9 Silly Roofing Mistakes To Avoid
Key Takeaways:
Homeowners must make many important decisions when caring for their home, from choosing the right style and materials to ensuring everything is done according to code.
Energy Advantage Roofing and Solar provide a reality check about some common yet disastrous roofing mistakes that should be avoided.
Over-shingling, prying up shingles to check for damage, stuffing or patching leaks with DIY projects, treating the roof like it’s invulnerable, and not properly anchoring a roof are all blunders that can lead to costly damages down the road.
Additionally, homeowners should regularly inspect their roofs, check the ventilation, clean gutters and get proper insurance coverage to protect their rooftops from harm.
It’s easy to forget how many important roofing decisions you must make when caring for your home. From choosing the right style and materials to ensuring everything is done according to code. A lot is riding on it! But sometimes, even the most seasoned homeowners can make silly mistakes that cost them big time down the road.
Today, Energy Advantage Roofing and Solar are here for a reality check about some of these common blunders. That way, you won’t become another statistic in the ‘roofing mistake’ timeline; get ready for our top 9 silly roofing mistakes you should avoid!
Worst Roofing Mistakes
Making ill-advised roofing errors can be devastating, resulting in costly damages and worsening the existing issues. To protect your rooftop and wallet from harm, it’s best to steer clear of these five common yet disastrous mistakes – we implore you not to attempt them at home!
1. Over-Shingling
Homeowners often fail to comprehend why they should not add a second layer of shingles on their roofs, and contractors are willing to take shortcuts. While two layers of traditional asphalt shingles can be safe if all other conditions align, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Adding another layer will cover any underlying deck issues instead of addressing them directly. As a result, having an extra-heavy roof with hidden problems remains intact beneath new shingles leading only to more damage than before.
Over-shingling is a tempting roofing mistake for those unaware of its consequences, as it is cheaper than replacing the old roof and has been more widely accepted in the past. However, over-shingling is not recommended due to its obvious detriments and less reputable roofers taking part in this practice.
2. Prying Up Shingles to Check for Damage
Homeowners can make a fatal mistake when attempting to take matters into their own hands regarding roof damage – by lifting shingles and hoping to pinpoint the source of a leak or defect. Roofers would cringe at this careless action! Shingles are purposely nailed in place, not meant for casually moving around to check underneath them. Doing so may cause even more harm than good since it could lead to new leaks rather than identifying existing ones. A visual inspection is acceptable, but tampering with shingles isn’t advised, as it will only ruin your roof further.
3. Stuffing Or Patching Leaks with A DIY Project
If you spot a leak in your roof, don’t drag your feet – call an experienced roofer immediately. Stalling and attempting to fix it yourself by stuffing rags or applying filler will only exacerbate the problem. The true source of the leak may come from somewhere else within the roof structure, which can cause further damage if left untreated. Please leave it to experts who have been trained and know how to properly identify leaks for long-term solutions. Put down that bucket now and make sure someone qualified takes care of it as soon as possible!
4. Treating The Roof Like It’s Invulnerable
As a homeowner, it’s easy to make the mistake of trying to take care of your roof without understanding where you may be vulnerable. Pressure washing can give you an aesthetically-pleasing clean finish on shingles but also strips away protective granules and risks damaging delicate roof materials. It is possible to get up on the roof yourself to clear leaves; however, walking carelessly over tiles or shingles could cause damage underneath and collapse them altogether.
5. Not Properly Anchoring a Roof
A strong windstorm can ruin a robust rooftop if it isn’t securely fastened to your abode. Check out the destruction that an improperly anchored roof can cause! Too often, this happens because contractors fail to use appropriate components. Don’t let your home become another victim of poor installation practices. Ensure your roof is correctly mounted and ready for anything Mother Nature throws its way!
6. Ignoring Maintenance
One of the worst roofing mistakes homeowners make is forgetting to conduct regular roof inspections. This should not be mistaken for DIY roof repair – as that could still cause damage! Instead, have a roofer come out every one to two years (depending on your roof material and regional weather) and check for any potential issues. They can identify problems before they become large-scale disasters!
7. Overlooking Ventilation
Adequate roof ventilation is often overlooked but extremely important for the longevity of your roof’s lifespan. Suppose you don’t provide enough air circulation in your attic. In that case, it will lead to moisture build-up and even premature rotting or mold growth in extreme cases. Ensure sufficient vents are installed throughout your roof and attic to ensure proper air circulation.
8. Not Regularly Cleaning Gutters
Gutters are one of the key roofing components that should be regularly cleaned and maintained. If you don’t keep them clean, water will begin to pool on your roof, causing damage or even roof leaks if it isn’t taken care of quickly! Take the time every six months to ensure your gutters are debris-free and properly draining.
9. Skimping Out on Insurance Coverage
When roofers come to install a roof, they may offer additional insurance coverage for potential storm damages – don’t take this for granted! Without the proper coverage, any roof repairs resulting from extreme weather events won’t be covered, and you’ll have to pay for them out of pocket. Make sure you get the coverage that best fits your home and roofing needs; it may cost more upfront, but having insurance will save you in the long run if something should go wrong.
Energy Advantage Roofing and Solar Are Different When It Comes to Roofing Projects!
Energy Advantage Roofing and Solar are the go-tos for solar systems and roofing solutions. We are trustworthy experts who’ve been in business for more than five years with a base in Denver, CO. Our company was founded on GRACES: Gratitude, Resilience, Accountability, Connection Empowerment & Service.
It is a part of our eco-friendly mission to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while powering homes & businesses across the nation with renewable energy solutions. And we look forward to providing you with quality service that exceeds your expectations!
Transform your home and give it the fresh look it deserves with our roofing services. Take advantage of a free estimate today!