Introduction
In the realm of roofing, precision and expertise are paramount. At Benson Contracting, located in Glens Falls, NY, we’ve witnessed a myriad of roofing errors that can lead to significant problems. To safeguard your investment, it’s crucial to be aware of these common pitfalls.
1. Misaligned Shingles
Shingles must be laid in straight, uniform lines. Misalignment not only affects curb appeal but also shortens the roof’s lifespan.
2. Incorrect Counter Flashing Installation
Proper counter flashing involves cutting a reglet line and inserting the metal at a 90-degree angle. Incorrect installation leads to leaks and reliance on short-lived caulking.
3. Reusing Old Flashing
Old flashing compromises moisture protection. Always replace flashing during roof replacement to avoid leaks.
4. Neglecting Ice & Water Shield in Valleys
Roof valleys, handling significant water flow, require an ice and water shield. Omitting this can lead to leaks.
5. Inadequate Sealing of Pipe Collars
Proper sealing involves a layered approach with ice and water barrier and flashing. Many roofers skip crucial steps, leading to leaks.
6. Improper Ridge Vent Installation
Ridge vents should be hand-nailed to prevent blow-offs. Using standard roofing coil nails is insufficient.
7. Inadequate Ridge Vent Cutting
For effective ventilation, a minimum of 1.5-inch opening is necessary when installing ridge vents.
8. Unsecured Plywood Seams
After shingle removal, ensure all plywood seams are nailed down to avoid visible bumps on the finished roof.
9. Not Replacing Rotted Plywood
Ignoring rotted plywood can lead to a sagging, wavy roof appearance over time.
10. Skipping Ice & Water Under Step Flashing
This mistake can cause leaks during ice dam formation in winter.
11. Leaving Debris on Roof Pre-Installation
Ensure all debris, like leftover nails, is cleared to prevent roof damage.