Roofing Mistakes

Warren Buffet once said, “It’s good to learn from your mistakes, it’s better to learn from other people’s mistakes.”

We in the roofing business have learned a lot over the years from the mistakes of others. The mistakes of others in our business have set a pretty high standard for things you do and don’t do now. Unfortunately it was the costly mistakes of others in the past that have paved the way for the quality workmanship in the roofing industry that is enjoyed today.

Roofing & Decking

Let’s start at ground level for roofing… “The Decking.” Don’t make the mistake some roofers have made by moving forward until the foundation is sound. If the decking isn’t in good condition then nothing should be laid upon it until it is repaired or replaced. The decking is the foundation of the roof, and if the foundation isn’t sound then nothing following will be either.

“Failure to use proper underlayment.” Common felt is ok on some roofs where moisture may not be a problem but often where there are heavy amounts of rain and snow a high quality moisture barrier is imperative. Moisture barrier not only protects the decking but is added protection for vulnerable areas such as valleys. It’s best to get the professional opinion of an experienced roofing contractor and general contractor like Barrelle Roofing in Loganville, Georgia.

Roof Ventilation

“Poorly designed ventilation.” We have learned the importance of having a proper ventilation system for each individual roof design. From a number of different ventilation systems roofing contractors understand which one system is best suited for each individual roof. Whether it is turbines, low profiles, ridge vent, or power vents the right system is important.

Important Roofing Shingles

“Starter shingles.” Starter shingles (or starter strips) are a row of shingles that are installed around the perimeter of the roof. They serve to waterproof the eve and rake edges of the roof. They also prevent shingles from blowing off by adhering the shingles together on the starting row.

“Overlaying Shingles.” The proper way of re-roofing is to completely remove the old existing shingles from the roof and replace them with brand new ones. It was once thought that by applying another layer of new shingles that it was ok and would even help with insulation. But in learning from the past the old shingles were often mildewed, damaged and found to hold moisture underneath the new shingles proving to be detrimental.

“Improper shingle overhang.” Shingle overhang was always a Goldie Locks syndrome for many roofers. Either it was too much overhang or not enough. Too much overhang and the shingles would blow off during high winds. That never worked well. Or, too little and water would blow up under the trim or fascia.

Drip Edge

“Drip edge.”  Some roofers failed to install drip edge. Drive edge keeps water from being blown under the edge of the roof. It also diverts water away from the building structure. It was not unusual in the past to find homes with no drip edge at all. The thought was that the shingles extending beyond the roof line was protecting the edges of the decking. They were wrong.

I’m glad we’ve learned from others mistakes… the ones we make on our own are hard enough.