Most Common Roofing Mistakes to Avoid

Roofing is one of the most important aspects to consider in a home.

It provides insulation, dryness and protection for the entire building from external factors. Therefore, if you're experiencing any issues with your roof, it's best to consult an experienced professional like APEX Roofing.

However, some mistakes are frequently made by homeowners that can be avoided with a little research. Here are the most common roofing mistakes to avoid before they become costly or serious problems.

Ignoring Signs of Needed Repairs

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is ignoring signs that indicate a roof needs repair. The average lifespan of a roof depends on how well it was maintained and its geographical location. However, most roofs typically last between 15 to 30 years before requiring repair or even replacement. If you're in California, consider contacting a roofing company in the state if you notice any common issues. Common problems include shingles lifted by strong winds or possible damage from hail. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, you'll see many warning signs.

You might notice shingles peeling or curling, water damage in the gutter system, and even visible cracks. If these problems don't seem serious yet, you should also check for loose screws around roof hatches which could be a sign of replacement needed. Ignoring these warnings can lead to more serious issues in the future, so contact a professional if you notice any suspicious signs.

Storing Items Too Close to the Edge

One major mistake homeowners make is storing large items right at the edge of the roof without proper support or covering. When working with roofs, you should avoid additional pressure that could lead to leaks. If your home insurance is high enough, it's better to store such items elsewhere or at least several feet away from the roof edges or corners. Anything hanging too close to the edge should have additional bottom support to evenly pull downward. Without this form of support, many assume nothing will happen, but heavy items create extra weight in the hanging area, even if just a few inches.

Incorrect Shingle Replacement

One of the most frustrating issues for roofers is improperly installed shingles that don't meet building codes regarding height and slope. A common mistake homeowners make is replacing shingles outside of the standard norms. If your home roof has been used for many years, you'll likely find a lot of shingles not meeting standards installed at some point after removing the old ones.

The only way to fix this is to replace the entire roof, not just individual shingles outside of norms, otherwise you'll end up in the same situation again. It's also important to note that ignoring these issues may mean your roof will need repairs earlier than expected, so it's better to seek professional help early rather than find out too late.

Skipping Regular Inspections

Another mistake homeowners make is forgetting to schedule roof inspections required by insurance companies or local building codes. If you hire a contractor, they often send regular reminders for inspections, but it's up to you to follow these recommendations. This can be tedious and not very fun seeing what happens on your roof after every storm, but inspections are necessary to save money in the future. Even if nothing has happened yet, it's better to be safe than sorry about serious problems, especially if your home insurance isn't very high.

Using Poor Quality Materials

Another issue that may require a contractor's help is choosing poor quality materials for roofing. While shingle quality varies from low to high, different locations and conditions require specific choices that are best suited. It's highly recommended to choose a higher grade and durable materials resistant to strong winds and intense weather changes. Such roofs can also last longer because they are built with additional protection that saves money in the long run and reduces inspection frequency.

The best way to avoid roofing mistakes is to spend some time researching how roofs work and what signs indicate possible leaks. For most people, performing this simple task can make the difference between avoiding a potentially bad situation and watching new problems develop. Contact a roofing expert before making mistakes that will cost you more.