Dealing with a botched roof job can be annoying for homeowners. We know roofing can be a boring home project. It's even worse when the work doesn't meet your expectations. This situation is difficult because homeowners may not understand roofing details very well. Thus, choosing cheaper options can cause more problems and cost more money later on.
While saving some money sounds lovely in times like these, it can cost you much more if you pick just anyone to service your roof. If you're reading this, you're probably grappling with the aftermath of a subpar roofing job. Feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty about the best course of action is valid.
But there's good news – you're in the right place for guidance. RoofCrafters, with our 30 years of experience, has fixed many roofing mistakes, big and small. If you received a bad roof job, it's understandable to be upset and wonder what recourse you can take. We're here to help.
This article will help navigate the aftermath of a bad roofing job. We'll discuss how to fix small problems yourself and when to get help from a professional. Knowing the right steps helps now and prevents future issues. Let's embark on this journey to turn your roofing woes into a thing of the past.
Are you ready? We certainly are!
Understanding the Impact of a Poor Roofing Job
Be as optimistic as you can! There are several steps you can take after a roofer leaves you with a substandard roofing job. Understanding your options after your roofer makes mistakes will help you make the best of this undesirable situation. You will turn things around!
Let's explore the various avenues available to you for correcting a bad roofing job.
Addressing Issues with Your Original Roofer
The initial step in resolving a subpar roofing job is to go back to the beginning. Yep, the roofing contractor who did the poor work. It's a standard practice for professional roofers to offer warranties on their workmanship. If your contractor didn't provide this, it’s a red flag, but since the work is already done, let's focus on the next steps.
Reaching out to the original roofer can be your first course of action. A reputable contractor will be willing to address and rectify their mistakes. This approach not only holds them accountable but also provides an opportunity for them to correct the issue without extra cost to you.
Since we're already past that, though, let's move on.
The Importance of Workmanship Warranties in Roofing
A workmanship warranty is put in place to protect your roof from issues and errors that come about during a roof replacement. In short, if the roofer makes a mistake or causes extra damage to your roof during installation, they will fix it at no expense to you. It wasn't your fault, after all.
However, it's essential to note that not all roofers hold themselves to a high standard. Additionally, the number of years a roofing contractor stands behind their work matters. It also varies from roofer to roofer. As an example, let's say your roof begins to show signs of internal damage at about the 7-year mark after installation. The first thing you'd want to do is look at your paperwork. If your warranty was only valid for five years, you'd have to pay to have it fixed because it's expired.
Not all roofers honor their warranty, either. If you choose a sketchy contractor, your risk of falling victim to shady practices is much higher. So, what do you do if they don't honor the warranty? And what can you do if going to the roofer doesn't give you your desired outcome?
Steps to Take When Your Roofer Doesn't Honor the Warranty
Now, of course, everyone makes mistakes. Even the best roofing companies mess up now and then. Just like you can't have light without dark, you can't be the best without making mistakes. If your roofer truly did a terrible job and isn't willing to help come up with a solution, there are other routes to take.
Filing Complaints Against Non-Compliant Roofing Contractors
Filing a complaint with your state's licensing board is one way to try to fix the problem. All professional roofers are insured, licensed, and bonded. If your roofer is licensed (we hope they are,) you can look into the options provided by your state to get answers. File a complaint with your state's Board for Licensed Contractors. If their workmanship warranty wasn't honored, they could face serious consequences.
Ever heard of a surety bond? They're put in place to make sure roofers keep their word and stand behind it (and their work.) Once your complaint is submitted, the bond company takes it from there. They'll help solve your problem by staking out the contractor.
Consider filing a complaint with the BBB, as well. The Better Business Bureau helps contractors manage complaints and disputes. So it's worth a try if you're in a pickle with a roofer. They act as third-party mediators.
Exploring Civil Litigation as a Last Resort
Legal advice is not our expertise, but it's a last resort if you've exhausted your options. While many hate to go there, civil litigation is a route some may need to take. If you have a genuine case with a roofer with a bad rep. Unethical business practices. It's possible you could come out with answers.
What stinks the most about this option is it costs you money. Hiring an attorney isn't what many consider a good time, but it's there if you feel you need it. Use this as a last-ditch effort to get peace of mind.
Seeking Expert Guidance: When to Consult a Professional Roofer
Navigating the aftermath of a substandard roofing job can often leave you in a quandary. One of the most prudent steps you can take in such a scenario is to consult with a professional roofing expert. A skilled roofer is very valuable because they can assess the problem and decide what to do.
If you need repairs or a new roof, a roofer will assess your roof and make a plan to fix it.
If you're curious about what signals to look for when dealing with a lousy roofer, we strongly suggest checking out our learning center. There, you'll find articles we've tackled on everything involving roofing, from good to bad roofers. How to maintain your roof, and more! There's a little something for every reader, so it's a must if you want to brush up on your knowledge or help yourself get informed on all things roofing.
Okay, so you know exactly what to do to tame a bad roofing job. If you have any more questions or concerns regarding your roof, RoofCrafters is more than delighted to assist you. Before you get in contact with a roofer, though, please take a quick look at our comprehensive roofer checklist to ensure you know which ones stand out and will make the perfect addition to your roofing project. To reach one of our expert representatives, click the button below.
