Home Improvement

Mistakes to avoid with roofing

When it comes to choosing the right roofing system for your home, there are many options available, such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile shingles and more. In order to make the best choice for your home and budget, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each type of roofing. Not only that, but you also need to know what mistakes to avoid with roofing.

Sure it might be tempting to buy cheap roofing materials in order to save money on a big project like this one. However, this is not always the best thing to do. There are many reasons why you should steer clear of cheap roofing materials. For instance, they simply won’t last very long. When you purchase a quality material from a reputable manufacturer, you know that you’re getting the absolute best product that will last for years or decades with little or no maintenance required on your part.

No matter what kind of roofing you’re getting, your main goal should be to make sure it’s installed properly and that the quality of materials is up to par.

Not getting three bids. Too many people simply go with the first bid they get, whether it’s for a new roof or repairs. Roofers are salesmen — don’t let them pressure you into making a decision before you’ve seen what else is out there. If a roofer refuses to give you a written bid (or if he tries to talk you out of getting multiple bids), don’t work with him.

Choosing based on price alone. Roofing is not an area where you want to cut corners or get the cheapest possible option. There are times when cost can be an indicator of quality, but in general, it’s best to choose based on value rather than lowest price. You can contact https://northernroofingltd.co.uk/ for more information.

Failing to have a clear understanding of what’s included in the bid. Make sure it includes everything before signing anything, as some roofers will lowball their offer and then add on lots of charges later. This is also why it’s important to put all promises in writing.

Not using enough nails

It’s tempting to get by with as few nails as possible, but with loose-laid asphalt shingle roofing, that’s a mistake. A single bundle (33.3 sq. ft.) of three-tab shingles requires about 70 nails for proper installation, and architectural shingles can require twice that many. That doesn’t mean you should go crazy with the hammer: Nailing too close to the edge of the shingle can cause it to split, and nailing too high or two low can cause leaks. But if you don’t use enough nails, your roof won’t hold up in high winds.

Not checking for hidden sources of water

The biggest reason roofs leak is because they weren’t properly flashed at vulnerable spots like chimneys and skylights. If the roofer simply installs new shingles over old ones without checking the condition of the flashing underneath, everything will look good until the first rainstorm, when water will come pouring in around those flashing points. To avoid this problem, ask your roofer to show you a sample of his work before he starts tearing off old shingles.