While shingle installation can be a fairly straightforward process, there are a few common mistakes that can make it much more difficult and time-consuming. These mistakes can also lead to poor results and even permanent damage.
To ensure that your shingle installation goes smoothly, here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
Incorrectly Aligning the Shingles
Proper alignment is pivotal to maintaining the roof's structural integrity and keeping it watertight. Misaligned shingles can create entry points for water and other elements, which can essentially defeat the purpose of a roof, leading to leaks, mold growth, and structural decay over time.
The alignment of shingles is not just about placing them straight. It also involves understanding the overlapping pattern, which is crucial to establish a robust seal against external elements.
Each shingle has to be precisely overlapped with the one before it in a manner that channels water away from the roof and towards the gutters. If they are not correctly aligned, water can seep underneath, causing damage to the underlayment and the roof structure.
To avoid the mistake of misalignment, make sure that you measure, mark, and check twice before hammering in a shingle. You should also have a level handy to check the alignment of each layer as you install it.
Using Incorrect Nailing Techniques
The way you nail down your shingles plays a significant role in the longevity and effectiveness of your rooftop. One of the common errors is using incorrect nailing techniques, which can lead to shingle blow-offs or create places for water to seep into the roof decking.
The placement, angle, and number of nails used are crucial aspects to consider when installing shingles. Each shingle tab should typically be secured with a few nails, but you may use more depending on the manufacturer's instructions or if you live in a high-wind area.
Nails should be driven straight down, not at an angle, and should be placed beneath the adhesive strip to firmly hold the shingle in place. Incorrect placement or angle can lead to exposed nail heads, which are prime spots for leaks.
Overdriving or under-driving nails is another common mistake. Overdriven nails can cut into the shingle, impairing its ability to shed water correctly. On the other hand, under-driven nails can create humps in the shingles, which can lead to early failure or blow-offs.
Using a roofing nailer can help maintain consistent nail depth, but it is crucial to adjust the pressure correctly. Doing so will prevent damage to the shingles and ensure they are properly secured.
For more info about roof installation, contact a local company.
One day when we were all sitting in our living room, I thought I felt a drop of water fall onto my arm. At first, I figured it was my imagination, but when the second one fell, I knew we had an issue. Although it wasn't raining that day, it had rained the day before, so I started looking for the source of the problem. After looking in my attic, I could tell what the problem was, and I knew I had to fix it. I started looking for ways to stop the water immediately, but it just wasn't working for me. Fortunately, roofers came out, fixed the problem, and showed me what I needed to do to clean up the mess. Read more on this blog.