The 5 Most Common Residential Roofing Mistakes You Should Avoid At All Costs

An improperly installed roof can be both unappealing and incapable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the crucial details that, when not properly implemented, can have serious consequences a few years down the line.

1. Using Shingles for Low Slope Roofs

For shingles to function optimally, your roof's pitch should be higher than 2:12. Remember that shingles are not there to provide a waterproofing layer; they are more of a water-shedding layer. So, if your roof is designed in such a way that it allows the water to travel down your roof naturally by gravity, your roof shingles will work properly.

However, if you have a low slope roof with a shallow pitch, the standing water can accumulate under the shingles and lead to roof leaks. So, what are the best options for low slope roofs? Fortunately, there are plenty of really good alternatives including "single-ply" (PVC/TPO) and roll roofing, to name a few.

2. Not Installing a Drip Edge

Most homeowners don't realize the importance of installing a drip edge. Usually installed on the eaves, this small metal component has several benefits. That's why we recommend installing these on the rakes too.

Let's take a look at some of the main purposes of a drip edge.

• It keeps insects, squirrels, and other animals out of your attic space.
• It seals the edges of your roof, and thereby, prevents wind-driven rain and water from entering your home.
• It can help prevent moisture issues like Fascia rot by providing a drip point for the rainwater.
• A drip edge can also prevent the sagging roof.

In order to reap all the benefits of a drip edge, it must be fastened securely after every 8" to 10".

3. Incorrect Starter Course

A common practice for the starter course is using 3-tab upside down shingles. However, that can never help you achieve optimal results. The best way, instead, is to use a special starter material made specifically for this purpose. Nearly half the height of the shingle, proper starter material consists of a tar line extending 1" from the roof edge.

4. Inefficient Leak Barrier

Most homeowners neglect the importance of leak barriers in the moisture-prone areas of their roofs. Make sure you have effective leak barriers installed around your skylights and in valleys for efficient protection against roof leaks.

5. Improper Nailing

Shingles have a fiberglass mat in the center with an asphalt layer at the top and the bottom. What happens with improper nailing is that it can tear the central fiberglass mat, compromising the strength and integrity of your roofing shingles and roofing contractors Shreveport LA.

• It's strongly recommended to remove such damaged shingles right away.
• The fiberglass mat can also be torn by over-driven nails resulting from improper compressor pressure.
• The best way to avoid this issue is to spend a few minutes to make sure that the compressor pressure is accurate.
• Another common nailing issue is high nailing. As the name suggests, high nailing is a problem that occurs when the nails are wrongly placed higher than their designated places. The main issue with high nailing is that the dimensional shingles are a "two-ply" system. Now, if the shingles are not nailed properly, the bottom ply can rip off, causing leaks and other issues.

Fortunately, all such problems can be easily discovered with thorough roof inspections. So, if you’re buying a property and think that your roof has some hidden issues, contact our experienced and knowledgeable roofers immediately. For more guidance on how to avoid the aforementioned issues and get flawless roofing installations, give Alpha Roofing a call today at 318-373-5875.

John is an Real state blogger and marketing manager. He maintains keen interest ongoing and development within the marketing and business space.