Roof replacement can feel like a piece of cake, but the fact is that it’s much more difficult than you might think. Not only is it a serious project, but it’s also a huge investment that you only want to make once.
You have to choose the right material and you have to do the job the right way. If you are considering hiring a professional to replace the roof, there are also common mistakes here, such as hiring a sloppy person or paying far too much for the job.
In this article, we did our best to compile a list of common mistakes that occur during a roof replacement and what you can do to avoid them.
Thinking You Can Do the Job Yourself
Replacing a roof requires both knowledge and some muscle. Laying a roof properly is a time-consuming and risky job that requires a special skill set, accuracy, and precision. If you don’t know how to proceed, there’s a great risk that you will make many mistakes.
It can affect both ventilation and tightness, and a poorly laid roof will probably be costly in the future. Many people try to save money by changing the roof themselves. It may go well on smaller outbuildings, but when it comes to a bigger house, it can cause big problems for those who lack the necessary expertise. If you don’t have the right knowledge to change the roof yourself, it’s always better to hire the services of a professional.
If you are looking to replace your garage roof, for example, you can consult garage roof replacement services before beginning your project. In the long run, it will be a more cost-effective option to get sustainable roofing work done right from the start.
Wrong Choice of Material
Image source: Vivint Solar from Unsplash
When choosing materials for your new roof, it’s important to think smart. You shouldn’t choose what you think looks most beautiful, but what suits the house’s construction. If you’re considering doing the job yourself instead of hiring a roofer, it may still be wise to contact an independent professional to find out what type of roofing material is right for your particular house.
Once the roof type has been determined, it’s important to find the right product. Different roof tiles or roofing sheets can differ significantly in price, but also quality. Also, keep in mind that the actual surface treatment and the color shade of the roofing material play a big role in how the result looks to the eye.
Poor Attic Ventilation
Image source: Denver Post
The suspended ceiling is an important part of roof construction. It’s important that the suspended ceiling is laid correctly for the right type of roof. This is especially true if the attic has been additionally insulated or other energy-saving measures have been carried out.
Moisture on the inside of the roof can lead to mold problems and rot. Sometimes an air gap is needed, and other times a vapor barrier is needed to make the underside of the roof stay dry. Find out what exactly applies to the roof you intend to lay.
Drainage Systems That Don’t Fit
In connection with a roof replacement, it’s an advantage if you also replace gutters and downpipes. These also need to be replaced just like the roof and if you do not do it or make sure that they fit the dimensions of the new roof, you can face big problems with the drainage. The function then becomes significantly worse and can cause problems with too much water around the house.
There’s a lot to think about when changing roofs and it’s not something you should do on your own if you’re unsure even about the smallest thing. The roof can get easily damaged by moisture if it is not done correctly and it will end up affecting the whole house.
Not Getting a Roofing Permit
Since a roofing permit is required to install a new roof in most areas, make sure that you obtain one so you’re sure that you follow local building codes. If you fail to do so, the roof installation can be immediately put on suspension and result in further fines and fees.
Material regulations, rules, recommendations, and working methods are constantly updated. Therefore, always check the current rules with the current industry organization or professional before you start your project.
Final Thoughts
A roof replacement is a significant financial expense that you have to live with for a long time. One trick to succeeding with roofing is to avoid the mistakes that others have already made. In this article, we focused on those mistakes that can be easily avoided.
