Undeniably, no other part of the home gets as much direct beating as the roof. Come to think of it, your roof is the top recipient of sun, snow, rain, and hail. Falling debris from windstorms can also affect your roof more than any other part of your house.

With all the elements your roof has to stand up to, it is crucial that you have a high-quality roof that’s installed by experienced and skilled professionals.

The last thing you want is to deal with roofing mistakes made by second-rate contractors who don’t even have roofing insurance. If your roof needs to be repaired, exercising the same caution is recommended.

While most homeowners anticipate they would need to replace their entire roof, such is not always the case. If anything, roofing repair will not always cost a fortune, given you know what mistakes to avoid.

Roof Repair Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid at All Cost

Many things can go wrong when you have your roof repaired. Just like any home improvement job, repairing (or replacing) your roof can do more harm than good if not done correctly. Below are some of the roofing mistakes you should avoid at all cost:

Repair Mistake #01: Covering old shingles with new ones.

Roof Repair

Don’t put new shingles on top of old ones.

Many amateur roofing contractors are notorious for installing new shingles on top of the old ones. There are two reasons for this: to save money and cut corners. Reliable roofers will roll up their sleeves and do the job right—removing old shingles first before replacing them with new ones.

“Surface repairs” can boost the curb appeal of your roof. However, like most quick fixes, the lazy method will do little to solve your roofing problems. The right roof repair involves removing the damaged shingles first and inspecting the sheathing and roof deck for fragile areas.

Evaluating the structural integrity of the roof membrane is also required. Skimping on the needed steps can compromise the base of your roof. When the base or foundation is compromised, dirt and moisture can accumulate and hasten your roof’s deterioration and damage.

Also, multiple layers of shingles can add weight to your roof and can end up harming your walls and your roof structure. Most overlays will just mask the real problems. Not only that, when you need to strip your roof in the future, you will need to deal with two layers instead of one.

Repair Mistake #02: Neglecting attic ventilation.

Your roof is more than just an assembly of shingles. It is an entire system made up of various components. This might not be common knowledge, but much of the health of your roof hinges on the attic as well as its ventilation system. Proper ventilation can help ensure the temperature inside the attic and your house is close to the temperature outside.

During summer, when daytime sunlight makes your roof too hot, moisture can build up from the decking and end up damaging your shingles. That said, no roof repair is considered complete without an inside-out attic inspection.

Repair Mistake #03: Reusing old flashing.

Photo of damaged roof shingles and fascia

Don’t forget about the flashing.

Flashing plays a crucial role in the longevity and health of your roof. Flashing is the thin sheet of metal around the skylights, vents, chimneys, and other projections intersecting with the roof. They keep the moisture out of your home and roof.

The flashing also protects the roof from water intrusion and a world of potential damage. At times, old flashing can appear in good condition. However, it is also possible for flashing to be worn down beneath the surface. This can affect its ability to suspend the flow of water away from your home.

Seasoned roofers can easily spot other common issues, including improperly overlapped, misaligned, or insufficiently fastened flashing. When the time comes for your roof to be repaired, replacing as opposed to reusing the components can help warrant long-lasting and effective protection for your home.

Repair Mistake #04: Doing the job on your own.

The only roof repair that is more costly than an amateur doing your repairs is doing it on your own. While it can seem like a practical thing to do, DIY roof repair will not only put the health and longevity of the roof at risk, it can also put you in harm’s way.

It is also essential to keep in mind that even minor roof repairs like damaged flashings, loose shingles, or holes can seem like a massive challenge without the right equipment and tools. In addition, with an untrained eye, you can also risk overlooking some of the underlying problems.

Sure, the DIY route has the potential to save you money. However, it is vital to keep in mind that the extra out-of-pocket you spend by investing in the help of professionals can help ensure your roof is repaired accordingly.

It can also give you access to a contractor’s warranty. The end result? You can enjoy a damage-free and functional roofing system that’s built to last for a very long time.

Repair Mistake #05: Incorrect roof materials and installation.

Photo of our roofer nailing asphalt shingles to a Calgary roof

Use the right tools and equipment for the job.

Skimping on materials is yet another way amateur roofers cut corners to save money. Apart from that, the reality is many roofers have limited access to top-quality materials. Often, only roofers with partnerships with leading industry brands have easy access to professional materials designed to suit most roofing systems.

Also, another common (and critical) mistake amateurs make is ignoring the specifications provided by the manufacturer. Failure to follow the guidelines can void the manufacturer’s warranty and can hike up the cost of future jobs significantly.

Final Thought

Having a roof repaired is stressful enough. Fortunately, avoiding the most common mistakes can definitely make the process seamless and even enjoyable.

Author Bio:

Rachel Porter is the content specialist for Custom Contractors Insurance, LLC, an Arizona roofing and contractors insurance company. When not writing, she enjoys reading and mountain biking with her friends.