5 Common Roofing Mistakes
Putting a new roof on a home is a project that most do-it-yourselfers shy away from, and for good reason. If you don’t have the experience and know what you’re doing, you could end up making mistakes that cost you even more in the long run.
Many common roofing mistakes are made by homeowners, but sometimes these mistakes are also made by roofing contractors who don’t have full mastery of their skills. If you’re in the market for quality roofing in Kansas City, don’t attempt it yourself, and don’t hire the least expensive roofing contractor you can find. You often get what you pay for. Make sure you look for local Kansas City roofers who have many years of experience in the roofing industry and have earned a good reputation as a trustworthy, reputable contractor.
5 Common Roofing Mistakes to Watch For
Here’s a list of five of the most common roofing mistakes. Whether you’re attempting the job yourself or have hired local Kansas City roofers for the job, it doesn’t hurt to ask questions if you see something amiss. It’s worth being proactive when it comes to your roof. After all, you’ll have to live with it for the next 20+ years.
Mistake #1: Covering an old roof with a new one.
Industry best practices dictate that the old shingles should be completely removed first before putting down a new roof. This eliminates the possibility of water seeping in under the new roof because of imperfections and deterioration in the old shingles. New roofing materials lay flatter, creating a smoother surface that’s a better barrier against wind and rain. If you’re installing a new roof, make sure the old one comes off first.
Mistake #2: Skipping the moisture barrier.
A moisture barrier should always be laid down before new shingles are put on, and that can’t be done over the old shingles. This is another reason to pull the old roof off first. New shingles do a great job of diverting and deflecting water, but a high-quality moisture barrier should go down first. It’ll help protect your roof when snow and ice hit.
Mistake #3: Improper nailing techniques.
If shingles aren’t nailed down properly, you may get moisture leakage underneath them. Each shingle has a nail strip, which is the designated spot for nails to be hammered in. Nails should be driven in uniformly – not too far into the shingle but far enough that the head is flush with the surface of the shingle. Each layer of shingles should be laid so that the edge covers the nailing strip of the previous row. A reputable roofer uses a nail gun calibrated to shoot the nail to the correct depth every time.
Mistake #4: Improper ventilation.
Many homeowners underestimate the importance of ventilation in the roof. Your roof needs to breathe. The inflow and exhalation of air through the ceiling and roof keep your home dry and prevent moisture and heat from building up under the roof – both of which can cause damage if left unattended. Make sure you or your local Kansas City roofers ventilate the roof properly during the installation process.
Mistake #5: Non-uniform shingle installation.
All the shingles on your new roof should line up in uniform, straight lines. There’s a good reason for this; it’s not just because it looks better from the street. Shingles that are installed unevenly may leave gaps in between that let moisture in. Also, improper installation could void your roof’s warranty, meaning that if you experience leaks later, you may have trouble getting compensation from the roofing manufacturer.
Call Local Kansas City Roofers You Can Trust
If you want to make sure you get the best quality roofing in Kansas City, give the pros at Shamrock Roofing and Construction a call. We specialize in residential roofing and offer free roof inspections to homeowners throughout the Kansas City metro area. We use only the highest-quality roofing materials and get the job done quickly, doing our best to take the stress out of it for you. Contact us today to schedule a free roof estimate for your Kansas City home!