The roof is one of the most important parts of a home. It offers protection against the elements and plays a part in the overall aesthetics of your home. It also plays a part in insulating your home and making it more comfortable for your family. You need to invest in the proper maintenance if you want your roof to maintain its integrity.
However, roofs are prone to damage even with effective maintenance. At some point, you will have to deal with roof damages ranging from minor leaks to missing shingles. This may come about as a result of natural wear and tear that comes with age or extreme weather conditions like hurricanes and strong winds.
When it is time to deal with the damages, it can be tempting to handle the repairs yourself in a bid to save some money. However, the quality of DIY work you do depends on how much knowledge you have about roofing.
It is an intricate process that requires the right tools and proper understanding of how to go about it. You can easily make mistakes that could result in costly repairs. If you plan on replacing your roof in the near future, here are some common mistakes you need to watch out for.
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Installing a New Roof Over the Old One
Nobody wants to handle all the work that comes with removing an old roof before fitting the new roofing material. In some states, the law prohibits overlaying. However, even in places where it is legal, you want to avoid overlaying at all costs.
Some roof problems such as leaks can be hard to identify and the only way to effectively deal with them is by completely tearing apart the existing roof. Some damages also go beyond the roofing material thus compromising the integrity of underlying structures.
By tearing apart the whole roof, you can identify any underlying problems and ensure proper repair or replacement. Additionally, installing new shingles over the old ones can cause damage to the walls. They will have to sustain more weight than they were designed for causing cracks and other structural damages that will end up costing more to repair.
Opting for Poor Quality Shingles
Every homeowner wants to save money and buying cheap roofing materials may seem like a good way to do so. While it may work in the short-term, it will turn out to be more expensive long-term as you will need a replacement sooner than necessary.
Poor quality shingles cannot withstand harsh weather conditions. They also tend to age faster when exposed to weather elements like the scorching summer sun or snow during winter.
Another common mistake among homeowners is buying roofing materials from different vendors. Usually, shingles are produced in batches and each batch has a characteristic color and weight.
Getting them from different vendors may ruin the overall aesthetic due to a mismatch. This may turn off potential home buyers if you plan to sell your home one day. They may also use it as a reason to drive down the price.
Improper Installation
Improper installation is a common mistake even among roofing contractors. Roof flashing prevents water from getting under the roof coverings.
It is installed in places where water runoff occurs such as vents, gutters, and chimneys. A common mistake during the installation process is misaligning the flashing or using poor quality materials. Over time, your roof starts leaking causing damage to other parts of your home.
Neglecting the Need for Regular Maintenance
The durability and longevity of your roof depends on how well you maintain it. Sadly, many homeowners do not invest in roof maintenance, resulting in the need for more expensive repair down the road.
The best way to handle this is to conduct regular maintenance tasks. Get rid of any debris clogging your gutters and remove overhead tree branches.
Also check for signs of damage such as missing shingles. You can hire a preventative commercial roof maintenance company to help with this. They offer a range of services aimed at maintaining the integrity of your roof and fixing minor damages before they turn into major problems.
Failing to Address Leaks In Time
Ignoring leaks is a major issue among homeowners and can cause water damage. Once you notice a leak in your roof, make sure you have it repaired immediately. Roof leaks can cause water damage which may compromise your home’s structural integrity.
It can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew which can pose a health hazard. You can identify roof leaks by looking out for water stains on the ceilings.
Failing to Follow Local Building Codes
Before embarking on any roofing project, take time to research the local building code. Ignoring this can cause safety and legal issues.
The building codes can help you determine how much material you need for your roof and quality standards you need to satisfy. Some homeowners tend to ignore details such as pitch requirements and drainage systems causing water pooling and damage.
Poor Insulation
Insulation is an important part of your roof. It can help enhance energy efficiency, control moisture, and reduce noise inside your home.
Failing to install proper insulation causes heat loss during the colder months and heat gain in summer. You have to depend more on your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills.
Using the wrong insulation material is also common. Make sure you consult with a professional to determine the right materials depending on the specific needs of your home.
Insufficient Ventilation
Proper ventilation plays a part in the durability of a roofing system. Inadequate ventilation can cause problems such as higher energy bills stemming from poor air circulation within the attic or moisture buildup that creates breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Attic condensation also makes the insulation less effective. During summer, poorly ventilated roofs retain excessive heat which can damage the roofing material. Make sure you have enough fans and vents to enhance airflow.
Using the Wrong Coating
There are different ways to extend the life of your roof and using a roof coating is one of them. Roof coatings provide protection from harsh elements and help prevent water leaks. However, not all types of coating are suitable for all roofs.
Epoxy coatings, for instance, are ideal for places with little rainfall and low humidity. Exposure to these two causes the coating to peel off or curl over time causing damage to the roofing material. Before choosing a coating, research the different options to identify a suitable one for your area and type of roof.
Endnote
Roofing mistakes are a financial and safety concern. By proactively avoiding these mistakes, you can prevent roofing problems and failures. This helps maintain the longevity of your roof and improves the value of your property.
