Last week, we went over 5 common roofing mistakes that are made during the roof installation process. While these mistakes are usually made by homeowners trying to install a roof on their own, they’re sometimes made by roofing contractors who don’t have as much experience in their field as they should. Whether you’re doing your roof yourself or hiring roofing contractors, it’s good to be aware of what’s going on during the process.
Here are three more common roofing mistakes to watch out for. If you’re in the market for a quality roofing job in Kansas City, it might be best to call in experts rather than try to do it yourself. Local Kansas City roofers – like Shamrock Roofing and Construction – know the market, know their industry inside and out, and are always willing to answer homeowners’ questions about maintenance, repair, or new roof installation.
3 More Roofing Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Not using the right materials for the slope.
The slope, also called the pitch, of the roof refers to the steepness of the roof. Local Kansas City roofers calculate the slope using the number of inches of vertical elevation for every 12 inches of expansion horizontally. While most homeowners don’t have control over the slope of their roof, having purchased the house after it was built, it’s still important to understand this element before choosing your new roofing system or the materials for a new roof installation. The slope plays a big role in the durability and weather performance of your roof, so the materials you use need to incorporate with the design.
Mistake #2: Not using enough flashing or improper installation of flashing.
Roof valleys are some of the most susceptible areas of the roof when it comes to water intrusion. These valleys are what channel the water off the roof, and they handle an amazing amount of water at times, which makes them more prone to leaks than other areas of the roof. Flashing should be installed underneath the shingles in the valley, not over the top of them, and it should be well-secured using the proper sealant or other securing mechanism. Sealing flashing too tightly can cause it to buckle, leading to water leaks, but not sealing it tightly enough can also let water in. It has to be sealed just right.
Mistake #3: Not factoring in the right overhang.
Another common mistake – especially by DIYers – is not allowing enough overhang for the shingles. Shingles need to hang over the edge of the roof by about an inch to an inch-and-a-half. If drop edge flashing is used, shingles should hang over somewhere between a half-inch and three-quarters of an inch. If they hang too far over the edge of the roof, they’re more likely to be ripped off by the next strong wind. If they hang over by too little, water may get trapped underneath them, leading to all kinds of potential damage in the future.
Looking for Quality Roofing in Kansas City?
As you’ve learned, there’s a whole lot more to installing a roof than just nailing on shingles. If you’re looking for a quality roofing job in Kansas City, give Shamrock Roofing and Construction a call. We pride ourselves on every job we do, because we take the time to work with our customers to see what they’re looking for, how they want their roof to look, and what their priorities are when it comes to budgeting and planning a roofing project. Our number one goal is customer satisfaction. When you work with Shamrock Roofing, you’re working with local Kansas City roofers who really care about you and your home. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t still be in business after 40 years. Contact us today for more information on our many residential roofing services.