Working on a roof on a residential or commercial property isn’t straightforward. Several technicalities exist that require a degree of knowledge and skills. However, it’s not uncommon for things to go wrong occasionally. You could likely end up with a ruined project when you hire bad roofing contractors to save some dollars. Not to worry, we’ll take you through the steps to restore your roof to an ideal condition.
Common Mistakes Substandard Contractors Make and How to Address Them
As a property owner, you must know the tell-tale signs of a poor roofing contractor. Once you identify any of these issues, your first action should be contacting a proper company to handle any roof repairs in Austin.
Incorrect Roofing Nails
Shingles have an ideal roofing nail to hold them in place. Sometimes, incompetent contractors either don’t have the proper equipment or are not diligent when hammering those nails into the deck. As a result, the nail hardly penetrates the surface, which may become apparent with strong winds. Check if the shingles have shifted positions after a storm or gale-force winds. If so, you need the correct nails to secure those shingles.
Recycled Flashing
Contractors may cut corners in a job by using recycled flashing. Typically, these thin metal sheets act as waterproofing for any breaks in the roof line. If you’re reshingling or reroofing, the company must install new flashing instead of using the old one or a cheaper alternative. Bear in mind that affordable roof repairs don’t equate to quality. If you suspect leaks in the seam of your roof, you’ll need to install new flashing.
No Installation of a Drip Edge
These elements are a type of flashing that sits underneath the first row of shingles. Its primary duty is to transport water away from the roof and into your gutters. Older homes may not always have these, and a contractor may avoid installing one, which can have serious consequences. Apart from water hitting the building and its foundation directly, it can work its way under the first row of shingles, causing them to become loose. Get a contractor to install a drip edge immediately to prolong the life of the shingles.
Insecure Gutters
Water weighs a lot, and gutters must be strong enough to withstand it. When a contractor installs the screws in the incorrect places, it can cause the gutters to sag and eventually break under the weight of the water. If the property is in a rain-heavy area, it will cause pooling near the roof, posing a threat to the integrity of the shingles and inner layers. After spotting a sagging gutter, get a reliable roofing team to correct the problem.
Ignoring Underlayment
Property owners aren’t aware of the different layers of a roofing system. The roof’s foundation is the decking, and the shingles or tiles are the outermost layer. The underlayment is a form of water protection that some contractors intentionally leave out to save costs. It protects the most vulnerable areas in the roof from leaks, but if you identify this error, you must have a contractor address this problem before the roof takes on water damage.
Installing New Shingles Over Old Ones
If a contractor ever agrees to install new shingles over the old ones, run away. Following this cost-saving process will result in punctures that are a lure for moisture. Since moisture is the enemy of roofing elements, you don’t want it on your roof. If you find new shingles over the old ones, get help from a reputable contractor that delivers high-quality work.
Your First Port of Call
It’s challenging to find help that you can trust and rely on. With over two decades of experience in the industry and certifications from the Better Business Bureau, the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association, and the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, you can rest easy when you call us to repair or replace your commercial and residential roofs.
