The roof serves a key function as part of your home’s structure because it provides you ample protection from the elements, safeguarding you and your belongings against rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Apart from acting as a shield, when it is well-installed, a new roof contributes to energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperatures.
This goes a long way in minimizing your heating and cooling expenses. Due to these advantages, it is quite understandable why you may want to install a new one.
However, this process can be complex and quite overwhelming. If enough care is not taken, it could potentially lead to long-term issues like leaks and structural damage.
This article highlights common mistakes made during the process and the best way to avoid them.
Improper Ventilation
New Roof Installation in New Jersey
Ventilation is pivotal because it helps regulate indoor temperatures. When not done right, it could lead to a variety of long-term issues. For instance, heat and moisture could be trapped in the attic, over time, leading to extensive damage. Overheating could cause premature deterioration of materials, while buildup of moisture causes development of mold and mildew. These two elements have the potential to make the structure weak, causing unhealthy living conditions. In addition to this, bad ventilation may lead to ice dams in colder climates, which can cause water intrusion and interior damage. The only best way to avoid such mishaps is to ensure proper airflow especially during the installation process.
Using the Wrong Materials
The climate of every region plays a huge role in the kind of materials to use during the installation. Distinct regions are characterized by their own unique weather conditions. Therefore, it has to be made to withstand different elements such as heavy rain, snow, heat, or strong winds. For instance, it may not be a very good idea to use asphalt shingles in areas prone to high winds or heavy snowfall. If you did that, you would have to do frequent repairs to keep the it operating optimally. Similarly, going for materials that are not energy-efficient in hot climates could increase cooling costs and strain the framework.
Inadequate Flashing
Flashing is the material used to seal and protect joints, seams, and penetrations like vents, chimneys, skylights, and valleys. When it is not done right, it creates vulnerabilities where water has the potential to permeate the building causing leaks, wood rot, and even mold growth. Flashing is an area that is prone to damage especially during times of heavy rainfall and snow. To avoid any issues in the future, it is important that it is done right to help keep it watertight and durable at all times.
Skipping the Underlayment
The underlayment serves as a protective layer installed between the material and the deck and acts as an additional barrier, delivering supplementary protection should shingles or tiles become damaged or displaced. Without this protective layer, water could easily seep into the deck causing rot, leaks, and even structural damage over time. In those areas that often experience heavy rainfall or snow, skipping the underlayment can prove to be a costly mistake because it increases the risk of water infiltration and reduces the lifespan. You should therefore consider installing a quality underlayment because it will act as an added defense against the elements, promotes better performance, and prevents costly repairs.
Hiring Inexperienced Contractors
Although it might look and sound great to save on costs by choosing a less inexperienced team, poor workmanship may result in a range of issues, such as improper ventilation, and inadequate sealing. These are a few examples that mean your structure is badly done and can lead to costly repairs in the future. Such problems manifest as structural damage, often requiring you to incur expensive repairs. In addition to this, inexperienced contractors may not be familiar with local building codes and regulations, increasing the risk of violations. Such instances could attract fines or even complications when looking to sell your property. To avoid such problems, just entrust experienced and licensed contractors to handle the project for you.
Installing a new roof is a significant investment that requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure everything is done right and that it will stand the test of time. By avoiding the aforementioned common mistakes, you can be able to safeguard your loved ones and property without having to worry about doing costly repairs in the future. For the best possible results, be sure to work with qualified and licensed contractors.