A Canadian home’s structural integrity is based on the foundation and the roof. While people focus much time and stress on whether the foundation is sound, the roof tends only to get attention if a problem arises.
Unfortunately, there can be significant hazards when neglecting roof repairs or the possibility that it might need replacing.
The priority is to reach out to a roofing replacement contractor in your local Cochrane area who can offer adequate credentials plus years in the industry. Please visit www.megaroofing.ca/, an example of a leader in the industry.
Without experience, the risk of a poor installation could cause more problems than you might currently be dealing with. With a professional specializing in replacements, you’ll be better able to make informed decisions concerning the project.
Consider these common mistakes that can occur even with experienced roofers as you go through the process of finding a trusted replacement expert.
What Are Common Mistakes When Replacing A Roof
Residents in Canada understand that their homes’ structural integrity depends on the foundation. But many people tend to neglect their roof despite its condition having an equal impact on the house’s health.
While annual, (sometimes more frequent) roof inspections are warranted to note potential defects and damages so these can be corrected plus gauge, the roofer will also gauge the roof’s life to determine if a replacement is necessary.
At that point, you’ll need to find a roofing replacement contractor, a company or an individual specializing in roof replacement. A poorly installed roof can create significant hazards, often worse than what you are dealing with before the replacement.
Finding a credentialed, experienced expert is essential to avoid these common mistakes even professional roofers have been guilty of. Let’s learn.
Adhesive strips were neglected
A common mistake a roof replacement contractor would avoid is failing to use adhesive strips to begin the underlying layer. Shingles would need to be attached straight onto the frame without this layer. This leaves the roof vulnerable to harsh conditions, especially hazardous winds.
When a new roof is installed, the anticipation is that it will withstand a lifespan of roughly a few decades. With an install like this, shingles can only hold up for perhaps a couple of months or possibly endure a few years before another replacement must be done. Learn roof replacement basics at https://www.thespruce.com/roof-replacement-basics-1821965.
Old school vs. new traditions
The “old school” roofers don’t always agree with the more modern solutions for roofing dilemmas, instead choosing to stick with what they know and believe to be best. In the last several years, when roofs were replaced, the eaves were sealed with a shield for ice and water, considered a standard practice.
Again, conventional roofers often use traditional underlayment. You’ll want to ensure the replacement contractor you work with incorporates the standard shield, especially in areas that are most vulnerable, particularly wet climates.
Without that protection, you could have a heightened risk of leaks and resultant water damage.
Caulking isn’t for everything
In renovation projects and remodels, contractors incorporate caulk as a trusted waterproof sealant for various surrounds, whether in bathrooms, kitchens, around doors and windows, virtually any project.
Unfortunately, some roofing replacement professionals will have this same faith in the water resistance factor of caulk with the roof project, but it’s different. Caulk tends to expand and shrink with changes in temp. That will eventually cause the material to crack.
These cracks create an area where water can seep beneath to create damage. The indication is that a roofing expert will use an underlayment that’s waterproof along with flashing as protection in harsh conditions.
Sometimes there’s a time crunch
When using nails to fasten shingles to the roofing deck, these must be a specific length. A common problem is using the wrong length. That can be a matter of rushing through projects when the contractors are involved in a time crunch between projects or an incorrect order.
The result is often that the fasteners are too short. This will lead to loose shingles that can’t withstand heavy winds or storms or allow water to seep into the household. You want to address it with the contractor to ensure it doesn’t occur with your replacement.
Inspect the decking to see if it needs replacing
The decking is essentially the foundation for the structure’s replacement. If the decking is compromised, the installation could be fantastic, but it won’t matter because the entire thing lacks integrity due to a weak deck.
You can save money by avoiding a decking replacement, but the roof could end up being replaced again down the road costing more. Go here for tips on saving money on a new roof.
Instead, the roofing replacement team needs to inspect the decking for deficiencies and, if it’s weak or unstable, rebuild it for a quality project.
Final Thought
These are some common mistakes roofing professionals have made when replacing roofs. As a homeowner in Canada, it’s essential to be vigilant when researching for an expert with years in the industry, reliability, and credentials, someone who specializes in replacing roofs.
It’s normal to ask many pointed questions before committing to one company. A good contractor will have as many, if not more, questions in order to better understand the property and the roof. Plus, they will need to inspect the structure to determine the extent of the replacement, including the decking.
The professional should never rush you through the conversation or cut the meeting short in favor of having important business. It would help to be given as much time as you need to go over the entirety of the project so you can make an educated and informed decision.
There should be no pressure for a decision. In fact, you should be given a few days to consider the consult with a call from the contractor after that time period to follow up. With all the boxes checked, you’ll know you’ve found a reliable, professional replacement specialist.
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