Roofing Mistakes You Can Avoid by Hiring the Right Roofer

Hiring the right roofing contractor is essential for even minor roof repairs.

Whether you’re looking at a major roof repair or a small, routine roof repair, it’s important to hire the right roofers. If you hire a roofer who is sloppy, uninsured or inexperienced, you could end up having to foot the bill for their mistakes, and those mistakes can add up quickly. Here are a few common roof repair mistakes that can be avoided by hiring the right roofing contractor for your repairs:

Mistake #1 – Roofing over shingles when they should be replaced.

In a previous blog, we talked about the pros and cons of roofing over your existing roof. While, in some cases, roofing over your existing roof might be smart and save you money, it’s not an ideal option in every instance. In fact, if there are already multiple layers of shingles on the roof, or if the roof is damaged or can’t support the weight, then the shingles need to be ripped off and replaced instead of covered up. But if you hire the right contractor, they might recommend roofing over your existing roof, even if it might not be the best option for you. After all, it takes less time and energy for them to roof over your existing roof, so it’s in their best interest to do so whenever they can.

Mistake #2 – Improper nail placement.

When it comes to your roof, where nails are placed is incredibly important. When a roofer does not place nails in your roof properly, it can cause major structural issues down the line. Nail heads in your roof should not be left exposed to moisture, wind and sun. Instead, they should be placed under the uppermost layer of shingles. Otherwise, they can start to corrode, which will eventually cause small holes to form in your shingles.  The right roofer will know how to properly place nails in your roof, but the wrong roofer might not.

Mistake #3 – Improper nail length.

Not only is it important for nails to be placed in the right spots; they also have to be the right length. If your roofer uses nails that are too short to fasten the shingles on your roof, it can cause those shingles to become loose or shift. This can cause many different issues and may even leave you with the need to replace your roof prematurely. Experienced roofers know which nails they should use and which ones they should avoid.

Mistake #4 – Failing to plan for ventilation and insulation.

Here in Edmonton, we’re no strangers to ice dams throughout the winter. Ice dams form when the heat from your attic melts the snow on your roof, and it drips to the edge, where it refreezes, forming a dam that prevents moisture from leaving your roof the way it should and making it susceptible to leaks. If you commonly find icicles hanging off of your roof, then there’s a good chance that you could have ice dams forming on your own roof. Ice dams are a classic example of what can happen if your roof isn’t properly ventilated and insulated. You need both for a healthy, long-lasting roof, but if you hire the wrong roofer, they may not properly ventilate or insulate your roof.

Ensure that you’re in good hands with Sargeant’s Roofing.

All of these are mistakes commonly made by inexperienced or shoddy roofers, but when you hire the right roof contractors for the job, you can avoid them. Be sure to stay tuned for our next blog to learn about more common mistakes, and in the meantime, contact us at Sargeant’s Roofing for all of your roofing needs in Edmonton. Our roofs are professional and experienced.