Having a roof is a necessity for every home, but installing a new one is often costly. What’s worse, a roofing project done by amateurs can lead to even higher costs in the long run. Let your trusted roofers, Roof Masters, discuss the common mistakes you definitely avoid.
Improper Slope
Choosing the right material for the slope of the roof is crucial to the overall installation. The wrong selection leaves the roof vulnerable to water penetration. If you have an asphalt, tile or wood roof, the minimum slope is 4 units of rise per 12 units of run. Generally, these materials cannot safely tolerate less slope than that.
Incorrect Flashing
Leaks happen primarily at the points of transitions and penetrations. Transitions are your wall abutments like dormers and addition tie-ins while penetrations are things like skylights, vents and chimney chases. All of these areas require special flashing to secure the roof’s water tightness. Inadequate flashing will only lead to constant leaks down the road.
Discuss with your roofing company the different flashing points around your roof before installation. Make sure they secure the type of flashing required to enhance the ability of your roof to drain water.
Insufficient Attic Ventilation
Ventilation affects moisture buildup in the roof and may cause the entire system to fail prematurely if done incorrectly. To ensure that all ventilation needs are met, your roofer should have an attic plan that may include adding a new ridge vent or baffles to avoid blocking airflow.
Being the huge investment that it is, you shouldn’t allow a sloppy job to take over your project. To learn more about proper roofing practices, call Roof Masters today at (888) 889-7551. You can also fill out our contact form to book a free inspection and estimate. We serve clients in Rockville, MD, and the surrounding areas.