5 Roofing Mistakes You Must Avoid

How long your new roof will last is something that depends not only on the quality of the roof that you install, but also the experience and workmanship of the residential roofing contractor who installs it. It is, therefore, important for you to hire a qualified roofer who will not make rookie and costly mistakes. In this post, we discuss some of the most common roofing mistakes whose avoidance helps you get the maximum out of our new roof.

1. Improper Slope

If the materials you choose do not match the slope of the roof, it may lead to water penetration. For example, if one is installing wood, asphalt or tile shingles & shakes, it is recommended to have a minimum slope of four units rise per twelve units of run. 

 2. Ventilation Problems

At the time of laying down shingles, it is necessary to allow ceilings or attics to vent. Failing to do so can lead to build up of moisture leading to the premature weakening of the shingle material. 

3. Layers of Shingles

Many municipalities require old asphalt to be removed before installing the new one. Not adhering to this rule is illegal. Whether your municipality allows it or not, it is highly recommended that old shingles be removed before new ones are installed as the additional weight harms your roof structure and walls. Removing old shingles also allows your residential roofing contractor to inspect, and if need be, repair fragile areas.  

       

4. Improper use of Nails

If nailed incorrectly, or insufficiently, shingles can slip down causing injury to bystanders. A minimum of four nails per shingle is what we recommend. If the roof has a steep gradient then the minimum number of nails used should be even more, preferably six. Make sure that the nails aren’t driven into or above the self-sealing strip.

       

5. Failing to Plan for Ice Dams. 

For those who live in cold climates, it is common to experience ice dams that form along the roofline. If the roof isn’t insulated enough, these ice dams force water down the shingles. To prevent this, it is necessary to install an under layer in the roof to act as an additional layer and protect against the melting ice water. 

Conclusion 

Most roofing mistakes result from inexperienced do-it-yourselfers who have little or no prior roofing experience. The same is true for inexperienced or first-time roofing contractors touting cheap services. You must, therefore, check the roofing contractor’s experience, and if possible, check with their past and current clients about the quality of the contractor’s services. 

Tips for Roof Maintenance

Proper Inspection is Key

It is a known fact that a little care invested religiously extends the life of your roofing system and helps to keep it functioning effectively and efficiently. An inspection of your roof by a certified roofing professional once a year is a necessity. There are roof maintenance regimens followed by most home and business owners in an effort to ensure that their roofing lasts longer and they also avoid costly repairs in the long run. Extreme caution must be taken when performing roof inspections as it is easy for accidents to happen in the absence of experts. Walking on a steep slope roof is dangerous, and homeowners are advised to only brave flat roofs, if at all, and resort to trained and experienced professionals as much as they can for most requirements. This not only guarantees your safety, but ensures that a good job is done all the time and nothing of significance is missed. Professionals are experienced in dealing with different kinds of roofing styles and requirements. An easy way to inspect your roof is to scan it with the help of binoculars to identify any torn, curled, loose, cupped, missing shingles, underlayment or blistered roofing. Using a ladder helps you scan the roof from different angles. Make sure, ladder is firmly anchored before using it.

Maintenance Tips

Following some simple tips will help to keep your roof in a great condition:

1. Remove all leaves, branches and debris that settles on your roof after a storm.

2.  Always remember to trim bushes and limbs touching your roofing system.

3.  Make a habit to regularly clean and flush gutters. Remove all the debris collected in the gutter system.

4.  Moisture trapping is quite a common phenomenon caused by algae and moss growing on your roof and affect the longevity of the roofing system. If you notice moss and algae growing on your roof ask for professional help as they remove the growth properly with the help of a chlorine solution.

5.  Check your attic periodically for signs of wood rot or water stains.

6. While installing any equipment on the roof such as vents, chimneys or a satellite dish, ensure the roof seal remains intact.

7.   Inspect the roofing fascia and eaves visually for any unusual signs of rot or leakage.

8.   Roof leakage is very common and spotting leaks before they cause damage saves you lots of money in the long run.

Conclusion

Many roofing problems are diagnosed and rectified by following these measures. If you are unable to access your roof and have no idea how to carry out certain tasks, the best solution is to rope-in professional help. Roof replacement is a costly affair that you keep away for as long as possible by practising prudent maintenance and inspecting all the vital areas every now and then. When selecting the right professionals to handle your requirements, it is always advisable to trust experience and reputation in the market above everything else.