5 Common Installation Mistakes That Affect Roof Longevity
By Stacy MelleteEnding up with a botched installation is the number one reason not to fix your own roof or leave the job to an unqualified contractor. One mistake might be enough to nullify your product warranty or face hefty fines when the work fails to meet safety codes.
These five installation-related errors come with the costliest consequences:
Pulling No Permits
Generally, permits are necessary before residential and commercial roofing projects can commence. They inform the local tax assessor about the home improvement, prompting the authorities to periodically visit the site to ensure no building regulation is violated.
Overlaying a Shingle Layer Over Another
Sometimes, you can get away with installing one layer of asphalt shingles over an existing one to expedite the installation and minimize the cost of labor. However, this would only make sense if the sheathing is structurally sound and expected to remain in good condition for years.
Also, your home should be able to support the weight of two layers of roofing materials without any risk of a collapse. If you choose to do an overlay project when you’re not supposed to, expect to experience roofing problems sooner than you thought.
Applying Materials Incorrectly
Every commercial and residential roofing brand has its own set of installation requirements, which must be observed at all costs. Otherwise, issues could arise. If your new asphalt shingles are nailed improperly and fail earlier than their estimated service lives, their manufacturer might not stand behind their warranty.
Keeping Old Flashings
Reusing salvageable flashings may be an honest mistake, but it’s detrimental to the entire roof nevertheless. Without replacing the old flashing, your roof will be more prone to leakage, and your home to water damage.
Forgetting About Attic Vents
The effectiveness of roof repairs lies in addressing underlying issues, and not just sealing leaks. In many cases, poor attic ventilation is the culprit behind roof damage. When left unaddressed, expect to face the same roofing problems pretty soon.
Turn to Affordable Roofing Systems to avoid rookie roof installation mistakes along with their costly implications. Call us at (813) 542-8462 now to discuss your roofing needs, and get a free estimate. We are a local roofing contractor in Tampa or St. Petersburg, FL.