Installing a new roof is a smart investment. While the price tag may give unsuspecting homeowners a case of sticker shock at first, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. While it’s only natural for homeowners to want to save money, cutting corners by attempting to install a roof themselves or hiring the roofing company with the lowest bid can result in expensive roofing mistakes.
Installing a new roof is a complex process and requires experience to ensure the job is done correctly. Avoid some of these painful and expensive common roofing mistakes by hiring an experienced, trusted local roofing company with the knowledge and skills to ensure your new roofing project is a success.
Covering Old Shingles
Installing new shingles over the existing shingles can present problems. The biggest issue with covering the old shingles instead of removing them is the inability to spot any damage to the roof structure. This could result in leaks and other major problems, even with the addition of a new roof. Covering old shingles can also lead to moisture pockets where dirt can collect and compromise the integrity of your roof. A quality roofing contractor will advise you to have the old shingles removed before installing new materials.
Incorrect Nailing
Using the wrong number or type of nails is another common roofing mistake. An experienced roofing contractor should know what type of nails to use and how many nails are needed per shingle. They will also know the correct angle to drive the nail through. Incorrect nailing allows for moisture to seep under the shingles which can result in major issues over time, such as rot and interior damage due to leaks.
Lack of Ice Dam Prevention
In our region of the country, ice damming is common. This occurs when snow melts on the roof and refreezes, forcing water underneath the shingle where it can pull shingles up. This also adds unnecessary weight to your eaves and gutters. Proper prevention should be taken along the end of the roof to prevent water from infiltrating in ice dam prone areas. Missing this step can lead to expensive repairs in the future.
Incorrect Flashing Installation
Flashing protects the areas of your roof that coincide with a chimney, preventing water from entering. Improperly installed flashing, including reusing the existing flashing, is one of the many common roofing mistakes that can be easily avoided by hiring an experienced roofing contractor. Reusing flashing is never a good idea because it will affect the longevity of your new roof. Failure to inspect the flashing can result in indoor flooding.
Improper Ventilation
Failure to inspect the attic for ventilation issues is another common roofing mistake inexperienced roofers may make. Proper ventilation is necessary in preventing moisture buildup and premature failure of your new roof. Plus, improper ventilation results in decreased energy efficiency, including higher utility costs, so it’s vital that your roofing contractor has the right skill set and experience.
Wrong Shingle Overhang
Selecting the right type of materials for the slope of your roof is essential when it comes to quality installation. The wrong material selection leaves your roof open to water penetration. For example, when installing an asphalt roof, the minimum slope is 4 units of rise per 12 units of run. Asphalt shingles cannot safely handle a slope less than that, which unfortunately can be another common roofing mistake during the installation process.
Not Hiring the Right Roofing Professional
Installing a new roof is a complex process and requires experience to ensure the job is done correctly. Avoid some of these painful and expensive common roofing mistakes by hiring an experienced, trusted local roofing company with the knowledge and skills to ensure your new roofing project is a success. Contact Armorvue Home Exteriors today for a virtual appointment.
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