According to the National Association of Home Builders, a roof that is well maintained can last up to 30 years. Your responsibility as a homeowner includes identifying signs that your roof needs repairs. Regular inspections and repairs can increase the roof’s lifespan.
Roofs are complex systems that require many components. Making mistakes during repairs can lead to costly and unsatisfactory results. Worse, you might need to replace the entire roof.
These are five roofing mistakes homeowners should avoid.
1. DO IT YOURSELF
Many Americans find it rewarding to do their own home repairs. It is a mistake to try and fix your roof yourself. You may not be aware of potential problems with your roof if you are not a professional. You could also overlook safety procedures, putting yourself at risk for injuries or fatal accidents. Expert roofers are best for roof repairs.
2. COVERING WORN-OUT SHINGLES WITH NEW ONES
A common mistake homeowners make and amateur roofers make when trying to hide the problem is to cover it up. In an attempt to save money and cut costs, they will often put new shingles over the existing ones. The root cause of the problem is often ignored, which can lead to the destruction of the new shingle. Before installing new shingles, professional roofers will remove worn-out shingles and inspect the underlayment and decking for damage. Your roof could collapse if you add new layers.
3. MISMATCHING SHINGLES
If a contractor isn’t interested in doing the job correctly, he will choose shingles that don’t match your roof. You may end up with shingles that are not matched or of different colors from different suppliers. This can negatively impact curb appeal and reduce home value when you decide on reselling.
4. REUSING OLD FLASHINGS
Flashing is an additional layer on the roof that covers the edges to create a watertight barrier. To prevent roof leakage, it must be in good condition. It is not a good idea to place new tiles or shingles above the flashing. The cost of installing new flashing after water damage has occurred is much less than the cost of replacing your entire roof.
5. MISDIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM
Roofers who are not experienced or homeowners with DIY skills will often overlook the root cause of roof damage. It is more an art than a science to diagnose a leaky roof. To identify potential roofing leaks, you need to have a sharp eye. If roofing companies patch the roof and fail to identify the root cause, they could end up paying a steep price the next time it rains. Hire a local contractor who is experienced in roofing repairs.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier Pinellas County roofing contractor! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has been a tradition in quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.
