It’s no secret that installing a new roof is a significant expense. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize that they’re making costly mistakes that can reduce the lifespan of their new roof.
You can’t wait for the roof to show signs of wear before you have it inspected and repaired. Many roofers will give you a warranty, but they won’t tell you that it’s only valid if you have the roof inspected and maintained regularly. Unscrupulous roofers cut corners to save money and time, but this can lead to costly repairs down the road. You must hire an experienced roofer with a good reputation.
Titan Restoration and Construction are renowned experts in the roofing field. We help you avoid making common mistakes that most roofers won’t tell you about.
1. Mismatched Roofing Shingles:
No, that’s not a pattern – those are two different types of shingles! One of the most recurring mistakes roofers make is using mismatched shingles. It can be because they procured the material from two different suppliers or tried to use up old stock. Either way, it’s a bad idea.
2. Incorrectly Sized Vent Pipes:
Your roof’s vent pipes play an essential role in keeping your attic well-ventilated. If they’re the wrong size, though, they won’t be able to do their job correctly. Make sure your roofer uses the correct sized vent pipes for your home.
3. Improperly Nailed Shingles:
The nails that hold your shingles in place are essential, too. If they’re not the correct size, the cut, or not driven in at the right angle, your shingles could come loose and blow away in a strong storm. Nails without barbed shanks, inefficient use of nails, small nail heads, and/or missing nails are all signs of improper nailing.
4. Incorrect Shingle Overhang at the Eves:
The eaves should have a 6 to 10mm overhang. If the overhang is more than 6mm, the shingles may be blown off in high winds or severe storms. Water penetration of the roof deck and leaks within the building can occur if the overhang is below 6mm. Installing a drip edge flashing can mitigate the risk of water infiltration and damage to the roof deck and building.
5. Improper Installation of the Underlayment:
A layer of water-resistant or waterproof material directly applied to your roof deck is known as roofing underlayment. The underlayment is put beneath all other roofing materials as an additional layer of protection against harsh weather and the elements. Inadequate installation of the underlayment can void the warranty on your shingles and lead to premature shingle failure.
6. Improper Gutter Installation:
Water damage that seeps into your home through the roof is one thing. Another is water damage that seeps in because your gutters aren’t installed properly. Make sure your roofer installs your gutters correctly to avoid this problem. You can check if your gutters are correctly installed by looking for gaps or leaks.
7. No Planning for Ice Dams:
If you’re in a locality that gets a lot of snow, your roofer should take steps to install measures to deter ice dams from forming on your roof. Ice dams can trap water, that backs up under your shingles and lead to leaks. To prevent this, your roofer should install heat cables along the edge of your roof.
Conclusion:
A thorough roof inspection and a well-done roof installation job can ensure your roof lasts for decades.
We are your roofing experts at Titan Restoration and Construction, serving La Crosse, Wisconsin. We have enough experience in the industry, and our team is passionate about providing quality workmanship.
