For a property owner, a new roof can have a whole host of benefits. The clock has been reset on your roof’s timer—the roofing material is fresh and clean, your building’s energy efficiency is likely improved, and any damage to your roof has been repaired. As long as the roof replacement was done properly, there should be some time before any maintenance is needed. 

But what happens when issues arise during your roof replacement? Roofing mistakes like choosing the wrong contractor or using low-quality materials can raise the risk of roof damage and leaks happening much quicker and easier than they would otherwise. As a property owner, it can be difficult to know what to look for in order to keep these mistakes from happening. Thankfully, our team at WestBank Roofing is here to help. Our expert roofing contractors can offer our insights, complete repairs and replacements, and ensure your roof remains as structurally sound as possible.

Common Mistakes During the Roof Installation Process

Common roofing mistakes often happen during two stages—planning and installation. And while most of these mistakes are the fault of roofing contractors, some of the blame may rest with the property owners themselves. As such, it is important to do your due diligence—asking questions, getting referrals, and more—before the roof installation begins in order to avoid the headache of additional repair costs later.

Mistakes to look out for include:

Planning and preparation issues

Working with disreputable or unqualified contractors. Roofing contractors who do not have the experience, licensing, or willingness to do a thorough job may cause more harm than good. 

Low-quality roofing materials. Choosing inexpensive, poorly made roofing materials—or materials which are not suitable for your climate—makes your roof more susceptible to damage. 

Missing permits. In order to ensure that your new roof is up to code, make sure to get a permit. Without it, you may not only receive a fine, but your entire roof may need to be redone. 

Installation issues

Improper roof ventilation. While a properly ventilated roof releases heat and moisture, an improperly ventilated roof holds onto them, damaging your roof and the underlying structure. 

Incorrectly installed flashing—that is, thin metal placed around areas, such as chimneys, which are not covered by shingles in order to prevent leakage. If the flashing is placed poorly, or if old flashing is reused, water may get underneath and cause leaks inside your property. 

Missing underlayment or ice and water shields. These two materials work together in order to protect your roof from the elements, including rain and wind.

No drip edging. This piece of roof flashing is installed on your roof’s edges in order to direct water into the gutters. Without it, water can begin to damage your roof and siding.

Misplaced or overdriven nails. These issues may make it easier for shingles to fall off, or for water to leak underneath.

Missing or improperly installed starter shingle strips. These thin lines of asphalt material, which stick to your roof via tar, sit underneath the shingles on the edge of your roof in order to prevent leaks and help keep shingles in place during wind events.

How to Avoid a Poorly Done Installation

In order to avoid having to repair or replace your freshly installed roof, there are a few things you can do prior to construction. Chief among them is ensuring that the contractors you work with are experienced and reputable. While professional roofing companies may cost more, spending extra to ensure that your roof is installed properly and that no underlying roof damage has been left to spread will save money in the long run.

Other things to consider include:

While style and budget are important, you may need to be flexible on these fronts in service of your roof’s durability. When choosing roofing materials, consider their quality and your area’s climate first and foremost. If you aren’t sure which materials are best, speak to your roofing contractor in order to determine which options will protect your building without breaking the bank.

Before the installation begins, make sure that a roof inspection is completed. This will help contractors determine the scope of the job, allowing them to tell you what materials are needed and create a plan for the replacement.

Once your roof is completed to your satisfaction, make sure to schedule regular roof maintenance—preferably a few times a year—with a trusted roofing contractor. This will ensure that any problems get caught and repaired early, keeping your roof structurally sound for years to come. 

Why Professional Installation Services Matter

While any roofing contractor can complete a roof replacement, there’s more to the job than just getting a new roof installed. Professional contractors have the experience to answer your questions; search for structural issues; work with your budget; and do high-quality, long-lasting work. They know how to keep both themselves and your building safe during construction, and will ensure that no issues are left unresolved by the time they are done. Additionally, certified roofing contractors can provide unique benefits to property owners, like our team at WestBank Roofing. As certified Fortified roofing contractors and certified GAF roofing contractors, we use high-quality materials, work to a higher standard and are able to offer our customers the GAF System Plus Limited Warranty. These allow us to help our customers feel as secure as possible, now and in the future.  

Contact WestBank Roofing to Plan Your Roof Replacement Today

When getting your roof replaced, one of the most important things you can do is work with a trusted contractor. This factor alone can determine whether costly mistakes are made during the planning and roof installation process, from skipped inspections to improperly placed roofing materials. However, it can be difficult to know who to trust, particularly if you don’t have any referrals to go off of. 

If you are a Louisiana property owner, rest assured—WestBank Roofing is here to help. With over 50 years of experience providing quality roofing services to our community, we can assist you with everything from roof repairs and replacements to siding and gutter installations. If you would like to discuss the roof replacement process, or if you are ready to begin planning for a new roof, give us a call or send us a message via our website today.