4 Common Mistakes Good Roofers Don’t Make

The key to a successful roof replacement is working with a good roofer. Roof replacement, after all, is an important investment, and a good roofer is less likely to make mistakes that could lead to problems down the road. In this post, local roofing company Howard Roofing & Home Improvements takes a look at four common mistakes inexperienced roofers are not likely to make.

  1. Poorly-installed flashing. Flashing protects vulnerable areas such as roof valleys from moisture infiltration. Because every roof is unique, flashing needs to be cut to fit these areas. This means the roofer has to take extra care to ensure proper installation. Poor installation methods can result in ill-fitting flashing that can create a false sense of security and lead to severe moisture damage.
  2. Incorrect nailing patterns. Roofing materials like asphalt shingles and slate need to be fastened to the roof in a specific way. This helps distribute the stress points equally across each piece — otherwise the weak points would give wind purchase and tear the pieces off. Nailing patterns can vary between manufacturers and roofing types; a good roofer would pay attention to these specifications. Inexperienced ones, on the other hand, tend to take the “seen one, seen them all” approach.
  3. Insufficient roof ventilation. You can tell whether a roof has insufficient ventilation as soon as you climb into the attic because of the trapped heat and humidity. An attic in such a state is at risk of damage caused by heat and moisture, such as rot, warping and mold growth. One of a roofer’s responsibilities is to make sure that the attic has sufficient airflow inside, and to determine if the roof will require mechanical ventilation if passive vents are not enough.
  4. Improper underlayment installation. The underlayment is a layer of material that’s installed between the decking and the outer roofing material. While underlayment installation sounds simple, it requires care and precision: the goal is to create a monolithic layer that protects the roof from moisture damage in case the outer layer fails. Incorrect installation methods may introduce small holes that could lead to leaks, which, in turn lead to costly repairs down the line.

FInding reputable roofers to begin with can help make the process easier and less stressful. Find out what Howard Roofing & Home Improvements can do for you by calling us at (636) 296-1057. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve St. Louis, MO and the surrounding communities.