A roof replacement project is a stressful and time-consuming process, and scheduling delays make it worse. Unfortunately, delays during roofing job happen all too often. While it is completely reasonable to expect your roofing and remodeling contractor to start and finish your project on time, there are some roofing setbacks that are sometimes unavoidable. The following are six of the most common causes of delays during a roof replacement project that can affect your project.
1. Inclement Weather
Bad weather is one of the familiar reasons a roof replacement will come to a standstill. Rain, snow and biting cold temperatures can all slow down your project’s timeline. One day of downpour, for instance, usually equates to two days of delays, depending on the type of roof being installed. This is because the structural components – such as the decking, trusses and rafters – need to be completely dry before other roofing materials can be set in place.
Any lingering moisture in the air can compromise the performance of a roofing system while damp weather causes sealants and adhesives to dry longer, causing further delays. When membranes that are installed using solvent-based primers have not adequately dried, blistering may occur. Snow and chilly temperatures may also present complications to roofing structures, which is why repairs or replacements do not typically take place during winter months. Depending on the amount of snowfall buildup, snow removal can cause a significant setback in the roofing project’s timeline. Applying water-based products are not recommended when freezing temperatures are expected within 24 hours after application.
Be it a simple repair or complete tear-off, a reliable home improvement company will tune in to the weather forecast in your area to ensure the quality of work and safety of workers.
2. Material Delays
An experienced roofer will place an order for your roofing materials to arrive on time before the project begins. Even so, unforeseen delays can still happen, especially because suppliers are rarely the manufacturer, and the delivery of materials is contingent on the manufacturer’s schedule, which can vary periodically. Other issues – such as lack of available material supplies, backups in shipping and delivery, and supply chain mix-ups – can cause your roof replacement to be delayed several days or even weeks.
Certified roofers by trusted brands like GAF not only have access to higher quality products, but they can also source your roofing materials faster than non-certified roofers can. With their experience, they can tell you the approximate shipping time it will take to plan your roof replacement accordingly.
3. Structural Issues
A few structural problems may be uncovered in the process of replacing your roofing system. Common issues include:
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Rotted rafters due to leakage that goes beyond the decking;
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Worn or improperly installed flashing around penetrations, which allows rainwater to wear on shingles or seep into the roofing structure;
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Sagging spots in the roof that indicate potential collapse, resulting in the need for replacing the plywood decking to maintain the system’s structural integrity;
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Damaged fixtures on the roof, such as vents and attic fans, that need to be replaced before a new membrane is installed;
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And failing brick walls that require repairs to be able to effectively support the new roof.
Issues like these require extensive repairs to head off total roof failure, prolonging the time it will take to complete the roof replacement.
4. Other Underlying Issues
In addition to the aforementioned structural issues, there are plenty of underlying issues that can only be discovered once the old roofing material is removed and the structure is stripped down to the decking. This is the fundamental reason it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection of the entire roofing structure before installing a new roof. During the inspection, the roofer can uncover problems, such as moisture-damaged insulation, rotted decking or incorrect framing.
Remember, structural and underlying issues can affect the performance and longevity of your new roof, so the roof replacement cannot continue until they are addressed. And before any additional repairs can be tackled, additional materials will need to be requested, further stringing out the project.
5. Permitting Problems
If you are doing renovations, building an addition, replacing all the roofing shingles or moving vents around, you will need to acquire a building permit. Filing an application and getting approval, however, takes time, and the permitting requirements vary from city to city. Inspections are part of the procedure as well, and the time it takes to set up an inspection depends on the availability of qualified inspectors in your area.
If you proceed with your roofing project without the necessary permits and an inspector discovers it, they can put the work to a halt until you obtain a permit. If your new roof has not been fully installed, stopping work will certainly leave your roofing system vulnerable to elements and you and your family unprotected. Take care of all the paperwork before commencing your roof replacement so you can achieve a hassle-free home improvement experience.
6. Change Orders
Several scenarios can lead to a change order, which is an amendment to a construction contract that changes the scope of work. If it is not caused by unexpected issues with the manufacturer, it is brought about by the client making modifications to the project while it is underway. On some occasions, roof replacement is part of a whole-home remodel or home addition. If any of the general construction stages get behind schedule, the roofing project is affected. For a smooth-sailing material acquisition and delivery chain, it is best to work with a roofing company that specializes in the full-project picture so that you can be assisted with the planning and preparation stage before the project is greenlit.
Call Us for All Your Roofing and Remodeling Needs!
AllPoint Construction specializes in roofing and remodeling solutions. If your home is showing signs of curling shingles, decay in sheathing or blistering walls, call us immediately at (734) 407-7110, or fill out our online form. Our team of experienced roofers will conduct a thorough on-site analysis, walk you through all your options and keep your roofing project on schedule.
