to install the new roof, they’ll take upkeep seriously. That means biannual roof inspections to ensure everything is in good working order and that small leaks are handled before they become full-blown roofing emergencies.
Avoid the Nightmare of a Cheap Roof
You need a new roof. But you’re looking at your budget and stressing over the cost of it.
Like other premium products and services you pay for, skimping on what you pay upfront could end up costing you even more down the line. From subpar service and materials to an endless string of denied insurance claims, that great deal you got on your roof could easily become a nightmare and money pit.
A high-quality roof will be more durable, last longer, offer energy efficiency, and much more.
If you’re feeling stressed about replacing your roof or being able to afford it, let’s talk. Financing options are available. We can also work with you to ensure that you know exactly how much everything will cost upfront and there are no surprise fees waiting for you now or in the near future.