We’ve said it before and now we’ll emphasize it again – your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home. It functions as your protection and barrier from all of the outdoor elements. An intact and sturdy roof makes all the inhabitants of a home stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, dry during the rainy season, and safe from falling debris from who-knows-where.
On the other hand, a damaged roof can lead to not just unwanted exposure to the weather but also further damage inside your home. So definitely, you don’t want any type of damage on your roof. More importantly, but often overlooked, you also don’t want mistakes while installing your roof. What are the most common roofing mistakes in both DIY and roofing contractor terms?
Incorrect roof installation
Every roofing manufacturer has specific regulations on how their roofs must be installed. However, some inexperienced roofing contractors may incorrectly install the roof, either by mistake, or by poor quality of work. Yup, it happens. To be safe, secure your warranty from the manufacturer.
Reusing Old Flashing
Flashing is metal that helps to protect your roof from water intrusion. It also helps prevent moisture from seeping into your home at vulnerable places. Some roofing contractors, again, may choose to cut corners by reusing old flashing. While the old flashing may appear to be in good condition to you, it may cause problems not too long from the time of installation.
Mismatched Shingles
This is a common problem especially for roofing contractors who do not purchase from just one supplier of asphalt roof. As a result, the contractors end up applying mismatched shingles. Prevent this simply by choosing a roofing contractor who consistently utilizes the services of the same roofing supplies dealer.
Covering Old Shingles
The proper way to replace a roof is to first remove all of the old shingles and subsequently replace them with new ones. Simple, right? However, some roofing contractors who want to cut corners may just simply cover the old shingles with new ones. Placing new shingles on top of old ones creates more moisture and more spaces for dirt to collect, thereby inflicting more damage to your roof.
Improper Ventilation
If your roof is not vented well enough, it can lead to excessive heat build-up and moisture collection too. Your shingles may then wear out sooner than they should. A solution emphasizes proper attic ventilation, if you have an attic. Some high quality roofing contractors may also use advanced roofing materials to ensure proper ventilation.
If you noticed, most problems listed above may be prevented by one thing – choosing the right roofing contractor. Hence, it is paramount to choose a highly skilled and experienced contractor with a good reputation to make sure that you avoid these mistakes right from the start.
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