When you opt in for a roof replacement, you want to be sure it’s installed properly. Proper roof installation is essential for a durable and good-looking roof, and for maximizing its lifespan. If a roof is not installed properly, this could lead to your roof failing prematurely, and costing more in the long-term.
Elite Exteriors takes pride in providing superior workmanship, as we know how important the roof installation process is. We also believe in educating homeowners when it comes to their roof, so they are happy and confident in their investment. In this article, we discuss what improper roof installation looks like, what causes it, and the importance of proper roof installation.
Table of Contents
– What is Improper Roof Installation?
– Causes of Improper Roof Installation
– Weather
– Nailing
– Attic Ventilation
– Workmanship
– Importance of Proper Roof Installation
What is Improper Roof Installation?
Proper roof installation takes place when all parts of a roof are installed using the correct roofing techniques. And this is so important, because if just one part of the roof is not installed correctly, it can lead to early roof failure. So, an improper roof installation happens when a roofer does not follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and does not use the right roofing techniques and procedures.
To many, having one roofing component improperly installed doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it is. Your roofing system is composed of many different parts, each one playing a vital role in the success of the others and your roof as a whole. Plus, if one part of your roof is installed incorrectly, you can almost guarantee that other parts were installed incorrectly, as well. Unfortunately, this has been seen in both older roofs and new builds.
Causes of Improper Roof Installation
Now that you know what an improper and proper roof installation is, let’s discuss factors that can cause improper roof installation. When a roof isn’t installed correctly, problems can show up as early as the first time it rains. Below we will discuss what causes an improper roof installation and untimely roof failure.
Weather
The right weather conditions on build day are necessary for a proper roof installation. Your new roof needs to be installed on a warm, dry day. Your roof should never be installed when it’s raining or snowing, or when it’s too cold or too hot outside.
For example, if it’s too cold outside, the shingles will split and crack when the nail is driven into it. And if a contractor decides to do your roof replacement on a rainy day, we can almost guarantee that your roof will start to have problems sooner than later. The right weather conditions are vital to a proper roof installation.
Nailing
When it comes to a proper roof installation, the way your shingles are nailed to your roof is crucial. If the nails are driven in straight with the right pressure, then your shingles are good to go. However, if the shingles are lifted and the nails are sideways, then your roof was not installed correctly.
The placement of the roofing nail also plays a huge role. If a nail isn’t placed directly on the shingle’s nail line, then it was not installed properly. This will void the manufacturer’s warranty, as well, and can cause your roof to leak when it rains.
Attic Ventilation
Proper roof installation also means that your attic is adequately ventilated. Your ventilation system plays such a major role in the health of your new roof. One of the first things a good contractor will do when installing a roof is ensure that the attic is properly ventilated.
However, if your roofer does not make sure that the attic is properly ventilated before installation, then your roof will not last as long as it should. When an attic isn’t properly ventilated, hot and cold air gets trapped, which shortens your roof’s lifespan and voids the manufacturer’s warranty. With inadequate ventilation, your roof can fail in as little as two years.
Workmanship
What else can cause improper roof installation? Poor workmanship. Unfortunately, substandard workmanship is seen too often in the roofing industry. When a roof is improperly installed, you can almost guarantee it was caused by a roofer who was either lazy, used shortcuts, or simply didn’t know what they were doing.
This is why it is so important to hire an experienced contractor you trust to get the job done right. Your roofing materials are only as good as the roofer who installs them. If the materials are expected to last 20 years, then your roof should last 20 years or longer with proper installation. With improper installation and poor workmanship, it’s just a matter of time before your new roof starts to fail.
Importance of Proper Roof Installation
Now that we know what improper roof installation looks like, it’s easy to see why proper roof installation is important. Proper roof installation saves you money in the long run. While a new roof can be expensive, it costs even more to fix the problems caused by improper installation. And these costs can add up, especially if your contractor doesn’t offer workmanship warranties to protect your investment.
With proper roof installation, homeowners can expect to get the most years out of their new roof. Since a new roof is such an expensive and important investment, you will want it to last as long as it should. And there are roofs out there that can last up to 50 years, or longer, when properly installed.
Manufacturer’s warranties are also another aspect to consider. When it comes to manufacturer’s warranties, they are going to do everything within their power to not pay for your repairs or a new roof. When making a claim, the first thing they will do is check to see if your roof was properly installed. If it was not, the manufacturer will not honor the warranty.
Last but certainly not least, proper roof installation provides peace of mind. When your roof is installed the right way, you don’t have to constantly worry about the state of your roof when it rains, or how much repairs will cost. You can rest assured that your investment, and home, is protected.
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As you may now know, the contractor that you choose has a huge impact on your new roof. When it comes to proper roof installation, the first thing you want to do is hire a knowledgeable and vetted roofer with experience. This can make the difference between a roof that lives to its maximum lifespan, and one that fails before it should.
Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship, and incomparable quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only are we fully bonded, licensed, and insured, but we can provide any references you may need, and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today at 470-350-3024 for a NO-COST initial consultation and inspection, or fill out our online form for more information!