The roof is one of the most vital aspects of your home. It protects you and your loved ones from extreme weather conditions, contributes to the home’s visual appeal, and keeps the house insulated. However, a roofing system is expensive, so you must ensure proper maintenance to maintain its integrity. You should also be careful when handling roofing installations, repairs, and replacements to avoid the expense and hassle of severe damages and other issues in the future. Read on for seven common roofing mistakes to avoid making the most of your investment.
1. Failing to hire roofing contractors
Since roofing is costly, most homeowners opt to handle roof installation, repairs, replacement, and maintenance by themselves to save on labor expenses. This compromises safety, as one could slip and fall and sustain injuries. You may also lack the necessary equipment, resulting in premature roofing failure. For this reason, leave all roofing projects to professional roofing contractors Indiana.
To hire the right person for the roofing job, consider asking potential contractors for references to check their previous work. You could also read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to determine their experiences working with a prospective roofer. Be sure to compare pricing and check credentials, including certifications and licensing to ensure you hire a qualified contractor.
2. Not getting a permit
Before starting any roofing project, it is critical to check your local building codes. Most regions require homeowners to acquire permits before handling home improvement projects, including roof installation and repairs. When caught without one, the roofing project could be halted or suspended regardless of the roof’s condition. This will not only expose your family to harm and compromise your property’s integrity. You could also be vulnerable to legal suits, hefty fees, and fines, so ensure you secure the necessary permits for your roofing project.
3. Installing a new roof over an existing one
One of most homeowners’ biggest mistakes during roof replacement is fitting new shingles over old ones. While this may not be illegal in your state, this practice could create crevices or areas for dirt and moisture to accumulate. This could make your roofing system get damaged and deteriorate faster, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.
Installing new shingles over existing ones adds extra weight to your house, which could stress the roofing system and walls. For this reason, consider hiring professional roofers to remove the old roof and inspect the deck before installing new shingles.
4. Reusing existing flashing
Roof flashing is vital to protecting damage to the roofing system and other features, including skylights, vents, and chimneys. The flashing’s primary role is to redirect water to combat water damage and leaks.
Be sure to replace existing flashing during roof replacement to ensure proper waterproofing. You should also ensure you appropriately align the underlayment at the edges, the slopes’ lower points, and the area where the roofing system joins the front and side walls. This ensures moisture does not penetrate through the joints, which could make your home vulnerable to water leaks and cause significant damage to your property.
5. Poor attic ventilation
The attic plays a vital role in ensuring the shingles or tiles on your roofing system have a strong foundation. However, when poorly ventilated, heat and moisture could build up in the attic, causing damage to your roofing’s underside. This eventually results in water leaks, especially in rainy seasons, compromising your home’s structural integrity.
Poor attic ventilation could cause your home’s air conditioning system to work harder to heat and cool the house. This will not only damage your HVAC unit and shorten its lifespan. You will also spend more money on energy bills. For these reasons, leave at least one square foot of ventilation space for every 150 square feet of your attic floors. Alternatively, hire a professional roofer to ensure your attic has sufficient ventilation.
6. Investing in poor quality or mismatched shingles
It can be tempting to opt for the cheapest shingles in the market to cut the installation cost. However, buying cheap shingles could mean compromising quality. While you may initially save a significant amount, you will spend more on repairs and maintenance to keep low-quality shingles in excellent condition.
When purchasing shingles, you should also avoid sourcing from different manufacturers. Manufacturers often produce shingles in batches, and every brand has a unique shade. If you buy from different sellers, you could purchase varying colors, compromising your roofing system’s overall appeal.
7. Lack of routine maintenance
Investing in the highest-quality roofing materials is not enough. Over time, you will likely experience leaks, missing or broken shingles, and faulty gutters, due to natural wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, and debris. For this reason, you should schedule regular inspections and timely repairs to maintain your roofing system, prevent significant issues, and extend its lifespan.
Endnote
Few things can ruin your home’s curb appeal more than a damaged or deteriorating roof. Increase your home’s visual appeal by avoiding the above common roofing mistakes. Ensure you also work with an experienced and licensed contractor to repair, replace, and maintain your roof to prevent unpleasant and expensive outcomes.
