Leaving roofing projects to professionals is an unwritten rule. They’re simply not for do-it-yourselfers. Fixing your own roof is extremely hazardous even if you know your way around the ladder. Without extensive experience, formal training and adequate equipment, you might botch the job, and make things worse.
Today, 3JM Exteriors, Inc. explains the most common rookie roofing mistakes DIYers commit.
Creating Incongruous Roof Appearance
Combining new and old materials can ruin your otherwise head-turning roof. But even if your roofing system is relatively young, using replacement shingles coming from dissimilar batches will result in an aesthetic disaster. Unlike experienced roofers who know the subtle, cosmetic differences among supplies, your untrained eye might decrease your home’s curb appeal.
Applying Nails Incorrectly
Roofing manufacturers have unique installation requirements, and 100% compliance is a must. If you use too many nails per shingle or improper nails to fasten materials, your roof might become more prone to leakage. Worse, you might inadvertently invalidate your product warranty.
Having Too Many Vents
It takes a professional roof inspection to determine how much ventilation your roof needs to expel excess moisture and prevent heat buildup. Inadequate attic ventilation can cause shingle curling and sheathing condensation. Too much of it can increase the chances of water intrusion with unnecessary penetrations.
Generally, there should be one square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of ceiling space. While the math is basic, it takes high-level, technical proficiency to figure out the best combination of vents suitable to your roofing system.
Recycling Old Flashings
Reusing salvageable flashings can do more harm than good. You may think that you’re conserving natural resources and saving yourself money, but using aging flashings can put your roof’s vulnerable areas in jeopardy. To properly fix any storm damage, and truly increase the roof’s defense against water infiltration, avoiding mistakes such as this is paramount.
Eliminate labor costs by forgoing professional services is a fool’s errand. Entrust the job to an experienced roofer, like 3JM Exteriors, Inc., to get the job done right the first time, and receive insurance against workmanship errors. Call us at (630) 985-6494 now to schedule an inspection, and get a free estimate in Downers Grove or Naperville, IL.
