Moved into a new home? Planning on replacing the roof?
Well, before you do that – you should wait a moment. Roof replacement requires careful attention and expertise. Error is not uncommon, so it’s best to be prepared.
Keep reading to discover the 8 most common roof replacement mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Replacing Shingles – Just Covering Them

The most scheming of roofing companies will try to pull this trick on you if you let them. The proper way to replace a roof is to remove all of the old shingles, and replace them. Hence, the word replace.
Putting new shingles over old ones creates room for dirt and moisture to collect. It leads to deterioration and damage at immense rates. Therefore, it’s your job to make sure that the roofing company removes the roofing first. And if they don’t, bid them adieu.

2. Poor Moisture Protection

Even though shingles are made to divert and deflect water off the surface, proper moisture protection is paramount to the longevity of your roof. The protection not only prevents the rain from reaching the decking, but it also collects snow and ice. A high-quality moisture barrier is a given, and should not be avoided at any cost.

3. Resuing Flashing

The roof has a metal flashing that prevents moisture from pouring into the home, especially at the vulnerable locations. Such as the skylights, roof valleys, and chimneys.
Some roofers will try to reuse the flashing to save money, but that only derives new problems to deal with. Talk to the roofer, and tell them you want the flashing to be replaced, not reused. Be firm.

4. Nail Placement

Nail placement is critically important to the integrity and longevity of your roof. When the nails incorrectly place, it jeopardizes the structure of your roof.
Instead of leaving nail heads to be exposed to the sun, moisture, and wind – they should be hidden underneath the top layer of the shingles. And by doing so, they do not corrode and don’t leave holes in the roof.

5. Fastener Length

When the nails are too short, the roof is placed under the risk of shingle loosening. This means that they can shift of their own accord, and will require future replacement and repair. Prematurely.
Ensure that the nails are appropriately applied to the specific areas, and are deep into the decking. So that you come across falling shingles when you walk out of your home.

6. Overhang

Even though an overhand might be aesthetically appealing, there is a good reason the shingles overhand the eaves of the house. If the roof material does not go past the eaves, you risk the potential of wind damage, as the shingles will blow find under the edges.
Make sure that the roofer ensures a proper amount of overhand. Also, ask if they would apply a correct number of fasteners on each shingle in the wind zone that your home is located in. This can be determined by checking the state’s website.

7. Slate Coloring

If you are installing a slate roof, you should be genuinely concerned that the slate is properly matched colorwise.
Make sure to inspect all of the roofing before installing it on the roof, even if the slates come from the same location – it might still vary in color.
You still need to ensure that the slate is consistent before you place it on the roof. As most roofers won’t even bat an eye on color.

8. Ventilation

Most homeowners don’t think about the importance of ventilation when it comes to any type of roofing repair or replacement. A roofing contractor should use advanced roofing materials and methods to ensure that not only does the roof adhere to structural criteria, but it is also properly ventilated.
If the roof does not have an adequate amount of airflow, too much heat will start to gather and moisture will begin to rise on the count of evaporation.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
Of course, it’s daunting to find out that these mistakes can even be experienced. Especially, when every roofer and their grandmother speak in tonal arrogance for the quality of their work. But this is the dirty truth.
However, you can always fix these mistakes by not letting them happen. Properly vetting and researching the company that you will be working will allow you to rest assured when they start their work.
Here’s some guidance to help you out:

1. Ask for past client references.
2. Verify that they are certified and insured.
3. Get involved in the process – don’t let them push you around.
4. Ask any questions you might have without a doubt.

If you were in the non-profit sector and looking for the best possible service – you would go to TEMA Roofing Services, and you wouldn’t think twice. But when it comes to residential work, you always have to be careful.
It’s possible to come across a bad apple or two, but it’s rare if you know what you are doing.
Roof Replacement Mistakes Avoided
Now that you know all about the most common roof replacement mistakes, you can safely find the best way for you to avoid them. These mistakes are mistakes for a reason, they weren’t meant to happen.
With the information outlined in this article, you should be able to prevent them and make sure that your roof is done right.
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