5 very common roofing mistakes
HERE ARE 5 MORE VERY COMMON ROOFING MISTAKES
1. INSTALLING SHINGLES ON LOW-SLOPE ROOFS
A roof with a pitch of 2:12 or lower is not ideal for shingling because shingles create a water-shedding roof layer, not a waterproof one. If water flows down the roof thanks to gravity, things are fine. However, if an area is too shallow a pitch, water seeps or wicks up under the shingles and creates leaks. Unisource Roofing prefers not to install shingles on any structure under a 4:12 pitch. The best option is to use single-ply materials like TPO/PVC or a specialized asphalt product.
2. NOT INSTALLING DRIP EDGE
Though a drip edge is only required on a home’s eaves, they are recommended on the home’s rakes as well. This small metal trim piece positioned just right after the shingle’s edge, does the following:
Repels squirrels and insects
Prevents rain from getting through the roof’s edge
Channels water away to prevent fascia rot
Stops sagging shingles
The drip edges must be fastened every 8 to 10 inches, and the shingles must only overhang the drip edge by about 1/4 to 3/4 inches.
3. USING AN IMPROPER STARTER COURSE
Utilizing upside down three-tab shingles is a common practice but using them correctly means applying the unique starter material furnished by the manufacturer and setting them about 1 inch from the tar line and the roof’s edge.
4. IGNORING LEAK BARRIER PROBLEMS
Make sure the roofer provides leak barriers in all valleys and around all skylights.
5. NAILING ISSUES
Shingles constructed of a fiberglass mat and asphalt tear when nails are inserted at an angle, and these damaged shingles must be thrown out. Similarly, nails that are over-driven can tear a shingle’s mat. High nailing is another common problem when using a dimensional shingle, a two-ply affair with a thin area glued together. Failing to nail the shingle in the right place can make the bottom ply come apart and cause leaks.
Additionally, roofers shouldn’t use a rainbow arch where utilizing two end nails is preferable. Roofers must also avoid “shiners”: nails that can be seen from the ground and can cause leakage.
Unisource Roofing knows how to avoid these common Kentucky roofing errors and get the job done right to provide a quality service to the city of Louisville.
Don’t let small problems turn into big ones in your home. Unisource Roofing, Your Kentucky roofing company offers appointments to provide basic prevention and maintenance. If you do notice signs of water damage, call right away.
