6 Common Roofing Installation Mistakes to Avoid

The roof is the first protective layer of your home, shielding you from weather conditions such as cold, heat, wind, rain, and storms. It's a costly investment that should be entrusted to professionals for any repairs, replacements, or improvements.

Any mistakes during roofing not only result in additional costs for future repairs but can also compromise the integrity of your home. Ensure good protection for your home with a quality roof by avoiding these common mistakes made by most homeowners:

1. Hiring an Inexperienced Roofer

Hiring an inexperienced roofer might seem like a good initial solution since they likely require less money to complete roofing work. However, this choice can lead to costly errors such as reinstallation of the roof or serious damage to your home and property.

Choose work with respected roofing companies that have extensive experience in roof installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement. You'll also need assistance with gutter installation after the roof is completed since both are equally important for protecting your home.

2. Delayed Repair and Maintenance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make with roofing is neglecting regular maintenance. No matter how high-quality and durable the materials used in construction are, roof inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs are essential.

When cracks and defects on the roof worsen, repair becomes expensive. You'll end up fixing more than just the roof because leaks can cause issues with other parts of your home. Delayed repair and maintenance tasks, such as replacing missing or broken shingles or fixing leaks, can damage the interior and structure of your home over time.

3. Incorrect Use of Nails

A roofer should use exactly the right number of nails to secure roofing shingles and the roof in place. Too few nails can cause shingles to slip off. The roofer should also drive the nails at the correct angle to prevent material tearing and roof leaks.

4. Improper Gutter Installation

This is a common mistake an inexperienced roofer might make. The gutter system will only function effectively when properly installed, i.e., positioned under the roofing shingles. It should not extend beyond the roof edge but must be sufficient to prevent water infiltration or wind blowing.

5. Poor Attic Ventilation

Roofing shingles should be installed to allow for adequate airflow from the attic. Poor attic ventilation can lead to ice dams in winter, moisture buildup, and mold growth, which may damage the roof and affect the health of residents.

6. Repairing a Roof Over Old Materials

You can install new roofing shingles over old materials. This may be cheaper compared to installing a whole new roof, but it carries numerous potential risks. It's difficult to assess the condition of the roof because it can appear heavy on old materials. Installing a new roof is costly, but in the long run, it allows you to save money.

Conclusion

Installing a new roof is very expensive. It's important to maintain your existing roof as long as possible. Discuss these mistakes we've highlighted with your contractor to ensure they don't make them.