Investing in a new roof for your home is one of the most costly expenses you’ll face as a homeowner. Although it can be tempting to save money where you can on a new roof, some cost-cutting measures aren’t worth the risk.
At J&J Roofing, we see firsthand what can happen when homeowners try to save by hiring an unlicensed roofer or handling a DIY roof repair project. In this post, we’re covering the most common mistakes homeowners make when they’re having a new roof installed on their Michigan home. To get professional, certified roof repair services in the Macomb County area, give our roofers a call today.
- Flashing Mistakes
Flashing protects your roof around any vents, pipes, and chimneys, and it serves an important function by keeping water out of your home. Often, unlicensed and amateur roofers will try to cut corners by reusing a home’s existing flashing.
Unfortunately, this can result in a compromised seal and could lead to water damage and mold growth inside your home. A professional, certified roofer will also know how to correctly install flashing so it doesn’t overlap improperly.
- Underlayment Issues
When homeowners try to DIY their roof repair or hire a handyman, one of the most common errors is to attach the new shingles to the wood decking. Before installing shingles, a water-resistant shingle underlayment should be installed to keep moisture out of your home.
- Shingle Installation Problems
Without a doubt, shingle issues are one of the most common problems that occur with shoddy roof workmanship. Unlicensed contractors will often try to cut corners by installing new shingles on top of the existing ones. This can actually lead to more serious roof problems down the road if there is existing damage underneath.
Incorrect shingle overhang and alignment are also common issues that arise during amateur roof installation.
- Failure to Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
One of the primary benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor is getting someone who is certified in following a manufacturer’s guidelines. Manufacturers will often require certain specifications to be met upon installation, and when they aren’t, it can void the warranty.
At J&J Roofing, our roofing contractors are certified CertainTeed ShingleMasters. That means every one of our roofers is trained to install CertainTeed roofing materials to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
5. Not Allowing Attics or Ceilings to Vent
Proper attic and ceiling ventilation can help affect your family's and home's overall health because it allows fresh air to be recycled in the space. Proper ventilation also increases your shingles' durability, reduces heating and cooling costs throughout the year, and can help prevent mold, mildew, and moisture growth.
Inexperienced installers may not know the appropriate amount of venting needed for their home, resulting in this critical mistake.
6. Improper Sloping
Picking materials that match the roof's slope is crucial because the entire system can become vulnerable to water penetration without it. Most do-it-yourself roofers may not consider the proper thickness of shingles needed and can leave the roof with an incorrect slope making the water flow the wrong way and leaving structures susceptible to damage from pooling.
7. Not Considering Ice Dams
Michigan is prone to ice dams due to the colder climate, and once they form, this can force the water under the roofing material if there isn't enough insulation. Ice dams can be detrimental and cause multiple issues, including:
- Tearing off or warping and bending your gutters
- Result in rotting trusses and roof decking from water build-up
- Interior leaks
- Damage to your roofing materials
- Create falling icicles that can cause safety issues and property damage
They can also tear off flashing, and if it's not taken care of and water pools under the material, it can seep into your interior walls and cause significant damage to your structure and foundation.
However, several methods to prevent an ice dam include installing the proper insulation in your attic and removing the snow instead of letting it build up on the roof. In addition, when the roofing materials are being applied, laying down an underlayer in the roof can help add additional protection against the frozen runoff.
Get Professional Roof Installation Services in Michigan
If your roof has performance issues due to past workmanship or you’re in need of a new roof done the right way the first time, we’ve got you covered at J&J Roofing. Get your new roof installation started today by calling 586-445-6455 or contact us on the web to connect with a CertainTeed ShingleMaster.