Investing in a new roof for your home is one of the most costly expenses you’ll face as a homeowner. Although it can be tempting to save money where you can on a new roof, there are some cost-cutting measures that aren’t worth the risk.
At Larsen Roofing, we see firsthand every day what can happen when homeowners try to save by hiring an unlicensed roofer or handling a DIY roof repair or replacement project. Today, we're covering the most common mistakes we see, and how Almont homeowners can avoid them.
Chimney Flashing Mistakes
Flashing protects your roof around any vents, pipes, and chimneys, and it serves an important function by keeping water out of your home. Often, unlicensed and amateur roofers will try to cut corners by reusing a home’s existing flashing.
Unfortunately, this can result in a compromised seal and could lead to water damage and mold growth inside your home. A professional, certified roofer will also know how to correctly install flashing so it doesn’t overlap improperly.
Underlayment Issues
When homeowners try to DIY their own roof repair or hire a handyman, one of the most common errors is to attach the new shingles to the wood decking. Before installing shingles, a water-resistant shingle underlayment should be installed to keep moisture out of your home.
Shingle Installation Problems
Without a doubt, shingle issues are one of the most common problems that occur with shoddy roof workmanship. Unlicensed contractors will often try to cut corners by installing new shingles on top of the existing ones.
This can actually lead to more serious roof problems down the road if there is existing damage underneath. Incorrect shingle overhang and alignment are also common issues that arise during amateur roof installation.
Not Following Manufacturer Guidelines
One of the primary benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor is getting someone who is certified in following a manufacturer's guidelines. Manufacturers will often require certain specifications to be met upon installation, and when they aren’t, it can void the warranty. At Larsen Roofing, we are certified to install roofs and follow guidelines for multiple manufacturers, ensuring your roof is protected.