One of the fundamental functions of a roof is to provide protection from the elements. Not only does a roof enable your home to retain heat in the winter, and cool air in the summer, but it also shelters you and your possessions from water. Put simply, your roof is one of the most important aspects of your property.
That being said, failing to fix a damaged roof correctly can lead to weather exposure and complex issues further down the line. It is therefore crucial that any roof related repairs on your property are carried out by a skilled and experienced roofer.
So, to ensure that you can enjoy a functioning and aesthetically pleasing roof for as long as possible, let us discuss 3 of the most common roofing mistakes, while also discovering some possible steps you can take to avoid them.
Failing to Hire a Reputable Contractor
Firstly, there is no denying that choosing the right contractor is the most important part of your roofing project. Not sure where to begin? Always aim to look for local contractors with proper licensing, insurance, warranties, and an established reputation. Word of mouth recommendations are an easy way to track down qualified roofers so do not be afraid to ask family, friends, and neighbours for a referral. Additionally, hiring a local roofer is often advantageous. For instance, a roofer that has already worked on a property in your area is likely to have a familiarity with roofing jobs similar to your own. Researching a Houston Roofing Company online might be all it takes to get your roofing project off to the best possible start.
Similarly, there are a wide variety of useful online resources out there that can help you to identify roofers that service your local community. Websites like Yell.com can make finding contact details for roofers quick and efficient, and you can also do some research of your own using other online directories to find top rated tradespeople at the click of a button. Just remember, when comparing roofers and reading online reviews, it is essential to keep in mind the possibility that the individual circumstances and scale of your own roofing project will mean that your experiences and final costs can vary from contractor to contractor.
Improper Flashing Installation
In case you were not already aware, flashing is a thin sheet of impervious material used to prevent water penetration or seepage into a building. Essentially, it is used to direct the flow of moisture in walls. Flashing is frequently used at junctions such as roof hips and valleys, on joints between roofs and vertical walls, and roof intersections or projections such as chimneys, dormers, vent pipes, and window openings. Correspondingly, when replacing a roof, it is vital that a roofer does not reuse any old flashing. Although old flashing can appear to be in good condition reusing it can lead to a wide range of issues in the future.
Consequently, when repairing a roof, any old flashing should be replaced so that it is less likely to wear down. Various materials can be used for flashing. Aluminium, copper, and stainless steel are all popular options and choosing the right material for your roof will depend on your budget, the durability needed, visibility, and other materials that the flashing will make contact with. With all of this in mind, any new flashing must be installed correctly. If any flashing on a roof is misaligned, improperly overlapped, or insufficiently fastened, there is a possibility that the roof might not be sufficiently prepared to protect a property from ice, rain, and snow and, understandably, this can have devastating consequences.
Covering Old Shingles
In essence, roofing shingles are either flat or curved tiles that interlock or overlap in a way that channels water off a pitched roof. They are made from several different materials and as a result can vary in cost, weight, durability, colour, and style. When replacing a small area of a roof it is important to remove the old shingles and replace them with new ones. This is because placing new shingles on top of old ones can create an environment that is conducive to moisture and dirt. Over time, this can lead to deterioration and damage.
In order for a roof to be properly protected from rain, snow, and ice, a functioning moisture barrier is indispensable. Accordingly, proper moisture protection should be installed underneath all new shingles. What is more, fitting shingles incorrectly can lead to a wide range of issues. For example, if your roofer uses nails that are too short, this increases the risk of the shingles becoming loose, leading to shifting and premature replacements and repairs. Nail placement is also key to the integrity of your roof. All nails should be placed underneath the top layer of shingles. This reduces exposure to damaging sun, wind, and moisture, and even prevents corrosion.
Ultimately, a functioning roof is a necessary aspect of your home. From season to season some minor deterioration of your roof is to be expected and so repairs and replacements are essential measures for protecting your home from extreme weather conditions. Above all, by hiring a qualified roofer, you can get peace of mind that your roof should last for years to come.
Are you considering a roofing project? To learn more check out these 3 reasons why the quality of your roofing materials matters.