Asphalt shingle roofs are popular for a reason, but improper installation can lead to major problems. Learn about common mistakes to avoid during your next roof replacement.

Asphalt shingle roofs are a popular and affordable choice for many homeowners. They’re relatively simple to install, durable, and come in a variety of styles and colors. But even a good product can be compromised by a bad installation. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common mistakes made during asphalt shingle roof installation, and how to avoid them.

The Case of the Leaky Roof

Imagine this: you just had a brand new asphalt shingle roof installed, and a few years later, you’re noticing water stains on your ceiling. Yikes! This is exactly what happened to a homeowner in Iowa, and the culprit turned out to be a series of installation errors made by the roofer.

The good news is that not all asphalt shingle roof installations are this bad. However, many roofs suffer from at least one or two of these mistakes, and any one of them can lead to leaks and other problems down the road.

So, how can you avoid a similar fate for your roof? Let’s delve into the details that matter:

• Step Flashing and Kickouts: Step flashing is crucial for directing water away from vulnerable areas around chimneys, walls, and other transitions. During the inspection of the leaky roof, it was discovered that the existing step flashing was completely ignored, and new shingles were simply tucked beneath it. This created a direct path for water to leak into the house. Kickouts, which are essentially extensions of the flashing that channel water away from the wall, were also missing.
• Drip Edge: A drip edge is a metal flashing installed along the eaves and gables of a roof. It prevents wind-blown rain and snowmelt from getting underneath the shingles and causing leaks. The leaky roof had no drip edge installed, and the exposed sheathing showed signs of water damage.
• Shingle Layout and Nailing: Shingles need to be overlapped by a specific amount (usually 4-6 inches) to ensure proper water protection. On the problem roof, the shingles were overlapped by as little as 2 inches in some places. Additionally, the shingle nailing was haphazard, with some shingles missing nails altogether and others overdriven or crooked.

These are just a few of the most common mistakes made during asphalt shingle roof installation. By being aware of these potential problems, you can ask informed questions of your roofer and ensure a high-quality installation that will protect your home for years to come.

Here are some additional tips for a successful asphalt shingle roof replacement:

• Hire a qualified and experienced roofer. Don’t go for the cheapest option; look for a roofer with a good reputation and experience installing asphalt shingle roofs.
• Get multiple estimates. This will help you compare prices and services offered by different roofers.
• Ask about the materials that will be used. Make sure the roofer is using high-quality materials, including shingles, underlayment, and flashing.
• Get everything in writing. This includes the scope of work, the materials that will be used, the warranty on the roof, and the payment schedule.
• Inspect the roof after it is installed. Make sure the shingles are properly overlapped and nailed, and that all flashing is installed correctly.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your new asphalt shingle roof is installed correctly and will provide you with many years of trouble-free protection.

Call us today at 270-485-2662/270-702-7804 or www.proviewinspections.info for your home inspection needs. Check out our Blog while you are at our site for additional information. #whatsinyourcrawlspace #wehaveyourback #BigCrawler #inspectedonceinspectedright #certifiedhomeinspector #owensborohomeinspector #inspectyourhome #homeinspector #homeinspectors #jagoehomes #thompsonhomes #customhomes #newconstruction

Home Inspector# 102061