Your roof is a part of your home you really can’t afford to get wrong. It handles all kinds of weather and keeps your family safe and dry. You’ve probably heard that getting a new roof can be costly and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be—avoid these common roofing mistakes and get the job done right the first time.
Match the Slope of Your Roof
Unfortunately, not all materials will work well with every roof. Choose a style of shingles that works with the slope of your roof in order to get the best coverage and avoid damage.
Get a Roof Permit & Roofing Contractor Insurance
In many areas, the home or business owner is responsible for obtaining a roof permit before undergoing roof construction and replacement. It’s also wise to make sure your roofing contractor has insurance, just in case anything is damaged.
Don’t Layer Shingles
One of the most common roofing mistakes is failing to remove the old shingles before installing new ones. Layers of shingles create spaces for moisture to get trapped, which leads to damaged shingles and destroys the roof deck underneath. In fact, in many areas it is illegal to put a new layer of shingles on top of the old one. When hiring a roofing contractor, make sure shingle removal and cleanup are part of the deal.
Don’t Forget the Underlayment
After removing your old shingles, make sure to put down an underlayment, rather than attach the new shingles directly to the roof deck. This will act as an additional water barrier and improve the length of time your roof will last.
Use Nails Properly
Knowing which roofing mistakes to avoid includes a thorough understanding of which nails are best and how they should be used. You can’t just start installing nails wherever you think they might work. Each type of shingle has a corresponding type and length of nail to properly secure it to your roofing deck. The wrong nail can cause shingles to shift or slide out of place, or even come loose and fall off altogether. Improper nail use can shorten the lifespan of your roof, void your warranty, and make you ineligible for insurance claims.
Don’t Forget to Use Starter Strips
One of the more common roofing mistakes is forgetting to use starter strips. A row of starter shingles should always be placed first along the eaves and edges. If this step is missed, water will get through the shingle cutouts at the bottom of the roof. Starter strip shingles are different from regular shingles and provide a seal to keep out water.
Avoid Overhang & Misalignment
Your shingles should hang about six to ten millimeters over the edge of your roof. If more than that extends beyond the edge, the shingles are more likely to blow off in a windstorm. However, if the shingles do not extend far enough, water can seep underneath and cause damage. Misaligned shingles can also allow water to seep into places it shouldn’t. In addition to gaps and cracks between shingles letting in water, crooked or misplaced shingles are also unsightly.
Allow Attics to Vent
Your attic needs to be well-ventilated to avoid overheating and trapping moisture inside. If your attic gets too hot, it can damage your insulation, as well as your roof deck. Plus, it will shorten the lifespan of your entire roof.
Call a Professional
The best way to avoid common roofing mistakes is to hire a professional roofer to do the job for you. It will also be safer, as they are prepared with the tools and equipment needed to navigate rooftops.
Contact Current Home to learn more about how your roof can affect your home’s energy efficiency, how you might be able to benefit from solar power, and how we can help you with a new roof installation.
