Common Roofing Removal Mistakes

The roof is one of the most visible exterior components of a home, and it also functions as an essential barrier against all of the elements. An intact roof helps the home stay cooler in the summer, warmer during the cold winter months, and drier in the face of rain. A damaged roof can lead to problematic leakages (often the first sign of trouble), and if not repaired or replaced soon, the home could be susceptible to further damage and undesired exposure to inclement weather.

The first step to any roofing repair job is to remove the existing roofing, but this process is not very often foolproof. There are many things that can go wrong when it comes to roofing removal. This article discusses the top five shingle roofing removal mistakes.

1. Not removing the existing shingles completely. Many less expensive roofing companies (and some do-it-yourself homeowners) try to cut corners by not completely removing all the roof shingles before repairing a roof. This can be spell disaster in a number of ways.

A surface repair like this will not address the problems that be caused by decking that is damaged or by underlayment that is not installed properly. For best roof repair results, remove all roof shingles so that a thorough examination of the decking and the sheathing underneath can be conducted.

2. Not checking the moisture barrier beneath the shingles. The main job of a roof’s shingles is to deflect and divert water off of the roof, but it is still crucial to properly install a high quality moisture protectant underneath. This moisture barrier protects the decking from rain, snow and ice. Any damage in the moisture barrier needs to be immediately addressed.

3. Not installing adequate fastening. When it comes to repairing a roof, homeowners need to make sure that their decking, shingles, and underlayment are all properly affixed. Inadequate fastening allows wind to get beneath and raise shingles, and moisture will work its way in through the layers, allowing leaks to develop.

Look especially for loose shingles. This is an indication that the nails being used are much too short. It can be safely assumed that loose shingles will lead to more roofing problems, which will require earlier need for repairs and replacement. Nails should be long enough to go all the way down into the decking, and they should all be placed under the top layer of shingles so they will not sustain weather damage.

4. Leaving poorly installed, or very old, flashing. This roofing material is necessary to channel wetness away from certain problem areas, like roof valleys, chimneys, satellite dishes, skylights, and vents. In conducting roof repair, some roofers (especially less experienced ones, or those trying to cut corners) will reuse old flashing in order to cut down on costs.

This is a very big mistake. When roofing is being removed, the old flashing must come off too, even if it seems like it is in good shape. Old flashing that is used with new roofing could definitely lead to real trouble down the line.

5. Ignoring the manufacturers’ specifications. These guidelines are there for a reason, and failure to follow them may very well result in a void of any existing manufacturer warranty. Proper adherence to instructions, installation, and preparation procedures ensures a quality repair job and maintains the validity of the warranty.

Hiring reputable, qualified professionals like the people at United Home Experts is the best way for homeowners to avoid the pitfalls of roofing removal. Their fully trained staff can help you assess your roofing needs, and they can ensure that the job is done correctly – with the best quality products and an eye toward the major industry standards.