Shingle Installation Mistakes That Lead to Issues
Updated: Jan 25, 2021
You can install new roof shingles that are manufactured using state-of-the-art technology to make them look and perform better. However, if you want your replacement roof to really look great and last a long time without any major issues, make sure to hire a reputable, licensed and certified contractor to install your roof.
Inexperienced roofers or DIY-leaning homeowners are not likely to perfect a roof installation, and here are three of the most common mistakes they usually make that lead to roofing problems down the road.
Not Installing Starter Shingles
Starter shingles are the shingles that roofers install at the eaves and rake. Their purpose is to seal with the field shingles along those areas to provide the roof with better protection against wind uplift and water penetration. Starter shingles slightly overhang the edge of the eaves so water doesn’t enter the roof when it runs off and falls to the gutters or to the ground.
If you fail to install starter shingles, water can pass under the first course of shingles at the eaves or rake. The roof deck can come into contact with moisture, and now the roof is without any defense against water damage.
Misaligning Shingles and Not Nailing Properly
Whether you’re dealing with starter shingles or field shingles, it’s important to ensure proper alignment. Proper alignment is not just an aesthetic issue; it’s also how you prevent shingles from coming loose, which leads to leaks.
Manufacturers provide guidelines for roof replacement, including the number of nails and where to position them on each shingle tab. You can’t just start nailing any area of a shingle tab and expect your work to be effective. You can’t have too few or too many nails, either. The pressure used in driving in the nails is also important. With a pneumatic gun, you can set the recommended pressure so you won’t end up driving nails diagonally or damaging your shingles.
If your shingles are dislodged by wind uplift or strong rain, the issue might be improper nailing technique or shingle misalignment.
Full roof replacement is not a job for newbies or DIY enthusiasts. It’s an exact science, and only professionals can ensure proper installation that helps shingles last longer with fewer instances of roof repair.
Get in touch with Dry Tech Construction for proper and reliable roof installation. Call us today at (707) 328-5216 or fill out the form on this page.