Having a trusted Houston roofing company work your roof is always the best option. However, as a homeowner, you might sometimes feel the temptation to cut costs with your roof installation, replacement, and repair. Just be aware beforehand that working on your Houston roofing is tougher than it looks and involves many parts and tasks that have to be done just right or risk causing greater damage to your roof and your home. Here are what the experts from Houston roofing company Amstill Roofing say are the most common roofing mistakes that homeowners make.
Common Roofing Mistakes That Cause Houston Roof Damage
Homeowners are prone to committing errors that a Houston roofer would avoid when installing their Houston roofing. While these mistakes may seem minor at the moment they are committed, they tend to have consequences that lead to Houston roof damage down the line. These include:
Forgetting the Roof Underlayment
A common mistake is directly installing roofing upon the wooden deck of your roof without first installing an underlayment. This additional layer helps protect your home from the elements and extends the lifespan of your Houston roofing. Hiring an experienced Houston roofer would make sure that every step of the roofing process is followed exactly to assure quality and durability.
Using Incorrect Nails
For each type of roofing shingle, there is a corresponding nail length that must be used. Using the wrong one can lead to shingles prone to becoming loose. This in turn can cause Houston roof damage under high winds or allow leaks to develop. A trustworthy Houston roofing company will have its tools and equipment sorted to meet your exact needs to prevent such errors from occurring.
Imprecise Nail Placement
Aside from being of the right length, roofing nails must be placed at specific locations on your shingles. Poorly placed nails can cause structural issues later on. Additionally, if the nails are exposed to the elements, they will corrode and the affected Houston roofing will become more prone to wind damage and water infiltration. Placing nails at the exact spots needed is second nature to Houston roof experts with decades of experience and thousands of roofs under their belt.
Common Roofing Mistakes While Repairing Houston Roof Damage
Homeowners may also inadvertently cause Houston roof damage when they attempt to repair their roofing instead of hiring a Houston roofing company. Common instances of this include:
Keeping Old Shingles
To save time and effort, a homeowner might choose to place a layer of new shingles on top of existing ones, thinking this might double their protection. What actually happens is that this creates places where dirt and water will accumulate, leaving your roof even more prone to Houston roof damage later on. Such a practice is not just harmful to your roof, it is actually illegal in some districts. Hiring a Houston roofer might cost a little extra, but this assures that the best practices are always followed when installing, replacing, or repairing your roof.
Not Removing Old Flashing
Another common mistake is reusing the old flashing of your Houston roofing. While it might appear to still be serviceable, the best practice when doing roof repairs is to replace the flashing along with the roof shingles or tiles. Reused flashing runs the risk of water damage issues and leaks in the future.
Houston Roof Damage Repairs by a Trusted Houston Roofer Near Me
The best way to avoid these mistakes is to have a reliable Houston roofer do your roofing for you. Your next question to that might be “Is there a Houston roofing company near me that I can trust to take care of my roof?” Amstill Roofing is a family-owned and operated business that has been working in the Houston area for almost 50 years. We stake our reputation on the thousands of roofs that we work on every year. If you suspect that your home has any Houston roof damage, then get in touch with us today and avail of a free roof inspection!