6 Common Residential Roofing Mistakes to Avoid
The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects the rest of your home from the elements and ensures the whole house remains structurally sound. But roofs are not indestructible, and they will break down over time. Since its role is so crucial, you must find the right roofing contractors to repair it. Working with an unqualified company can result in all sorts of mistakes made throughout the process. Read on below to learn more about six of the most common roofing errors and why you must hire a reputable roofing company to avoid them.
Non-Matching Slate
Do you have a slate roof instead of a shingled roof? If so, one of your main concerns should be how well the new slate matches. Before beginning the installation process, ask the roofer to inspect the existing slate. This way, they can ensure that the color of the new materials is consistent with the old slate.
Covering Old Shingles
One of the biggest mistakes that a roofer can make is installing the new shingles over the old ones instead of removing them first. Unfortunately, non-trustworthy companies use this trick as a means of saving money and doing less work. The correct way to replace or repair a roof is first to remove the old, damaged shingles and replace them with new ones. If they don’t use this method, dirt and moisture can collect in between the new and old shingles, causing the roof to deteriorate much faster than it normally would. So, make sure that your contractor removes the old roof in its entirety before installing the new one.
Reusing Old Flashing
Flashing has an important job when it comes to your roof: it prevents moisture from entering your home at its most vulnerable points like the chimney, roof valleys, and skylights. If your roofer decides to cut corners and reuse the old roofing, you may end up paying for it in the future. Even if it still looks to be in good condition, you should still replace it with new flashing that won’t wear out as quickly.
Improper Flashing Installation
Along with using new flashing, the roofers should also install the flashing correctly. If they don’t, you could experience some serious water damage in the future. When flashing is misaligned, poorly fastened, or overlapped incorrectly, your roof will not be protected against precipitation. To avoid this issue altogether, make sure you are working with professionals who handle residential roofing repair in Conroe, TX.
Improper Placement of Nails
Nail placement is one of the most important things when it comes to the structural integrity of the roof. If the nails are not put in the correct spots, it can result in serious structural problems down the line. The nail heads should never be exposed to moisture, wind, and sun. Instead, the nails should be placed under a layer of shingles. This will prevent corrosion that would otherwise cause holes to form in the shingles and cause the roof to deteriorate prematurely.
Inadequate Ventilation
Most homeowners do not realize how important ventilation is when it comes to their roofing. Without proper ventilation, an excess of heat can build in the attic. This can make your home hotter during the summer and cause moisture to accumulate, which can cause damage down the line. Fortunately, high-quality roofers know just how vital adequate ventilation is. They will take the necessary steps to ensure that the roof is both structurally secure and properly vented.
If your roof needs repairs and you want them completed correctly, contact us at AM Commercial/Residential Roofing Company today!