Roofing a building is an unavoidable cost that could be expensive for homeowners. However, if it is not done correctly, it can result in problems and extra charges later. Hiring professional roofers to get the job done is one of the smartest decisions to take for a roofing project.
However, if you prefer to get your hands dirty with some DIY roofing jobs, 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 getting under the bottom. One of the most common roofing mistakes are incorrectly aligned shingles.
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 shingles are misaligned. Also, you must fasten the shingles properly to avoid future damages. Ensure you use the right type of nails that will stay in place and will not tear the shingle.
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. Professional roofers in Greenville are often cautious of this and know the most fitting roofs for many building types.
Though you may not need a drip edge in all cases, it is necessary in some cases—a drip edge guards against driving rain and stops water from getting under the decking. 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 roofing mistake is to remove the drip edge from the materials to be used during roofing.
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 attics and ceiling to escape. According to the current building codes, there should be a vent space of about one square foot per 150 sq ft of attic floor.
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. Common mistakes that can result in damages include using nails that are too short, too small, driving the nails above the sealing strip, using too little nails, or driving the nails into the gaps in the roof deck.
The underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof material that should be placed on the roof deck. This serves as extra protection from extreme weather conditions. 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. If you install the underlayment incorrectly, then the building might get exposed to the elements.
In this section, we’ll look at the best ways to avoid the roofing mistakes discussed above.
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. 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.
To avoid future roofing problems, it is best to hire a licensed roofing contractor 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 contractor will get the right roofing materials and will install them properly while following the specified guidelines.
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 replacement services and will schedule a professional inspection to help you get your roof in shape. Call us now!
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