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5 Common Roofing & Attic Insulation Mistakes
posted at 2021-04-26
If you're a homeowner, you probably already have a good understanding of the importance of roofing and attic insulation on a house. They can get pricey, but they're necessary to ensure your home is protected from elements and can keep a reasonable energy bill.
A roof that's in poor condition can end up costing you a ton of money in the long run. Water damage unchecked can lead to a few nasty types of mold. Never let your roof get to the point that water damage affects major systems in your house. Learn how to avoid these common roofing and attic insulation mistakes to easily avoid.
1. Misaligned shingles
You can easily pinpoint a shoddy roofing job when you can detect misaligned shingles. Some try to cut corners and install mismatching shingles, giving a roof an uneven and unappetizing look, plus subpar protection against the elements. Mismatched shingles happen when someone tries to save a few bucks by using resources from different places on the cheap. This does save money in the short-term, but it's not so great for your roof in the long-term.
2. Not taking off the first roofing system before installing the next
Without tearing off the old roof system, one is unable to inspect any weaknesses or damage to the roof deck. Adding an entirely new roof system on top of an old one also adds unnecessary weight. The best way to go about roofing is to completely remove the first deck rather than building on top of it. In some municipalities, it's actually the law to remove the old system prior to installing a new one.
3. Forgetting about the attic
Another common roofing mistake is to forget about the attic. The attic is actually part of your roof system and can't be ignored. Adding attic insulation is a great way to cut your monthly energy bill. You need to have proper attic ventilation or else you'll wind up with moisture that will destroy the longevity of your new roof.
4. Poor nail placement
Improper nail placement is another common roofing mistake you'll want to avoid. Nails and fasteners must be placed in a precise location in order to ensure the structural integrity of a new roof. You never want your roofing nails to be secured where they're exposed to the elements. Instead, your nails should be placed under the top layer of the shingles.
5. Incorrect solar panel installation
Solar panels are an excellent way to environmentally upgrade your roof system and save money in the long run. However, hiring an unreliable company or trying to do it yourself to save money on the installation can really end up costing you. Poor installation of solar panels can cause roof damage, which is why it's not just important to research the type of panels you want, but a company that can properly install them. If you really do want to go the DIY route, then ensuring you are aware of mistakes others make and the proper way of installing them will help prevent other costs down the road.
Take care of your roof, and it will take care of your house
Your roof and attic are two important structural aspects of your home. As soon as you start to see signs of wear and tear, or any level of leaking, call an expert in to take a look. Take it from us, all contractors are not equal. Don't cut corners when hiring someone to do important work like your home roofing. Find a contractor with experience and great reviews, someone you can trust to do a great job on your home. Hiring a cheaper, less qualified contractor may very well result in more money down the line, and if this can be avoided, it definitely should be.
Categories: General
