You are probably thinking about a new Asphalt Shingle Roof. Or maybe you need a big repair project for your Moses Lake home. This is a smart move. It protects your biggest investment. But here is the deal. We have seen a lot of folks around Moses Lake make some common mistakes. These mistakes end up costing them more time as well as more money as well as more headaches later on. You do not want to be one of those people.
Ignoring Our Local Weather's Real Impact
It is easy to think a roof is just a roof. But Moses Lake is not Seattle. We do not have the constant, drizzly rain that keeps moss growing like crazy. What we do have is intense summer sun. This sun can push temperatures well into the 90s. Sometimes it goes over 100 degrees. That heat, in addition to strong UV rays, really beats down on Asphalt Shingles. It can cause them to dry out as well as crack as well as lose their protective granules faster than you might expect.
Then there are our winters. We get freezing temperatures as well as a decent amount of snow. That constant cycle of heating up as well as cooling down as well as expanding as well as contracting puts a lot of stress on roofing materials. If your roofer is not accounting for these specific Moses Lake conditions, you are setting yourself up for early roof failure. This means they might be using lower-grade shingles not rated for high UV. Or they might not be making sure there is proper ventilation. Do not let someone from out of the area tell you a one-size-fits-all approach works here. It does not work here.
Skimping on the Underlayment and Flashing
This is an important point. People often focus on the shingles themselves. But what is underneath is just as important. It might even be more important. The underlayment is an extra layer of protection. This is especially important in a place like Moses Lake. We get wind-driven rain as well as snowmelt here. And flashing? That is the metal work around chimneys as well as vents as well as valleys. It directs water away from vulnerable spots. We have seen many leaks that could have been prevented with proper flashing installation.
Some folks try to cut costs. They do this by reusing old flashing or by going with the cheapest underlayment. That is a false economy. A good roofer will insist on quality synthetic underlayment. They will also use custom-bent flashing where it is needed. You might not see it. But it is working hard to keep your home dry. This is especially true when those spring thunderstorms roll through. It is also true when the snow starts to melt off your roof in a neighborhood like Cascade Valley.
Ignoring Permits and Local Codes
We know permits can feel like a hassle. But in Moses Lake, you need a re-roof permit if you are replacing more than 25% of your roof sheathing. You also need one if you are replacing all existing roofing material. The City of Moses Lake enforces the Washington State Building Codes. There are specific design criteria for our area. These include wind speed (85 MPH, exposure C) as well as roof snow load (20 PSF).
A good contractor, like Moses Lake Roofing Company, will know these codes very well. Our team will handle the permitting process for you. If a contractor tells you a permit is not necessary for a significant job, that is a big warning sign. It is also a warning sign if they expect you to pull the permit. You could end up with fines. You could also have insurance claim issues. You might even be forced to tear off a newly installed roof if it does not meet code. It is not worth that risk.
Choosing the Absolute Cheapest Bid
We understand this point. Everyone wants to save some money. But when it comes to your roof, the cheapest bid often means that corners are being cut. This is not like buying a gallon of milk. There is a wide range in material quality. More importantly, there is a wide range in workmanship. A low bid might mean several things.
- It might mean using inferior shingles that will not stand up to our Moses Lake climate.
- It might mean skipping important steps in the installation process. This includes proper nailing as well as proper ventilation.
- It might mean hiring inexperienced crews. It could also mean hiring uninsured crews.
- It might mean not including proper warranties for materials as well as for labor.
You will see bids that are much lower. It is tempting to choose those. But you should ask yourself why they are so low. A good contractor has overhead. They pay fair wages. They carry insurance. They use quality materials. They cannot do that for very low prices. You are investing in protection for your home for the next 20 to 30 years. Do not let a few thousand dollars now lead to tens of thousands in repairs later.
Not Asking About Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is very important for an Asphalt Shingle Roof. This is especially true with our temperature swings in Moses Lake. Without it, your attic can get very hot in the summer. It can literally bake your shingles from below. This shortens their lifespan. In winter, poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup. It can even lead to ice dams. A good roofer will check your current ventilation. They will recommend improvements if they are needed. It is not just about putting shingles on. It is about creating a whole roof system that works together.
When you are ready for your Asphalt Shingle project, you should do your homework. Ask the tough questions. Look for a local company with a solid reputation. Your roof is too important to get it wrong.