As an owner of an Phoenix roofing company, I have the opportunity to inspect a lot of roofs. Below I outline the most common mistakes I have observed.
Roofs are one of the main defenses of the house against the elements. They also protect the entire house against rapid weathering and deterioration. Proper roofing is also the key to lower energy consumption. Thus, proper care should be observed when building, repairing or renovating roofs. While in theory roofing is simple, getting it right is difficult. Certain roofing methods and steps have to be strictly followed to ensure roof care and to increase energy efficiency in buildings.
It is important to hire roofing professionals. This will ensure proper roofing installation or repair. The roofing process is largely procedural, but there are techniques that need the experience and skills of professional roofers.
Roofing Mistakes and Its Effects
The following are some easy misses in roofing that can cause your energy bills to shoot up. Some of them might seem insignificant, but can in fact cause damage to your home and increase power bills in the long run.
Not Enough Ventilation – Proper ventilation should be observed in order to prevent roof leaks that result from ice dams and to better maintain house temperature. Active air in a properly ventilated attic serves as additional insulation that separates the hot air inside the house from the cold drafts.
Improper Roof Nailing – This requires the skill of professional roofers. Different roof materials require different strategies of installation. Shingles are simply nailed to the deck, but should comply with the appropriate number of nails, nail placement and angle. Failure to adhere to the proper standards can result to roof blow offs during high winds, leaks and faster roof deterioration.
Unsealed Roof Valleys and Corners – These nooks are easily overlooked. Unfortunately, these are also the areas where reinforcements should be in place as waters rush creating pressure to the roofing material. Also debris is most likely to collect and rot in these areas.
Use of Incompatible Materials – This mistake is common to non-professional or novice roofers. Sealants work differently on different roofing materials. Improper use and application or incompatible use of materials can cause cracking, curling, early deterioration and higher energy bills.
Unsealed Pipe/Vent Openings– This is one of the trickiest areas of roofing. Sealing roof penetrations should be done with utmost care and often needs the expertise of a skilled roofer. The key is to create the perfect tangent of the cutoff to fit the vent pipes, regardless of the roofing material used. Gaps in the roof cutoff can accommodate drafts and water leaks that can cause damage to the roof, the attic and the entire house, not to mention the increased heating expense due to the breach.
No Underlayment Application – Underlayment is an essential part of roofing, especially on steep sloped roofs. It serves as a weatherproofing barrier that protects the deck from long term moisture accumulation. It also separates the wood resin from the roof. Prolonged and constant contact of which results to the fast deterioration of the roof.
Most professional roofers will inspect your roof for free. Reach out to your local roofer for further insight and an analysis of your roof's weaknesses. Catching issues early on is critical to lowering repair costs.
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