A roof is one of the most important parts of your home.
This is the thing that protects you and your family from the outside elements. The wind, rain, snow, and everything else are kept out by this layer of protection on your home, and if fitted correctly with enough insulation, it should also do a good job of keeping you nice and warm.
That is as long as it is installed correctly and in good shape.
So, what are the common building mistakes that could lead to issues in your roof, and how can you avoid them?
Let’s take a look.
Not Using the Right Materials
Roofing materials come in many different shapes and sizes, and all have different strengths, weaknesses, and average lifespans.
While different projects need different materials, there is one thing all builds have in common. You must use high-quality materials that are made to last.
Installing a new roof can be an expensive task, and it can be tempting to look to cut corners when it comes to the price of materials.
This can lead to issues though, including mismatched shingles which often occur when buying from different locations.
Other materials that need to be of high quality are items such as membranes, flashing, nails, and insulation. These may not be visible, but they are integral to the structure of your roof and so if you buy poor-quality items, they may be susceptible to damage and could end up causing you more problems than you expected.
Not Making Sure Your Valley Flashing is Secured Correctly
Where two sections of a pitched roof meet, there is a weak spot in a roof.
This is because there is always a gap between the two sections of tiles, and this is the prime spot for water to get into your home.
So, how do you stop this?
Well, most people use valley flashing. This can be metal or made from other materials such as lead, but it must be secured correctly.
You must make sure you are choosing a long-lasting material for your flashing, as the last thing you want is to have to climb back onto your roof and replace it within a few years as the current flashing has corroded and there are now gaps.
You must also make sure the flashing is secured to the roof sufficiently. This can be done with nails or screws, but it must be tight under the tiles and leave no gaps.
It only takes a tiny hole for water to get through your flashing and onto your roof, so if you aren’t providing a sufficient covering, you may find water, snow, and ice that regularly flows into the area where flashing is needed, is finding the gaps and leaking into your home, which could cause big problems.
Rushing into a Decision on the Shape and Type of your Roof
A roof isn’t something you change every couple of years. The right kind of roof, like a slate roof, for example, could last for at least 100 years, so it should be seen as a long-term investment.
What this means is that the choice you make right now on which type of roof you are going to have on your property will last a long time.
So, with that in mind, it’s vital not to rush into it.
Think about exactly what you want from a roof. Do you think having somewhere accessible would be a big help? Perhaps you don’t have any garden space and you think installing a green roof may be a big boost.
If you have a pitched roof, you may be undecided on which tiles to use. While some are more expensive, they do last longer, so it depends on your situation.
Take into account things such as the style of your home and your street. You may not want something that will really stand out and clash with the other houses. It’s also wise to look at the purpose of the building. If it’s a small shed, you won’t need anything too substantial, whereas if it’s a workplace you may require something strong and with certain characteristics such as being fireproof.
A roof is a big expense, so spend some time working out your options and making sure you’re getting the perfect type of roof for you.
And if you’re still unsure, check out our blog on the differences between flat and pitched roofs.
Not Laying the Shingles Correctly
Shingles are a vital part of a roof. They are the main layer of protection between the outside elements and your home, and often hundreds of them are used to fit one roof.
If they aren’t laid in a professional and correct manner though, they can lead to big problems.
There are many mistakes you can make when laying shingles, such as not securing them correctly. If you’re using slate tiles, for example, these are heavy, and if they aren’t sufficiently nailed in place, they could start to slip which will leave gaps in your roof.
The position of the shingles is also vital. They must overhang the edge of the roof slightly, but not by too much or they may be susceptible to wind damage. They must also overlap each other, and the lines should be straight.
If the line isn’t straight, you will find the gaps between each tile change, and this could lead to holes between the tiles or tiles overlapping each other too much and sticking up.
Laying shingles isn’t easy, and if you’re trying to do it yourself, you must be very careful to not perform any of these mistakes. It only takes one bad row to throw out a whole roof, so keeping a close eye on the work being done can save you lots of time in the long run.
Not Letting Professionals Do the Job
Okay, so as we’re roofing professionals, this one may sound a bit cheeky, but getting professional help with a roof does come with many benefits.
Firstly, roofing is dangerous. Work must be carried out on high surfaces and with hazardous materials. If you’re soldering lead or nailing tiles down on a pitched roof, you must ensure the correct safety measures are in place or you will be at risk of harm.
Roofing also takes a very skilled roofer to make sure the right job is done, and that the above mistakes are avoided.
If you lay a whole roof of tiles and then realise there are gaps, this will be a big job to go back and fix.
Professional roofing teams, such as Roofpro, have years of experience in making sure all roof installation and repair jobs are done properly and efficiently, and when it comes to a roof, no second measures should be taken in securing your home from the wind and rain outside.
London Roof Installation and Repair
If you live in London or the surrounding areas and want to avoid making these mistakes on your roof, then why not use Roofpro?
Our team will talk you through the process from start to finish and ensure the job is done the best way it can.
If you want to know more or are looking for a free no-obligation quote, then get in touch with our team today.
We look forward to hearing from you.