Roofing repairs are seldom straight forward – many things could go wrong, and often homeowners end up dealing with unforeseen and costly complications, especially in DYI situations or when dealing with unskilled roofers.
For one, the source of a roof leak is often not easy to determine. Usually a leak is the first indication of trouble, but the location of the leak does not always point to the source of the problem directly – and so the damage continues to develop unbeknownst to the homeowner. Damaged or improperly installed shingles continue to allow water to seep underneath and sometimes accumulate several feet from the source. This pooled water can cause further degrading of the roof and sub-roof materials.
Roofing repairs that are done without a thorough inspection designed to uncover problems like these are seldom successful. This is where the expertise of a skilled roofing contractor comes in.
All Roofing Solutions has been helping Delaware homeowners install and repair their roofs for 20 years! Call (302) 725-7663 or (610) 551-7663 if you need a professional help!
Residential Roofing: 5 Shingle Repair Mistakes to Avoid
Whether you’re the DIY type, or hiring a roofer to handle your repairs, you should be aware of some of the common mistakes that often happen in roof repair:
- Inadequate or faulty base: It’s never a good idea to simply place new shingles on top of damaged ones during repairs – something lower quality roofing companies do to cut corners. A surface repair does not address problems that arise from damaged decking or improperly installed underlayment. Your roofer must inspects all decking to make sure that it is in proper shape, and has been installed correctly – without evaluating the structural integrity of the sheathing, your chances of overlooking the damage underneath is high. For best results, all damaged shingles should be removed so that an examination of the deck and sheathing can be conducted–and properly addressed.
- Incorrectly installed shingles: Proper alignment of shingles, especially the starter course, is critical for a successful repair job. Care should be taken to offset joints and to be sure shingles lay flat. Ignoring these considerations may lead to the development of leaks that are hard to detect until serious damage is done.
- Improper or not enough fastening: A good repair job depends on decking, underlayment and shingles that are all properly attached. Inadequate fastening (such as using nails that are too short) allows wind to raise shingles, moisture to work its way through the layers, and leaks to develop. Make sure your roofer uses long enough nails to reach the decking in order to avoid dealing with shifting and displaced shingles down the road.
- Poorly installed flashing or reusing old flashing: Flashing is needed to channel moisture away from critical areas. Adequate flashing in valleys and around chimneys, skylights, vents, and satellite dish installations keep these vulnerable areas from allowing water to penetrate the roof. Proper flashing installation is key to avoiding leaks around those roof connections – make sure your flashing is not misaligned, improperly overlapped or insufficiently fastened. It is also important to avoid reusing old flashing as that can be problematic down the road. Again, this is something poor quality roofers tend to do to save money – make sure your roofer only installs new flashing.
- Ignoring manufacturers’ specifications: Failure to follow guidelines may void manufacturers’ warranties. Proper preparation and installation ensures a quality repair job and maintains the warranty. It’s best to hire certified roofers with proven experience
We Have Extensive Roofing Repair Experience
Avoid costly roof repair mistakes by working with an experience contractor like All Roofing Solutions. We’re licences and insured, and with 20 years of experience in roof repair and replacement we have the knowledge and expertise to make sure the job is done right, with quality products and following industry-leading standards.
To request a free estimate, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. And don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roofing repair job!