The cost of installing a new roof on your home is high, but it will be essential at some point. Unfortunately, certain frequent roofing blunders can result in sloppy or inexperienced craftsmanship, which will result in higher costs if you have to fix it later.
The following are some of the most typical roofing blunders you should avoid when starting a roofing project in your home.
You Didn’t Obtain a Roofing Permit
Roof replacement may or may not require permission from the local municipality. Make sure to hire a roofer who is licensed, insured, and bonded.
A roofing permit ensures that your roof is safe and compliant with local building requirements. A permit is usually required to install a new roof in most places. If you are caught without one, your roof installation may be suspended immediately, regardless of the roof’s present condition. You may also have to pay additional fines and taxes.
Your Nail Placement Is Not Accurate
There are specific spots where nails and fasteners should be placed when installing a new roof. Nails that are positioned incorrectly can cause structural problems.
One of the most serious problems is leaving the nail exposed to the environment rather than burying it beneath the top layer of shingles. They can corrode and cause holes in your shingles if they are exposed, making your roof susceptible to water and wind damage.
You Didn’t Use the Right Nail Length
There is a nail type and length that corresponds to each shingle style. The use of an incorrect nail length increases the chance of shingles loosening. This will cause shingles to shift, reducing the longevity of your roof.
Nails should be driven well into the decking to keep the shingle in place.
You Left a Drip Edge Uninstalled
Water can trickle under the shingles on a roof and damage your home if it is not diverted away from your house. A drip edge can help with this. It’s an aluminum piece placed at the edges of roofs, which guides the water away from the walls.
A drip edge prevents rain from getting up and under your roof due to wind. It may not be present in some older homes, but it is required by most modern building rules.
You Failed to Use Starter Strips
The eaves of your roof are the overhang and the beginning point for roofing. Unfortunately, a common roofing blunder occurs when the project is first started. Always lay a beginning strip of shingles around the eaves and rake edges.
Starter strips are used to seal the initial course of shingles along the eave and are not the same as ordinary shingles. Without it, water may leak onto the roof deck without a starting strip, causing water damage.
You Didn’t Take Roof Slope into Account
The materials used to roof your home are affected by the slope of your roof. Roll roofing with exposed nails is permitted on lower slopes, while shingles and tiles are permitted on higher slopes.
When inappropriate material is used for the slope of the roof, it can lead to water penetration and damage.
Your Shingle Exposure Is Not Right
Between layers, shingles should be exposed for a certain amount of time. Your shingles are subject to accumulating water during rainfall or being blown off if they are too close together, shortening the exposure. If your shingles are too far apart, the roof will not receive the protection it needs.
Your Shingle Overhang Is in the Wrong Place
Shingles should not end at the edge of your roof. Even if there is a drip edge, they should dangle over the roof. Cutting the overhang too short or too long is a typical roofing mistake.
If there is too much overhang, the shingles may blow off in heavy winds, and if there is too little overhang, water may leak into the rake or fascia boards.
Conclusion
As a homeowner, you should not overlook these important roofing details to prevent water damage and other risks from external factors like extreme weather. Work with a reliable contractor or handyman to ensure the quality and strength of your new roof.
If you need a roofing company in San Diego, CA, don’t hesitate to contact Pioneer Roofing Company. We’re one of the most well-respected and trusted roofing companies in the Western region. Check out our services today, and call us for your roofing needs!