Exposure to the elements causes roofs to deteriorate over time. Intense heat, strong winds, and heavy rains wear down your roofing materials. This means that at some point, these materials will need to be repaired or replaced. When you notice roofing issues, you must move quickly to fix the damage and protect your home from these various weather conditions. But beware, poor workmanship by inexperienced contractors can make the problem even worse, leading to bigger issues down the line that are expensive to repair. To ensure that your home remains protected and in good condition, here are five roofing mistakes that every homeowner should avoid:
1. Improper Installation of Flashing
Flashing is used around your chimneys, vents, and valley to prevent leaks. If the flashing is installed improperly, this can lead to water damage and expensive repairs. Inexperienced roofers or contractors may struggle with using flashing correctly. However, this isn’t a job that you can afford to have botched.
When your new roof is being installed, it might be possible to keep some of the old flashings, but anything that is damaged should always be replaced.
2. Poor Ventilation in Attic
If too much heat accumulates in your attic, this can cause the temperature of your roof to increase. When this occurs, your shingles can get damaged, which will likely decrease the energy-efficiency of your home. Have your contractor install polyethylene foam insulation to help regulate the temperature inside of your attic. Doing so will increase energy efficiency and expand the life of your shingles.
3. Mismatched Shingles
One of the most noticeable mistakes made by a roofer is to use mismatched shingles.
Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors, but it’s important to purchase a set that is all the same shade. Get your shingles in a set from one manufacturer to ensure consistency.
Your shingles should also be laid uniformly. This will be easy to do for an experienced roofer but can pose a challenge to new contractors. If shingles are not perfectly straight, this may cause performance issues with your roof.
Perfectly aligning your shingles both ensures your roofing system functions properly and enhances your home’s curb appeal.
4. Incorrect Installation
Shotty installation can lead to a poorly performing roofing system. Some homeowners try to save money by installing new roofing shingles on top of old ones. However, old shingles should always be removed and properly disposed of before a new roof gets installed. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying big in the long run.
5. Working with Inexperienced Contractors
The most important step in the roofing process is finding the right contractor to avoid mistakes. Hire a licensed and insured professional who guarantees the quality of their work. It’s also a good idea to check out customer reviews to gain better insight into the contractor’s reputation.
Repairing or replacing roofing is a complex process that should be left to the professionals. Know who you’re working with to help avoid unwanted surprises later on. Hire a qualified contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly. Contact Smart Exteriors today.
