Call-backs for roofing problems don’t come cheap. From mystery noises to leaks, these troublesome tasks can really eat into your already slim profit margins. Here are some regular culprits that can be avoided with just a little more attention to detail during the installation phase.
Leaking Roofs
One way to reduce costs has been to simplify roofing design. This means trimming the number of gables and intersecting slopes. Leaks often occur in the valleys of pitched roofs where flashing is not properly installed. If flashing is not installed properly or not installed at all, rainwater and snow melt can seep in under the shingles and get absorbed into the roof deck. Always check that your roofers are properly installing the flashing in valleys so that precipitation ends up in the gutter and not in the attic.
Buckling
Buckling in the roof sheathing may cause the roof to have a ‘wavy’ or uneven look. This is generally caused by moisture. There are several ways to prevent moisture from causing damage to your roof. Start by making sure the sheathing is completely dry before any roofing material is installed. Then check to ensure there is sufficient attic ventilation. That way any moisture that does come in can get out. Install eve or soffit vents with ridge ventilation so that air can come in at the eve or soffit and be exhausted along the ridge vents. Never vent your laundry or bathroom fans into the attic. Proper job site storage and giving roof sheathing panels time to acclimatize prior to installation are key factors in successful installation. During installation, it is vital that you leave the required 1/8-inch gap between panels as that allows them to expand as ambient humidity fluctuates.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow melt cannot effectively run off into the gutters and pools on the roof. When temperatures drop at night, this water freezes and forms an ice dam which expands, pushing up under the shingles. This allows water to get into the roofing system where it can cause rot, mold and mildew.
Ice dams can be prevented by insulating the attic floor to at least R-38 and ensuring that all penetrations and framing joints are properly sealed. You can also use a raised-heel energy truss which allows full depth insulation right to the outside edge of the top plate. This added insulation means snow cannot melt and form ice.
Seal roof edges
Installing metal drip edges along the edge of the roof can prevent water from running in under the shingles where it can cause damage. With no preventative overhang, water can wick into the framing where it can cause serious damage over time. A sheet metal drip edge or cap can help to prevent these costly mistakes.
Remember: “It’s cheaper to fix issues in the beginning of any process than at the end!”