When choosing a roofing firm, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you select the best possible contractor for your roofing needs. Choosing a poor roofing firm can come with several risks such as poor quality workmanship, safety hazards, no warranties, use of substandard materials, and delays and additional costs.
Attempting to cut expenses on the installation procedure of your roof by working with a less competent service provider can end up costing you more in the long run, as you will have to get your roof repaired more frequently due to the low-quality materials that were used.
The majority of serious cracks and leak issues on roofs are the result of poor and careless roof installation. Yet, you may prevent roof leaks and cracks by having your roof installed properly by a qualified roofing firm.
If you’re considering having your roof installed, read this blog to find out some typical errors roof installers make. Learning about these errors can help you prevent them, extending the lifespan of your roof and prevent damage.
Also Read: What You Need To Know About Metal Roofs Before Installation
Shingles Are Misaligned
Looking at the shingles on a roof can help you identify a bad installation. Your roof will look shoddy and lose some of its ability to provide protective shielding if the shingles are out of place.
Misaligned shingles can pose several risks to your roofing system and your property, including:
Water damage: Misaligned shingles can create gaps or spaces in the roof, which can allow water to penetrate through the roof deck and cause leaks. Water damage can lead to costly repairs and even structural damage if left untreated.
Decreased energy efficiency: Misaligned shingles can also affect the insulation properties of your roof, leading to decreased energy efficiency and higher heating and cooling costs.
Reduced lifespan: Misaligned shingles can cause premature wear and tear on the roof, reducing its lifespan and requiring replacement sooner than expected.
Aesthetics: Misaligned shingles can affect the overall look of your roof, making it appear uneven and unattractive.
Uncapped Roof Ridge
A capped roof ridge, also known as a hip cap or ridge cap, is a protective covering installed over the ridge or hip of a roof where two roof planes meet. The ridge or hip is the highest point on a roof and is vulnerable to water penetration, so a capped roof ridge is used to protect it from the elements. This shingle is wider than regular shingles and has a pre-bent shape. Your roof will sustain water damage if your roof ridge cap is not placed and secured properly.
Absence Of A Drip Edge
The absence of a drip edge on a roof can cause several problems and increase the risk of water damage to the underlying structure. Without a drip edge, water can seep under the roofing material and run down the fascia, causing rot and decay. A Drip edge’s primary function is to divert water away from the roof’s edges and into the gutters. Water may enter your roof’s shingles and harm them if your contractor doesn’t install your drip edges correctly.
Under windy and rainy conditions, the absence of a drip edge poses a serious problem as water can seep under the roofing material and run down the fascia, causing rot and decay. It can also enter the roof deck, insulation, and walls, leading to mold growth, structural damage, and health hazards. Ensuring that your drip edge has been installed correctly is essential to protect the roof’s edges, prevent ice dams, and improve drainage.
Hiring a skilled roofing contractor will ensure that your roofing project is done properly, efficiently, and with the highest quality materials.
Not Disposing Of Former Roofing Materials
Not disposing of former roofing materials properly can pose several risks to the environment, public health, and safety. The placement of new shingles on top of existing ones can reduce the lifespan of your roof, reduce the energy efficiency of your roof, and lead to building code violations.
If such an error is made, the harm done to the old material will swiftly influence the new material. So, it is crucial to properly dispose of and remove the old material on your roof before placing new material.
Inappropriate Nail Position
Improper nail positioning on a roof can lead to several problems, including:
Roof leaks: If the nails are not placed in the correct position, the shingles may not be held securely to the roof deck, leaving gaps where water can seep through and cause leaks.
Shingle blow-off: Nails that are not properly placed or driven can cause shingles to lift and blow off in high winds, leaving the roof exposed and vulnerable to water damage.
Voided warranty: Improper nail placement can void the manufacturer’s warranty on the roofing materials. Most warranties require that the shingles be installed according to specific guidelines, including proper nail placement.
Structural damage: If the nails are not placed in the correct position, the roof deck can be damaged. Over time, this can weaken the roof’s structural integrity, leading to costly repairs or even collapse.
It is important to hire a professional roofing contractor like Stahl Roof Systems who understands the correct nail positioning for the specific roofing materials being used to avoid these potential problems.
Not Adhering To The Manufacturer’s Instructions
Specific installation instructions are provided by the manufacturers who create your commercial or residential roofing material. The materials may not deliver the necessary strength and functionality if the contractors don’t pay close attention to the directions. This error causes a number of issues.
For instance, if a manufacturer offers a warranty, but the roofing contractor installs it improperly, the warranty may be nullified.
Permit For Roofing
Failure to obtain a roofing permit is yet another error. Your roof’s safety and compliance with local building requirements are guaranteed by a roofing permit. A roofing permit is required by most building departments and municipalities for any major roofing work on a residential or commercial building.
About Stahl Roof Systems
Stahl Roof Systems is well-versed in all aspects of roofing, from residential roof installation to intricate commercial or industrial roofing jobs. Stahl Roofing is proud to have provided Edmonton Parkland County and Central Alberta with premier roofing services for over ten years.
To find out more, Contact us.
