Replacing or repairing a roof isn’t cheap, so it’s reasonable to expect roofing companies to provide quality services and be transparent about when their work falls short of what they promised. Common roofing mistakes in Sacramento, CA, can leave homeowners unaware that they didn’t get what they paid for, and many roofers won’t tell you about their blunders.
The roofing team at Noah’s Roofing takes pride in our work. We are honest and transparent with our clients, working tirelessly to provide superior roofing services that keep you and your home safe. However, not every company is as open about their work, so keep these common roofing mistakes in mind if you’re having work done.
Mismatched Shingles
Mismatched shingles are an easy-to-spot mistake that roofing contractors make. This can result from the roofer using multiple dealers who supply shingles. A quality roof should be made from shingles from one supplier, but some roofers try to use up the remaining stock at the expense of customers. You can avoid this potential problem by working with a roofing company that has a long-standing relationship with one supplier.
Incorrect Roofing Nails
Nails secure shingles to the roof deck. There are specific guidelines for which type and size of nail should be used for specific shingles. Some less reputable roofing companies may try to get away with using nails that are too short or too small for the job. In other cases, a roofing company may not use the right number of nails for the job.
Other quality issues could arise if the nails are not used correctly. For example, nails that are placed in the gaps of the roof deck could leave the shingles unsecured. Nailing shingles requires experience and patience on the part of roofers. Improper nail usage is a leading cause of premature roof deterioration.
Incorrect Shingle Overhang
Your shingle overhang should measure between 6 and 10mm. Any more and the shingles may be blown off during strong winds. Any overhang less than 6mm can cause water to seep into the roof deck, resulting in leaks. To prevent this issue, contractors should ensure proper shingle installation. They should use a drip edge flashing to shield the deck edges from water.
Neglecting Drip Edge Flashing
When replacing a roof, contractors may fail to replace the drip edge flashing. Drip edge flashings are crucial in protecting your roof from the elements. They stop wind-driven rain from entering the roof’s edge and provide a surface from which water can drip. This prevents saturation and decay of the deck or fascia board.
Additionally, drip edge flashings prevent insects from entering the attic and support shingles. When replacing your roofing system, it is important to ensure that all drip edge flashings are replaced.
Improper Underlayment Installation
Spotting improperly installed underlayment is not usually possible, but you may notice the resulting water damage that results from improper underlayment installation. Roofing underlayment is a waterproof element installed onto your roof deck. It acts as an additional layer of protection against severe weather and the elements.
Improper Roof Slope
An experienced roofer should know what materials are suitable for certain roofing slopes. The angle of the roof affects how water interacts with the surface. When building a roof, contractors should understand the proper angle for a given roofing material.
Roof Gutter Sag
Improper gutter installation can lead to poor or impeded water flow. If you notice that the gutter sags in certain areas or comes loose, it was likely installed improperly. Gutter sag can lead to overflow and backup that could cause water damage.
Roof Valley Flashing
Roof valleys handle large volumes of water runoff. Because of this, they are more susceptible to leaks. Improper installation of roof valley flashings can cause the roofing system to buckle. This can lead to water leaks and expensive repairs. Along with correctly installing roof valley flashing, using the right amount of sealant and adhesive material can help prevent water penetration.
FAQs
Q: How Do You Know If Your Roofing Contractor Is Ripping You Off?
A: If you have suspicions that your roofing contractor is ripping you off, watch for warning signs. For example, they may pressure you into unnecessary upgrades. Your roofer should be able to articulate why they recommend certain upgrades and explain the cost factors involved in detail. If they seem dodgy about simple questions or are demanding full payments upfront, consider calling another roofing company. Trust your instincts.
Q: What Do I Do If My Roof Was Not Installed Correctly?
A: The first thing you can do if you spot signs that your roof was not installed correctly is to contact the roofing contractor directly. A professional roofing company should take the matter seriously and not get defensive. Ideally, the company will take steps to repair or replace the roof immediately at no cost to you. If they do not, they could be found in breach of contract.
Q: How Do You Spot a Bad Roofing Job?
A: Common signs of a bad roofing job include crooked or uneven shingles or gaps between shingles. Exposed nails, improperly installed vents, and poorly sealed phasing are also possible red flags of a botched roofing job. A bad roofing job may also lead to peeling paint, sagging ceilings, and water stains inside the home.
Q: What Is the Number One Cause of Roof Failure?
A: The top cause of roof failure is water damage. Whether from leaks, rain, snow, or other forms of water infiltration, water damage can lead to rot, mold, and serious structural damage. The top causes of roof failure due to water damage include aging materials, lack of maintenance, and improper installation. Many of the causes of water damage can be prevented by working with an experienced roofing company.
Schedule Your Sacramento Roofing Consultation Today
It’s reasonable to expect quality and transparency from roofing companies. Although many roofers won’t admit to errors, we take pride in our honesty and transparency. We’ve built thousands of roofing systems over the years for satisfied clients. If you are looking to work with a trusted and honest team of roofers, give us a call today.
