The roof is an incredibly important part of a home, and therefore, there are a lot of different things that can go wrong with it. Being so exposed to the elements means that there’s a lot of opportunity for issues to arise and damage to be caused. This is unfortunate, but it’s essential to avoid making these problems even worse.
There are many mistakes that can be made when it comes to roofing repairs. From minor maintenance to significant repairs, the impact these mistakes can have on your roof, and your whole home can be long-lasting.
Luckily, by knowing what these mistakes are, homeowners can learn from them and avoid making the same ones themselves. Let’s look at the common repair mistakes and how to prevent making them.
DIY Roofing
Some homeowners lean more on the side of hiring professionals, and others lean more on the side of do-it-yourself. These lines will be drawn differently depending on the different levels of handiness a homeowner has and how much time and effort they want to put into learning.
However, there are some repairs where DIY is generally not recommended at all. These include electrical work, any medium or major plumbing work, and working on the roof.
The roof plays a key role in the protection and security of a house, one that it’s essential not to take risks with. Plus, it’s often best to leave things to experts when working with heights and ladders.
And as roofing repair companies like Professional Roofers know, attempting DIY repairs often ends up with a call to the professionals in the end, except often with more expensive and time-consuming repairs than if the roofers had been called in the first place.
Reusing Flashing
Flashing plays a significant role in the function of a roof. It’s a thin material that runs along the roofline to redirect the flow of water away from your house, preventing water damage and leaks. When replacing shingles, a common mistake is reusing the existing flashing. Even if it appears to be in good condition, the risk is that there are underlying issues that could lead to water damage in your home. Avoid this by always using new flashing.
Placing New Shingles Over Old Ones
When replacing shingles, it’s essential to remove the old ones before installing the new ones. However, some people choose to skip this step. Layering new shingles over old ones creates gaps and crevices where dirt and moisture can build up, which speeds up roof deterioration. Not removing the old shingles prevents roofers from inspecting the roof deck for problems and weak points, and It also adds significant weight to your home.
Ignoring the Attic
A roof is far more than shingles, and at its foundation is the attic, a key player in the function of the roof. Proper ventilation and insulation are necessary to keep the attic from overheating, which can cause premature roof failure and cause an increase in your energy bills.
Make sure whoever is working on your roof is aware of the above issues and knows how to prevent and address them.