A new roof can be expensive for homeowners. Installing new roofing yourself may seem like a way to save a few dollars. However, mistakes during roof installation can result in costly repairs later. Hiring professional roofers in Greenville to get the job done is one of the smartest decisions for a roofing project.
A licensed roofing contractor knows to avoid common roofing mistakes that homeowners make when they try DIY roof replacement. Here are the most common roofing mistakes and how to avoid them.
If you don’t install the starter shingles correctly, your roof will break down or leak easily when exposed to water and weather conditions. There must be specialty shingles for the hips and ridges to prevent water from damaging the roof deck.
One common roofing mistake is incorrect shingle alignment. One way to spot misaligned shingles is to check if the cutouts on the 3-tab shingles are vertical. If they are not, then the roof shingles are misaligned. Also, you must fasten the shingles properly to avoid future damage. Ensure you use the right type of nails that will stay in place and will not tear the shingle.
Mismatched roofing shingles occur when roofers use supplies from multiple distributors, leading to a non-uniform appearance. This issue can be prevented by choosing contractors who consistently use the same supplier for all their materials. Mismatched shingles not only affect the aesthetic of a building but can also indicate potential issues with the overall quality and uniformity of the roofing installation.
Another common mistake is to use roofing materials that do not fit the shape of the roof. Using the wrong materials can open your home up to leaks. Roll roofing with exposed nails can be used with lower slopes, while tile and asphalt shingles are suitable for higher-pitched roofs.
Professional roofers in Greenville are cautious of this and know the best materials for various types of roofs.
Incorrect shingle overhang is a common roofing installation pitfall. The overhang refers to the amount of shingle that extends beyond the roof edge, and getting this dimension right is crucial.
An overhang that is too short may fail to guide water effectively into the gutters, causing water to run down the fascia boards and potentially into the structure, which can lead to water damage, decay, and mold growth. On the other hand, an overhang that is too long can leave shingles vulnerable to being blown off by high winds.
Not installing a drip edge on a roof can lead to several significant problems that affect the durability and effectiveness of the roofing system. A drip edge is a metal strip installed along the roof edges, designed to guide water away from the fascia and into the gutters. A drip edge helps stop water from getting under the roof deck.
Without this component, water can easily seep under the shingles at the edges, potentially leading to water damage to the fascia board, the underlying roofing material, and even the interior of the home. In areas with large amounts of rainfall, not using a drip edge can spell danger for the fascia as the drip edge serves as an extra flashing for the roof’s edges.
A common mistake is to remove the drip edge from the materials to be used during roofing.
Flashing is a thin material that helps protect your roof and features like chimneys, roof vents, and skylights. This critical part of the roofing system prevents damage and leaks by redirecting water. When old flashing is reused, it may not perform effectively.
Flashing must be installed correctly to prevent damage from rain, ice, and snow. Roof valleys typically experience plentiful water runoff and are more prone to leaking. When roof valley flashing is improperly installed or becomes loose, the roofing system can buckle, leading to costly repairs.
Inadequate ventilation can result in moisture build-up over time and can weaken or damage the shingle material. There must be enough room for the air from the attic space and ceiling to escape.
Intake vents are designed to draw air into the attic, while exhaust vents are designed to expel moisture from the attic. Generally, there should be about one square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space. The exact ratio can vary based on the roof slope and design.
An experienced roofer knows how to utilize the roof vent types correctly and how to ensure adequate ventilation. Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup and can help you save on energy costs.
For roofing systems that need to be fastened to the roof deck with nails, it is important to use the right size and number of nails and properly use a nailing strip. Improper nail length can lead to shingles loosening. Other common mistakes include using too few nails, driving the nails above the self-sealing strip, or driving the nails into the gaps in the roof decking.
The underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof material that should be placed on the roof decking. This serves as a water-resistant or waterproof barrier. The remaining roofing materials are then added on top of the roofing underlayment.
The three basic types of underlayment are: Rubberized asphalt, Synthetic underlayment, and Asphalt-saturated felt. Improper underlayment installation can lead to roof decking damage and moisture-related problems.
Here are the best ways to avoid roofing mistakes.
When looking to reduce costs, it is possible to use cheaper roofing materials that may be substandard. This results in lots of problems later on as you will need to repair and replace damaged parts frequently. To prevent this, ensure you use quality roofing materials.
Most roofing materials come with guidelines for installation from the roofing manufacturer. To prevent roofing issues, ensure you follow the specified installation guidelines and product requirements. This is why it is best to consult roofing contractors in Greenville as they are familiar with these guidelines and the safety requirements.
In some areas, homeowners are required to obtain a permit for a new roof installation. A roofing permit ensures the roof meets local building codes. Without this permit, your roofing project could be put on hold, you may be fined, and the insurance company may refuse to cover the costs.
To avoid roofing problems, it is best to hire licensed roofing contractors with enough experience with various types of roofing systems. Many times, a lot of roofing problems occur as a result of hiring inexperienced contractors who may offer a lower price but will do a low-quality job.
An experienced roofing contractor will get the right roofing materials and will install them properly while following the specified guidelines. It’s also important to choose a licensed roofing contractor with insurance coverage.
Sometimes, roofing gets complicated, and you need professional, personalized help. You can rest easy knowing that help for your roofing needs is just a call away. Lanier Roofing remains one of the best Greenville roofers at your service. We offer roof repair and roof replacement services and will schedule a professional inspection to help you get your roof in shape. Call us now!
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