When it comes to home exterior investment, installing a new roof is expensive, so when hiring a roofing contractor you want to make sure your home is protected for a lifetime. There are a lot of people who want to cut corners and “save” some money, however, Sunrise Exterior Inc has encountered multiple amateur workmanship that has cost homeowners a fortune just to repair what was supposed to be fixed the first time around! 

Here are are the common roofing mistakes you should know:

Starter Shingle Installed Incorrectly

Right off the bat, we have seen countless mistakes with the starter shingle which evidently creates more issues for the rest of the roof. When the starter shingle is laid incorrectly, along the eaves, water can creep in between the shingles and into the sheathing.

Improper Use of Nails

There is a reason why shingle nails are specifically used for the roof. Believe it or not, we’ve seen all types of screws being installed just to repair a couple of loose shingles. Nails should never be driven down, neither should you less than four nails per shingle. 

Metal Flashing Not Installed Correctly

The purpose of metal flashing is to redirect the water from the joint. Not enough sealant or securing or even mistakenly install the metal flashing can lead to water leaks and damage the roofing foundation.

Not Planning Ahead 

In Massachusetts, the weather can be unpredictable, Winter can last up to 6 months which can be brutal for some homes. Not preparing for ice dams is a common mistake we often see as improper installation can cause snow to melt on the roof, the meltwater may refreeze at the roof edge which can be dangerous and can damage the roof and cause leaks in the house. 

Wrong Shingle Alignment

This could probably be the easiest to spot from an amateur roofer. Not only poorly visible lines decrease your home’s aesthetic appeal but also allow water to seep in between the roof cracks. There should also be no overhanging singles off your roof between 0.5 – 0.75 inches should be the max measurements to avoid any sagging, cracking, or been blown off from high winds. 

If you are an inexperienced roofer you should consider hiring a professional to get the job done correctly without having to worry for years to come. Sunrise Exterior Inc is here to assist you. No matter how big, small, or complicated the job may be – your safety and customer satisfaction will always be our number one priority. To learn more about our roofing services in Massachusetts, call us today for a free estimate!