It is no secret that putting a new roof on your home is quite the investment. So this just means that any homeowner needs to take measures to ensure their roof lasts as long as possible. Unfortunately, there are some common mistakes that are all to easy to make when it comes to residential roofing, both with roof installation and roof maintenance.
Here are some of the most common roofing mistakes to keep an eye out for.
- Installing the shingles incorrectly – As a rule of thumb, asphalt shingles should never be installed on roof slopes that are less than 2:12. This is so the water and snow will run off properly and you won’t have drainage problems or premature wear and tear on your shingles.
- Forgetting about ice damns – This is especially true if you live in a colder climate. Ice dams are when the water pools at the roofline and penetrates underneath the shingles. The water then enters the home through the ventilation and can cause a lot of expensive water damage issues. But you can easily prevent this by adding extra layers of insulation so the water will have a harder time penetrating the home.
- Installing a new roof on top of your old one – Your roofing contractor should remove your old roof completely before installing a new one. This is so they can inspect the inside of your home for any areas that need extra attention, or when they find hidden pockets of water damage.
- Not having attic ventilation – Think of it this way — your attic is just an extension of your roof. So with this in mind, you need to remember to invest in different attic protections as a way to ensure your roof stays in the best condition possible. One of the most important examples of this is attic ventilation. Without it, moisture can accumulate in your roof and your shingles can wear down prematurely.
- Neglecting the drip edge – A drip edge is meant to protect the rest of your home and when installed improperly it can cause extensive damage to your walls, foundation, and deck. If not, water will spill down your walls, pool at your foundation, and can cause waterproofing problems in your basement.
There are plenty of mistakes that are easy to make when you invest in a new roof. Just keep an eye out for these common errors and you won’t have any problems, just a brand new roof ready to be shown off.
