Avoid Common Problems with a New Shingle Roof Installation

We know how this story goes. You’ve been ignoring some signs that your roof needs replaced. Maybe you’re thinking it’s something you can fix on your own. Maybe you know it’s really beyond fixing and you’re just not sure how to begin the process of finding a reliable roofing company that will do a great job.

It’s one of the most expensive home improvements you will likely undertake, and you may only have a new roof installed once in your whole life, so it’s a big deal. It’s easy to avoid common problems with a new shingle roof installation when you know these seven essential tips:

Does Your Contractor Have Credentials?

Are they a licensed, insured, bonded roofing specialist, or your Aunt Jolene’s brother’s uncle who does some roofing on the side? Failing to get a permit can result in fines or even the removal of the newly installed roof. If the installer cannot show you a valid permit or display it at your home, this is non-negotiable and an excellent reason to cut the project off.

Things Are Going to Get Messy

If your roofer doesn’t show up with a dumpster because they plan on laying new shingles down over the old, you may want to stop them right there. In some circumstances it may be alright to shingle over shingles, but that isn’t for every house, and many factors need to be considered. Failing to remove the old shingles can jeopardize the entire new installation, and it may violate local building codes. Taking off the shingles also allows the contractor to check the decking for damage and make any necessary repairs.

The Flashing Must be Perfect

Flashing is one of the most important parts of your entire roofing system. Without it, water can easily seep into the cracks where dormers and chimneys meet your roof. Removing and correctly replacing the flashing on the roof is essential to protect your home from water damage. If this critical step is missed or done poorly, water may damage structures on your roof or leak into your home.

Ice Shield

Your installers must put ice and water shield on the bare sheathing. They should also install a drip edge to keep water from pooling under the shingles and an adhesive ice-and-water barrier to prevent ice from forming along the edge of the roof.

Don’t Ignore Your Attic

Before the shingles go back on, a quality installer will ensure that the attic has adequate ventilation to avoid moisture buildup, which can ruin your new insulation and your new roof.

Knowledge is Power

Your new roofing job should look good when it’s finished. The shingles should look neat and evenly spaced, and the shingles should all match. Not only is a poor installation ugly to look at, but poorly aligned shingles are also at risk for leaking, and colors that do not match may indicate that the installer could have cut corners to save on time and money, resulting in a poor job overall. Now that you are armed with the information about what you need to look for in your roofing installation, you’re all set to avoid some of the common roof installation problems. If you’re in need of a new roof, contact All-Nu Construction for a consultation and estimate.