Roofing might not be the first thing on your mind when you think about home maintenance, but make no mistake, overlooking it can lead to some serious regrets. From shoddy installations to choosing the wrong materials, there are plenty of pitfalls waiting for the unwary homeowner. Let’s walk through avoiding those all-too-common roofing mistakes together.
Recognizing Common Roofing Mistakes
A common mistake that leads to roof shingle damage is the use of improper nailing technique. We often remove damaged shingles where too few nails were used or the nails were installed too high.
The reason roofers do this is because it’s cheaper, easier, and faster to install shingles in this manner. The average homeowner will have no idea that their shingles are poorly nailed until it’s too late.
Understanding High Nailing & Low Nailing
High nailing is when the roofing nails are placed too high on the shingle, above the nail line. This can cause the shingle to slide down over time, exposing the nail heads and leading to leaks.
Low nailing, on the other hand, is when the nails are placed too low on the shingle, below the nail line. This can cause the shingle to blow off in high winds because it’s not properly secured.
Consequences of Over or Under Driven Roofing Nails
Common roofing mistakes include improper nailing, poor alignment, lack of an underlayment, leaving out the starter strip or turning it upside down, failing to leave an overhang at the eaves and using asphalt based cement to make repairs.
Such mistakes can lead to a non-aesthetically pleasing appearance, shingle blow-offs, animal damage, roof leaks and shingle delamination.
Over driven nails can puncture through the shingle, causing leaks. Under driven nails don’t secure the shingle properly, leading to blow-offs and leaks.
The Impact of Improper Ventilation on Your Roof
Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, roofing mistakes can turn what should be a project to boost curb appeal and protect your home into a disaster.
In fact, common roofing mistakes, like using mismatched shingles, installing a new roof over an old one, and ventilation missteps, can lead to leaks, mold mildew, higher electrical bills, blown-off shingles, dry rot, ongoing insulation problems, and more.
The Dangers of Mixed Ventilation
Mixed ventilation is when you have a combination of different types of vents on your roof, such as ridge vents and box vents. This can actually short-circuit the ventilation system and lead to moisture problems.
It’s important to stick with one type of vent system to ensure proper airflow through the attic.
Effects of Over or Under Ventilating
A damaged roof can lead to annoying issues, further damage and unwanted exposure to the weather. Because of this, it is important to always have a qualified roofing company take care of any necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
Always choose a highly skilled and experienced roofer with a strong reputation to make sure that you avoid these 10 common roofing mistakes.
Over ventilating can lead to moisture problems in the winter as warm, moist air from the living space rises into the attic and condenses on the cold roof sheathing. Under ventilating can lead to heat buildup in the summer, causing the shingles to deteriorate prematurely.
Avoiding Common Roofing Mistakes with Flashings and Underlayments
Flashing plays a very important role in the quality and safety of your roof. Not only should you always use new flashing, but it’s also important to make sure it is installed properly.
If it is misaligned, improperly overlapped, or not fastened correctly, then your roof won’t be protected against water damage from ice, rain, or snow.
Risks of Re-using or Omitting Flashings
A common roofing mistake is to reuse the old flashing. While the existing flashing might appear to be in good condition, it is a best practice to replace the flashing along with the roof shingles or tiles.
If the flashing is reused, you run the risk of some potential issues with water damage or leaks in your roof. Omitting flashings altogether is a recipe for disaster, as they are critical in preventing water infiltration around roof penetrations like chimneys, skylights, and vents.
Misused or Forgotten Underlayments: A Recipe for Disaster
Common mistakes include improper nailing, poor alignment, lack of an underlayment, leaving out the starter strip or turning it upside down, failing to leave an overhang at the eaves and using asphalt based cement to make repairs.
Such mistakes can lead to a non-aesthetically pleasing appearance, shingle blow-offs, animal damage, roof leaks and shingle delamination.
Slipping an underlayment beneath your roof gives it a buddy that’s all about keeping water from sneaking in. Misusing or forgetting to install underlayment can lead to leaks, especially if the shingles are damaged or blown off in a storm.
Common Roofing Mistakes in Shingle Installation and Selection
Your shingles comprise the outer layer of your roof so you can imagine their level of importance. Common mistakes include improper nailing, poor alignment, lack of an underlayment, leaving out the starter strip or turning it upside down, failing to leave an overhang at the eaves and using asphalt based cement to make repairs.
Such mistakes can lead to a non-aesthetically pleasing appearance, shingle blow-offs, animal damage, roof leaks and shingle delamination.
Pitfalls of Using Asphalt Shingles in Low Sloped Areas
Asphalt shingles are designed for roofs with a slope of 2:12 or greater. Using them on low sloped roofs can lead to leaks and premature failure.
For low sloped roofs, it’s best to use a different roofing material like modified bitumen or a built-up roof system.
Choosing Wrong Shingles for Hip & Ridges
Using mismatched shingles is one of the most common roofing mistakes. Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, roofing mistakes can turn what should be a project to boost curb appeal and protect your home into a disaster.
In fact, common roofing mistakes, like using mismatched shingles, installing a new roof over an old one, and ventilation missteps, can lead to leaks, mold mildew, higher electrical bills, blown-off shingles, dry rot, ongoing insulation problems, and more.
Implications of Installing Shingles over Old Boards
Not fully understanding the job or details is another common roofing mistake. The person planning the job, purchasing the materials, removing the old roof, and installing the new one must be detail-oriented, with a firm understanding of the exact job and its requirements.
One small mistake—such as ordering the wrong nails or incorrect shingle overlay—can compromise the entire job and leave your home vulnerable.
Common Roofing Mistakes During Installation and Repair
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for a roofing contractor to ruin a project and cause frustration for homeowners and building managers. Failed inspections, voided warranties, and problems with your insurance company are just a few things that can result from a roofing mistake.
As a consumer, you must know the tell-tale signs of a substandard or inexperienced contractor.
The Risk of Not Hiring Roofing Experts
Your roof is arguably one of the most important aspects of your home. Aside from being one of the most visible parts of a home’s exterior, the roof functions as your essential barrier from all of the elements.
Whenever everything is in good shape, your home stays cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter and dry when it rains.
Ignoring Local Weather Conditions
Different regions have different weather conditions that can impact your roof. For example, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you’ll need a roof that can withstand high winds.
Ignoring local weather conditions when selecting roofing materials or during installation can lead to premature failure and costly repairs.
The Problem with Fitting a New Roof Over the Old One
If you don’t know what to watch for during the installation of your new roof, you are leaving too many windows for mistakes that can cause serious damages to your property and potentially result in the failure or loss of your new roof.
Fitting a new roof over an old one, also known as a layover, is a shortcut that can lead to major problems down the road. The old roof should always be torn off to allow for proper inspection of the decking and to ensure a flat surface for the new shingles.
Common Roofing Mistakes FAQs:
What is the biggest problem roofers face?
Finding skilled labor tops the list. Many roofing companies struggle to hire experienced workers, which can impact quality.
What is the number one cause of roof failure?
Poor installation leads the pack. Even top-notch materials fail if they’re not installed correctly.
How do you know if your roofing contractor is ripping you off?
If quotes are vague or costs suddenly spike without clear reasons, be wary. Transparency in billing matters.
How do I know if my roof is installed correctly?
A well-done job means no leaks, even shingle alignment, and proper flashing around edges and vents. Check these first.
Conclusion
So there we have it—steering clear of common roofing mistakes isn’t rocket science after all! Remember that nailing technique matters more than you’d think and paying attention to ventilation isn’t just hot air—it’s crucial. Don’t let flashy sales talk lure you into making choices that don’t fit like mismatched slates on an old house. Get professional advice with these free roofing quotes.
