Small businesses make up 99.6% of Illinois businesses. If you run a business in Illinois, you need to consider a lot of things, including roof repairs.
As a business owner, you may not know much about roofing and how to avoid roofing mistakes. Here are seven roof repair mistakes to avoid for businesses in Illinois.
1. Misdiagnosing a Leak
If you need a roof repair, oftentimes it is because of a leak. A leak is the most common problem with a roof, but it is possible to misdiagnose a leak.
One of the roof repair mistakes you need to avoid is believing a leak in the ceiling is happening from the roof. A leak from the ceiling could be due to pipe flow, joists, or something else in the workplace.
As a business owner, you are less likely to be able to identify the exact problem of a leak. This means misdiagnosing one to be a roof problem can happen. A professional will be able to tell you where your leak is coming from.
It is important to get a trusted source to find the problem. An inexperienced source will guess the problem and have you pay for something you don’t need.
There are ways to avoid issues like this. For example, you can weatherproof your roof to avoid leaks coming from it.
2. Not Getting to the Bottom of it
As soon as you sense something wrong with the roof, you need to get to the bottom of it right away. Don’t ignore the signs of damage because this is one of the worst roof repair mistakes.
You can talk to contractors who can go through an inspection to find out the main source of the issue. Commercial roof maintenance needs to be taken seriously at the first sign of damage to ensure the problem gets fixed the first time.
Running a business in Illinois comes with a lot of responsibility, including avoiding roof repair mistakes. Don’t let the problem be an issue again by getting to the bottom of it the first time.
3. Bad Installation
If you want to avoid roof repair mistakes for your Illinois business, you have to start by finding a trusted roofer. A bad installation can cause more issues.
Some roofers will cut corners to save time and labor which can cause a lot of damage in the long run for your roof. For example, it is common to have issues with the layers during a roof installation.
Do research when considering a roofer to avoid roof repair mistakes. The best professionals will get the job done right by not cutting any corners.
4. Using Incorrect Materials
A roof should be repaired with high-quality materials. Amateur roofers tend to use the wrong materials because they don’t have access to the right one. Your roof requires a certain set of tools to be installed properly.
As a business owner, you may think you have what it takes to get the roof repaired on your own. Even if you can do so, you most likely don’t have the right materials. This is just another reason why it is important to hire a professional who has experience.
A professional roofer will bring the right equipment and materials along to get your roof repaired the right way. With a professional roofer, you are paying for the experience and the high-quality materials they can bring along.
5. Overlaying
Adding too many layers is also one of the roof repair mistakes that you will want to avoid for your Illinois business. Overlaying a layer over another can only work in some areas of the roof. The limit for this is usually two layers.
Too many layers can cause the roof to fall through. Your Illinois business may not be able to handle the weight that the layers put on the roof. Some roofs are unable to handle even two layers depending on the type of roof it is.
The experts can help you avoid this mistake. They will be able to evaluate the structure and decide how much weight it can handle. This can ensure that the entire roof won’t have to be replaced as soon.
6. Not Verifying Insurance
You may be very busy as a business owner, but make time to find the right roofers. Someone could claim to be a roofer and not be equipped to get the job done.
When hiring someone for roof repairs, look for proof of credentials. You can do this by verifying insurance. This will be able to determine the legitimacy of the roofer.
The proof should be found before signing any contracts. You could be responsible for any damages or worker injuries if the company or person you hire does not have verified insurance. You can often avoid this mistake by working with an experienced contractor.
7. Reusing Flashings
In the short term, resuing flashing may seem like the most cost-effective option. However, this is not the cause because it can cause more harm in the long run.
A reused flashing will wear faster. This means they will crack easier and not be able to stop water intrusion. Not only will you be paying for a new flashing when it cracks, but you will also have to pay for any water damage the old one caused.
Roof Repair Mistakes to Avoid
Now that you know seven roof repair mistakes to avoid, you can get your roof repaired with ease. As a business owner, having a solid roof repair or installation by a professional will cost you less in the long run. Avoid these mistakes at all costs.
For more information on roof repairs for businesses in Illinois, contact Williams Roofing and Construction today.
