Roof replacement is rarely thought of as a DIY job. Most homeowners understand that a roofing contractor is the best choice for roof repair or replacement. Roofing contractors will not only do the job safely but have the right knowledge to do the job well. However, some common mistakes can result from hiring a contractor without the right qualifications or attention to detail that Anderson Roofing provides. If you notice any issues with your roof, it may be due to one of these mistakes.
Flashing is used where your roof’s shingles come against something like a chimney, vent, skylight, or wall. Counter flashing is generally used where masonry walls meet the roof deck. A quality contractor will cut a groove into the wall to insert the flashing. However, some roofing contractors will skip this step and seal the flashing directly to that wall. This will almost always result in leaks.
Step flashing is used where the roof deck meets the walls. The flashing will be weaved into the shingles during installation and attached to either the roof deck or the wall. Quality roofing professionals typically attach the flashing to the wall to avoid unnecessary nails in the roof deck. When done correctly, the flashing will keep your roof free of leaks. However, there are several mistakes made by ineffective roofing contractors, including attaching the flashing to both the wall and the roof deck or installing the flashing as a single step without weaving through the shingles. These mistakes will allow water to infiltrate the joints and cause leaks.
If the drip edge is not installed properly – or at all – there will be plenty of opportunities for leaks at the eaves and the rake edge of your roof. A drip edge is designed to protect the edge of the roof deck; without it, water will inevitably infiltrate the roof at the edges. Many roof repairs and premature replacements are due to a missing or poorly installed drip edge.
Your roof needs to be installed in a specific order. If the materials are layered properly, they will create a waterproof seal to protect your home. The order should typically be:
Although layering can change based on the design of your roof, not laying the materials properly will almost assuredly cause leaks. If the mistakes are significant enough to cause serious leaks, the entire roof may need to be replaced. It is essential that your roofing contractor understands the importance of following the process exactly.
Poor ventilation causes problems. If air cannot properly flow through the attic space, your roof can have issues with premature aging caused by extreme heat, moisture damage, mold, or ice dams. Vents should be weaved into the shingles to ensure proper drainage while allowing airflow. As vents come in many different shapes, sizes, and configurations, installing vents incorrectly is a real risk. You need an experienced roofing contractor to know what vents are right for your roof.
Soil stacks and valleys can cause problems when installed with inferior materials. Both issues are easily preventable when the right materials are used. If inferior materials are used and not sealed properly, the lifespan of your roof can drop dramatically, but often, these mistakes are caused when a roofing contractor tries to use the cheapest materials available. Make sure that any roofing work you have done uses materials that will last.
If you feel like your previous roofing was done with any of these mistakes and you are suffering the consequences, we are here to help get your roof healthy again. The team at Anderson Roofing has the right processes to ensure that we don’t make mistakes that are easily avoided.
We have experience delivering high-quality roofing services at affordable prices.
As professional roofers we are constantly striving for perfection.
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