
Drip, drip, drip, it’s the sound a homeowner never wants to hear – especially if you just replaced your roof! Your roof is brand new, how could this happen? Roof failure is most often caused by poor workmanship, including incorrectly installed flashing systems and faulty attic ventilation.
Poor Workmanship
The most common cause of roof failure is poor workmanship. Installing a roof is not as easy as it looks. It takes patience and precision to correctly line up and properly nail shingles. Shingles that are installed in an incorrect pattern leave areas vulnerable to roof leaks. A good way to tell if shingles are installed incorrectly is to look for a continuous seam. Dimensional shingles that are installed correctly will have a routine looking pattern with no continuous seams. Shingles should look evenly spaced with no areas that appear “bunched up” or longer.
Incorrectly Installed Flashing Systems
If your roofing contractor installs flashing systems incorrectly or does not replace them, this can quickly cause leaks. Flashing systems are made of metal that is bent in a pattern to drive water away from vulnerable points. Flashing is installed to dormers, walls where the roof meets siding, chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Poor Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most important aspects of a roofing system. Attics need to have a way to “inhale” fresh air and “exhale” stale air. Here are the problems that improper ventilation can cause:
- Condensation, which can lead to a build-up of water and mold, which can also rot the roof from the inside out.
- Decreased energy efficiency due to higher attic temperatures in the summer and lower temperatures in the winter.
- Premature aging of asphalt shingles
What Can You Do?
Since the most common causes of roof failure are workmanship issues; when choosing a roofing contractor make sure that they are properly licensed and insured. Choose a roofer with a permanent office location and a physical phone number rather than just a cell phone. A roofing contractor that is a preferred installer for a major roofing manufacturer like Owens Corning is a plus since the manufacturer has done background checks on the company and has ensured that their credentials are valid and up to date, and that the roofer possesses the knowledge and experience to deserve the manufacturer’s “preferred” status. It’s also helpful if the contractor is accredited with at least an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. And make sure to Google the company’s customer reviews.
Emmons Roofing & Siding proudly services South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Contact us today for a free roof replacement estimate.