4 Installation Errors That Can Make a New Roof Fail

If you have had a new roof installed recently, the last thing you expect is to have a failing roof anytime soon. Unfortunately, if you chose the wrong roofing contractor, you could end up facing this all-too-common scenario. Here are four mistakes that inexperienced or unethical roofers sometimes make that could cause an early roof failure.

Installation Errors

  • Shingles that aren’t nailed down correctly. Nailing down shingles may seem pretty straightforward, but there are several factors that can affect how effective your shingles are at preventing leaks and protecting your home.
    • The nails must be placed at the right spot on the shingles; too far up, and the wind is more likely to catch the shingles and blow them off.
    • The compressor pressure on the nail gun has to be set at the right level; too high, and it can tear the shingles.
    • The nails have to be driven in at the right angle: too sharp, and it can rip the fiberglass mat.
  • The contractor laid the new roof over the old one. When a contractor assures a homeowner that laying a new roof over the existing one will save time and money, the homeowner has no reason not to believe them. And while it might save money in labor and disposal fees initially, the old shingles will continue to break down and decay over the years. Attaching a new roof to old shingles instead of clean, secure decking is sure to cause problems that will lead to costly repairs or even a full roof replacement in the future
  • The attic isn’t vented properly. As part of the roofing process, your roofing contractor should do a thorough examination of the attic to determine the humidity level and airflow patterns, as well as ensure the home has adequate venting and the correct amount of insulation. If the contractor feels that there aren’t enough vents, they will need to be added. Insufficient ventilation can lead to the buildup of moisture and mold, which will in turn cause the decking and other roofing materials to break down prematurely.
  • Flashing that wasn’t placed properly. Every roof has multiple seams, all of which have to be protected by flashing to keep your roof leak-free. If flashing is neglected at any of these important junctures, water is sure to find its way into every little gap and crack. Flashing should also be used to protect the area around chimneys, vents, and skylights from leaks by diverting water away from these penetrations and toward the gutters. Another mistake some contractors make is trying to reuse old flashing. Don’t fall for this, however; remember that only new flashing which has been properly sealed will provide the watertight protection your roof needs.

Call for Expert Installation

At Muth and Company Roofing, our team has the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure your roof doesn’t fail before its time. Give us a call today at (614) 682-3060 to find out how we can help you.

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