Oops! 5 Common DIY Roofing Mistakes
Many homeowners have opted to take on DIY (do it yourself) home improvement projects in hopes of saving money. Unfortunately, when it comes to structural elements, like roofing, doing it yourself tends to cost more than hiring licensed professionals. All it takes is one misplaced nail, a fall from a ladder or incorrect materials and you’ve wasted both your time and money. If you are considering a DIY roofing project, we hope you’ll think twice after reading about these 5 common DIY roofing mistakes.
1. Layering shingles.
While many DIY roofers may have enough common sense to know that you must remove old shingles before installing new ones, it is a common mistake made too often. The issue with layering new shingles atop of old ones is that it creates space where moisture and dirt accumulate and cause rapid roof deterioration.
Layering shingles also adds more weight to your roof. Roofing systems aren’t engineered to accommodate the weight from layers of shingles, this weight increases your chance of structural damage. Layering shingles is the number one way to waste your money and cause more costly repairs in the near future.
2. Incorrect nail placement.
Nail placement is not something that can be guessed, there is a very precise location for nails to be placed.
If nails are exposed to the elements, they can corrode causing holes in your shingles. These holes increase your chances of water damage and shingle loss. If you place your nails too high on your shingles, delamination will shorten their lifespan, leading to leaks. Since this is improper installation, incorrect nail placement will negate your manufacturer’s warranty.
Even if you place your nails correctly, it is important to use the appropriate amount of nails. Too few and your shingles will fly away in the wind; too many and you will weaken your shingles.
3. Your safety is compromised.
Any work done to your roof requires someone climbing a ladder and accessing your roof. When you choose to do it yourself rather than hire a professional, you assume the risk to your safety. Professional roofers are trained in roof safety precautions that teach them proper ladder safety, equipment usage, and personal protective equipment (this is one often forgotten by DIY-ers). There is a reason why roofing is ranked as the third most dangerous job in the United States, don’t risk your health and safety to save a few dollars.
4. Not having the proper knowledge.
Roofing takes more than shingles and a nail gun, there are many specifications that amateur roofers wouldn’t know about. These include:
Choosing the right material for the slope of your roof
Shingle exposure
Shingle overhang
Required permits
Building codes that affect insurance coverage
& more
Don’t learn these things the hard way, leave it to the pros to repair or install your roof and sleep soundly knowing it was done correctly.
5. Disregard for manufacturer’s Guidelines
There is a specific way to install every element of your roof to ensure it performs correctly. It is critical to follow these directions because if you ignore the manufacturer’s guidelines and don’t have your roof installed by professionals, your warranty could become void. If the guidelines are not followed, materials are handled improperly or installed incorrectly, your warranty will be voided, leaving you vulnerable to big expenses.
You can easily avoid these mistakes by contacting Elite Roofing and Restoration. Our team of Certified GAF and CertainTeed Shingle Master Select Installers provide quality roof repairs or replacements to homes in north Georgia. Additionally, we are also highly knowledgeable on insurance claims allowing us to get your roof covered at little to no cost to you! Instead of doing it yourself, let Elite Roofing and Restoration tackle your roof.
Elite Roofing and Restoration is your source for quality roof repair and replacement.
In addition to roof replacements and repairs, both commercial and residential, we offer a considerable list of additional home repair services to assist you with any general construction needs you may have.
Contact us today to schedule your no-hassle, complimentary roof inspection today.
