What Can Go Wrong During A Roof Replacement

Choosing The Right Professional For Roof Repairs - Bruzzese Home

Let’s face it, no one likes replacing the roof of their home. It’s a huge hassle and an expensive job. That said, getting it done right can end up saving you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. Unfortunately, there is a lot that can go wrong with roof replacement if it’s not done correctly. Here we will discuss some of the potential things that can go wrong during a roof replacement.

Material Shortages:

There could be issues finding the needed roofing materials that came with the original or replacement roof. Certain manufacturers may have stopped production on those materials, and the quality of the replacements may not be as good. A shortage in materials can also lead to a delay in the job, so it’s important to be aware of the products needed for the job.

It’s important to be aware of the expected timeframe for availability of materials. Even if the materials are in stock, it could take time for the order to be processed and shipped. Of course, some materials may be available for same day pickup, which could help to avoid any delay.

This type of problem can be avoided by selecting quality materials that are still in production. That way there won’t be any delays due to materials being out of stock.

Poor Workmanship:

The worst that can happen with a roof replacement is that the job is not done properly. Poor workmanship can lead to a number of problems, not only to the integrity of the roof, but also to damage inside the home if rain or snow is allowed to seep in. Poor workmanship can also lead to the roof needing to be replaced more frequently than it should.

The key to avoiding poor workmanship is to make sure that the roofing company you choose is highly reputable and experienced in roofing. Check online reviews to make sure that customers in the past have been satisfied with their results. Make sure to ask questions about their experience in roofing and make sure that you are completely comfortable with their qualifications.

Also, it’s important to get everything in writing. Have them provide you with an itemized list of the work that needs to be done, as well as a list of materials that will be used. This way there won’t be any misunderstandings.

Incorrect Setup of Underlayment:

Underlayment – which is the layer of material that sits between the roofing material and the roof deck – must be installed correctly in order to ensure proper drainage. If it’s installed incorrectly, then water can get trapped between the underlayment and roof deck, leading to a variety of roof problems.

Make sure that the roofing contractor you hire is experienced in setting up the underlayment correctly. Since this is one of the more technical aspects of the job, make sure that the roofing contractor explains the set up in detail and understands the importance of doing it right the first time.

It’s also important to use quality underlayment. The cheaper the material, the more likely it is to allow water infiltration. Choosing a quality underlayment may end up costing more, but it will ensure that the roof does not suffer from any water infiltration issues.

Incorrect Nailing:

The nails used for attaching the roof to the roof deck must be correctly placed and correctly driven into the roof deck. If they are not set correctly, then the roof can come loose and be more susceptible to wind and other storm damage. In addition, incorrectly placed nails can puncture the material and water can get inside the home.

Again, to avoid this problem it’s important to make sure the roofing contractor has experience correctly nailing the roofing material in place. Make sure to ask how they plan to tackle this part of the job and make sure that you are comfortable that they will do a good job.

It’s also important to make sure the correct size and type of nails are being used. If nails that are too long or too short are used, then the job won’t be done correctly and you may end up dealing with roofing issues sooner than expected.

Incorrect Ventilation:

Good ventilation is important for keeping roof temperatures cooler and reducing condensation and mold growth in the home. Without proper ventilation, the roof can be a hot-spot and cause a higher utility bills. In addition, during the winter months, ice dams can occur at the edge of the roof due to poor ventilation.

To avoid this problem, make sure the contractor is familiar with the type of ventilation needed and how to properly install it. Make sure the contractor reviews the necessary ventilation for your roof, including the size and number of vents needed.

In addition, uncoated metal typically should not be used to cover the vents, as it can corrode and cause holes to form in the vent, leading to moisture and/or air infiltration.

Incorrect Flashing Installation:

Flashing is necessary around the edges of the roof to prevent water from infiltrating the home. If the flashing is not installed correctly, then it can fail and cause water infiltration into the home.

Make sure the contractor is experienced at installing flashing. This is a critical part of the job, and it’s essential that the contractor understands the importance of doing it correctly. The contractor should be familiar with the type and material used for the flashing, as well as the best sealing methods.

Incorrect Finishing:

The edges of the roof should have a finished edge that is sealed and won’t allow water infiltration. If the roof is not properly sealed at the edges, then water can get into the home during heavy rainstorms.

To prevent this problem from occurring, have the contractor explain the materials they will be using to finish the edges of the roof. Some materials can be more effective than others, so it’s important to make sure you are satisfied with the proposed solution.

In addition, check to make sure that all areas where two pieces of material meet, such as at a ridge, are sealed properly. This will help to ensure that the edges of the roof are effectively sealed and won’t lead to water infiltration into the home.

Uncertified Installers:

In some cases, you may be tempted to hire someone to replace your roof who is not a certified roofer. This can be a huge mistake, as the job may not be done correctly and can cause a variety of problems.

Make sure to ask for certification and references from any company or individual you hire to replace your roof. Make sure to check the references and to make sure that the certification is up to date. This way, you can avoid the problems that come with hiring an uncertified roofer.

Damaged Shingles or Tiles:

If the shingles or tiles are damaged during the roof replacement, then water and dirt can get underneath the materials and cause water infiltration into the home. To avoid this issue, make sure the roofing contractor understands how to properly remove and replace the materials. Ask them how they plan to remove the shingles or tiles, and have them explain the process in detail.

It’s also important to lay down a protective material over the roof deck when removing the old materials. This will help to prevent any damage to the roof deck from the removal of the oldmaterials or the installation of the new materials.

Growing Cost of the Job

No one wants to be surprised by an unexpected bill. Unfortunately, when it comes to roof replacements, the cost can grow if the job is more complicated than expected. That’s why it’s important to get an accurate estimate from the contractor before the job is started. Make sure to get all the details in writing regarding the projected cost of labor and materials.

It’s also important to get a warranty on the job. Many roofing companies offer a warranty on their work, and it’s important to make sure that the warranty is included in the contract. This way, if there are any problems with the job, the contractor can come back and repair them.

Using the Wrong Roofing Materials:

Using the wrong roofing materials can have serious implications on the life of the roof. Different roofing materials are designed for different climates and areas, and it’s important to make sure the right materials are used for the job. Talk to your contractor and make sure they understand the different types of materials used for roofing and the