When it comes to roofing installation, everybody knows it is a tedious task. Without proper experience, you can make a lot of mistakes that can lead to an improper installation. In the long run, this can cause a lot of damage to your house. However, these mistakes can be easily bypassed for a successful and longer-lasting roof installation.
In the below-mentioned list, you can find mistakes related to metal roof installation, shingle roof installation, and PVC roof installation.
Let’s jump right into it.
Roofing Installation: Nail Length
Any type of roof that you install has nails to hold it in place. This is especially the case for metal roofing installation. These tiny metal pieces act as glue so using the proper ones is essential. In most cases, inexperienced residents use the wrong nail size. This can not only damage the roof but also damage your roofing tiles. So, how can you avoid it?
It is quite simple. Get the right measurements of your roof and buy the proper size relevant to your roofing tiles. Some tiles use inch-long nails while some tiles can use even longer nails. It completely depends on the type of roofing tiles you are using.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you need to purchase the right amount of nails. Metal roof installation generally requires fewer nails compared to shingle roofing installation. Moreover, it is good practice to have more nails than you actually need. In case you break or lose a nail, you don’t have to run to the vendor every time.
Tile Alignment
Another basic mistake that people make while roofing installation is the alignment of shingles and tiles. Even though it can be completely avoided, some people end up with a slightly angled roof. While it can get the job done, the tiles and shingles are prone to damage and sliding off in the long run. This is mainly due to the gaps formed due to the slight misalignment.
To avoid this problem, you can use various tools and methods. Simply putting up a small rope or a thread to use as an alignment market can eradicate this problem. Alignment is important because tiny gaps within your roof installation can provide a gateway for water, hail, and other harmful substances.
As time goes on, these water droplets can damage your roof in the form of cracks, dampness, and even paint corrosion. While the roof itself doesn’t look damaged, the interior of your house can be severely affected by it.
Roofing Installation: Drip Edge
Most contractors in the market and even inexperienced individuals often overlook the importance of drip edges. It acts as a safe way to dispose of any moisture that comes in contact with your roofing material. Drip edges should be installed on both sides of your to collect any water from rain, hail, and snow.
If you live in a rather warm area with little to no snow, it is still preferable to have drip edges for the occasional rain. In the long run, you can completely protect the interior of your house but also elongate the overall life of your roof tiles and shingles.
As for the size and type of drip edges, it is completely dependent on the area you are currently residing in. If you live in an area with heavy snowfalls and hails, multiple drip edges are absolutely necessary. However, for warmer areas, a couple of drip edges should be more than enough.
Lack of Ridge Caps
It is well known that flat roof installation looks good but it is often prone to damage to gusts of strong wind. People mostly opt out of installing ridge caps because they are bent and don’t give your house a pleasing outlook. Even mild winds can cause damage to your shingle roofing installation in the long run.
Ridge caps provide an adequate solution for this problem. Due to the bend in their basic design, ridge caps provide a way for the wind to pass freely through the roof. This will keep your tiles secured in one place and also act as a ventilation/cooling system for your roof.
It is also important to note that you should get ridge caps that can easily withstand severe weather conditions. This is because roof installation is a hefty investment. You should get ridge edges that can easily survive 8-10 years after their installation.
Not Using a Protective Layer
It is a common misconception that you can protect your roof with only metal roofing installation. This simple mistake can damage the roof of your entire house. This can be easily avoided by using a protective layer before you install any sort of roofing material.
You can install various types of protective layers on your roof. Some materials are useful against direct sunlight while some protect against moisture and other weather effects. You should consult a professional before buying such material as it can affect the internal temperatures of your house.
For example, a dark-colored protective layer is good for insulation. However, in areas with intensive heat, it can significantly increase the internal temperature of your house and increase your cooling bills. On the other hand, a light-colored protective layer can keep your house cool due to its natural ability to reflect heat and light.
Conclusion
While these mistakes are basic that you need to avoid, there are various other mistakes as well you need to keep an eye out for. Roofing is a difficult task to learn but with practice and persistence, you can easily work just as well as a professional. It is also good practice to learn about these things in advance as it can help you avoid any major damage to your roof and potentially add more cost to your project. Furthermore, make sure that you use the right tools for the job. They can help you in more than you might know at first.