There isn’t anything or anyone perfect. Mistakes do occur, and that’s a fact we have to live with. Mistakes can be costly and not just financially. This reason is why, as individuals, we always make sure we get the most out of whichever endeavor we partake in to limit damages.
Roofing can be a very tasking activity, both for a roofing contractor and a homeowner following DIY procedures. It only takes a true professional to undertake a roofing job and get it done with minimal or no errors. Unfortunately, there is limited access to such people. The closest option to the one above is to get prepared properly before taking up such a task. One thing that could help with your preparation is a guideline. This guide should help enlighten you on certain dangers when roofing so you can prevent them from happening beforehand. Luckily for you, we are here to provide just that.
You can get all the information about the common errors made when roofing right below;
Placing New Roofing Shingles On Top Of Old Ones
This mistake is all too common for roofing contractors and DIY homeowners alike. There is this myth within inexperienced roofers that is overlapping an old shingle with a new one makes it stronger. Well, the direct opposite is the case.
Covering old shingles with new ones won’t give you more protection; rather, it will most likely hurt your roof the most. The weight of the new shingles above the old shingles can cause your roofing structure to cave. This occurrence can be very hazardous. Another credible reason is the spaces created between the shingles. The presence of such spaces can give room to moisture, which will accelerate mold growth. These spaces can greatly reduce the lifespan of your roof further, leading to more financing for repairs.
First of all, you can get rid of the mold by researching how to treat a moldy roof. Most importantly, you can fix this shingle problem easily by getting rid of the old shingles totally before installing the new ones. Might take a long time and lots of energy, but it will save you the extra cost for repairs.
Making Use of Old and Worn-Out Flashing
You must always use brand new roofing materials, regardless of if it’s just repairs or replacements. The same applies to the use of flashing. Most roofers tend to use the old flashing from previous roof structures, which is very wrong. Flashing is a very important aspect of your roof. It is very useful for keeping moisture out of your vents and chimney. Moisture in vents and chimneys can increase mold growth and affect your ventilation systems. Luckily, flashing takes care of that effectively, well, at least when installed brand new.
The problem comes when an old flashing is used, as stated above. Most roofing materials have a lifespan, so reusing isn’t the brightest idea. The old flashing won’t be as resistant as a new one and could let in moisture and promote mold growth. It can compromise the entire roofing structure in the process. The advice is simple; don’t use a used flashing. Getting a new one might cost you more, but can also save you a lot more damages in the long run.
Overhangs
Overhangs can be both a positive and a negative. You can’t fix errors from overhangs as easily as others listed above. While the ones mentioned can be solved by basic avoidance and material utilization, overhangs require skill to overcome the mistakes that might arise when getting it implemented.
Overhangs can add to the pleasant look of a house. The shingles are installed to hang out of the sides. Though it’s indisputable beautiful to look at, it can also be a massive structural issue. Overhangs, when installed improperly, can be subject to the effects of a windy climate. Such conditions can make the overhangs weak and damage the entire roofing structure.
Most homeowners enjoy having overhangs in their homes, so not getting one is a solution most of them don’t want to hear. The best solution to this problem is to install the overhang shingles properly. You can seek the help of a trusted local roofer to get it done for you. If you insist on a DIY procedure, then you should do more research on roofing overhangs.
Wrong Nailing
Nailing is the most important aspect of roofing. Even a rookie knows that without nails, you can’t construct a roof. However, what a rookie doesn’t know is how to nail a roof and what equipment to use. Even the most experienced roofer still makes such mistakes now and then.
There is always a method to nailing a roof, so the structure isn’t affected. This definitive method should be followed to the last shingle to avoid loose shingles and unwanted spaces. The nailing pattern is determined by the roofing material used and the roofing type. You can read up on the nail application of asphalt shingles to gain more information.
Secondly, you shouldn’t expose the top part (head) of the nail at all. The nail heads should be beneath the roof shingles to prevent the direct impact of climatic conditions. This measure will extend the lifespan of the nail and the roof in general. It will also prevent corrosion/rust of the nail heads.
In conclusion, roofs, in general, have an expected period of effectiveness. Whether the roof fulfills it or not is up to us and how we work on it. Taking note of the mistakes and avoiding them can go a long way to extend the life of your roof. However, seeking the services of a very experienced roofing company is your best bet at getting the most out of your roof. You can get such credible roofing services at Royal Roofing Queens. Reach us at 68-38 Main Street #2 Flushing, NY 11367 (718) 489-4009 https://www.kingsqueensroofing.com/ now.
