Putting a new roof comes at an expensive cost, but you will have to do it at some point. Often we do not appreciate the value of a roof until we are dealing with a faulty one. Although you have to install a new roof at some point, with proper installation and maintenance, you can reduce the cost. In this article, we’ll be sharing some of the common mistakes that you should avoid while installing a new roofing.
Not Replacing The Shingles In A Right Manner
Often we see people placing new shingles on top of the worn-out ones. While they think it will add more protection, in reality, it is increasing the chances of damage to your roof. Layering your shingles means there are more places where moisture and dirt can collect. This will fasten the deterioration process, and you will end up doing repairs more quickly than you expected. However, if the repair is beyond your control you search Google for “water damage restoration near me” to get help from the experts located near you.
The only way to deal with worn-out or damaged shingles is to take them out and install new ones. This is a standard process when installing a new roof and a necessary step when dealing with damaged shingles.
Inadequate Ventilation In The Attic
The attic is one of the important parts of your roof, which you cannot overlook. If your attic is not properly finished, it can impact the longevity of your new roofing. An attic plays a vital role in ensuring that shingles or tiles on the roof have a strong foundation. It should be properly ventilated as without that, it can get too hot in there.
This can result in an excessive build-up of heat, thereby causing serious damage to your roof. Subsequently, it can lead to damage to the insulation in your attic, increasing energy costs. Moreover, it is the main reason that causes roof decking failure and premature shingle.
Reusing Your Old Flashing
Flashing is defined as a thin material generally made of aluminum that works to protect the damage to the roof and its features like skylights, chimney, vents, etc. The main tasks of this material are to redirect water in order to assist in preventing water leaks and damage.
One of the common roofing mistakes is to reuse your old flashing. Although your existing flashing may look like it is in good condition, it is recommended to replace the flashing with the tiles and shingles of the roof. If you reuse the old flashing, it increases the risk of potential issues with water leaks and damages.
Lack Of Drip Edge
A drip edge is manufactured using aluminum and installed at the edge of your roof. A drip edge is installed to redirect water away from the wall of the home and into the gutter. Moreover, it is used to ensure that wind-driven rain does not get up and under the roof.
If you do not install a drip edge, the water may get accumulated under the shingles and can cause damage to your house. Many older homes have not installed a drip edge, but modern building codes require its installation. Installing a drip edge can save a lot of money that you would otherwise invest in repairing the damages.
Not Taking Care Of Ice Dams In Cold Climates
During winters, ice damming is quite common. As the snow melts on the roof, it also refreezes. This can force the ice and water to get under your shingles, pulling them up. When installing a new roof, you should consider taking proper measures to prevent ice dams.
Proper attic ventilation can assist you to avoid this issue, as a cold attic will ensure that the roof does not experience much snow melting. Moreover, you can also install an adhesive ice-and-water barrier to enclose your roof’s edge.
Inadequate Installation Of Underlayment
It is a layer of waterproof or water-resistant material that is directly installed on the deck of your roof. The underlayment is installed under all materials used in the roofing. This is because they add a strong protective layer, preventing the roofing materials from various elements and extreme weather conditions.
There are three prominent kinds of roofing underlayment, including rubberized asphalt underlayment, synthetic underlayment, and asphalt-saturated felt. Rubberized asphalt underlayment is waterproof, whereas synthetic underlayment and asphalt-saturated felt are water-resistant.
Not Aligning The Shingles Properly
The way shingles are aligned says a lot about the quality of the roofing. If the cutouts of the shingles are not placed vertically or if the joints are not aligned properly on the horizontal plane, the shingles are misaligned.
This can make your shingles appear sloppy and unorganized. Additionally, it also hampers the protection and coverage of the roof. When the shingles are not aligned properly, it creates gaps in the coverage. This means your roof, the roof deck, and home is more vulnerable to damages.
Not Using Starter Strips
These strips include eaves that are overhang placed on the roof. However, there are many roofing projects that make the mistake of not using starter strips. The starter section of your shingles should be laid in alignment with rake edges and eves. Without adding starter strips, you are allowing the water to move to the deck of the roof and resulting in water damage.
Not Adhering To The Guidelines Of Manufacturer
Each material installed in the roof comes with instructions that should be duly followed. The small instruction section that will come in the packaging or boxes is very important. Ignoring these guidelines can result in inadequate installation, causing more chances of damages. Moreover, if you want to access the warranty, you should follow the mentioned guidelines during installation.
Replacing your roofing can be expensive, and you can see how much it costs here. But installing your roofing in the right manner will increase its life and help you save money in the long run.
