1. Unskilled Homeowners Attempting Repairs or Installation
Many homeowners have the skills to repair or install a roof, but scores more do not. If you have little or no experience in the construction industry, do not try to do the work yourself. You may cause serious problems and waste a ton of money.
2. Covering Old Shingles
Many homeowners want to save some money by leaving the old shingles on the house but leaving old shingles in place can hide problems that would otherwise be easily fixed.
3. Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance
Improperly slopped gutters or the failure to clean your gutters regularly can lead to water making its way into all kinds of areas you do not want it to be, including your roof, walls and around your home. Clogged or poorly installed gutters can lead to many thousands of dollars in damage. A regular maintenance schedule always saves you money in the long run.
4. Not Completely Covering your Roof with Roof Felt
Roofing felt provides an added layer of protection and it prevents moisture from reaching the back side of your shingles. It is cheap and easy to install; skipping this step makes no sense.
5. Poor Ventilation
Your roof requires adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup from inside the house, which can cause significant damage including dry rot and mold.
6. Blown-in Insulation Forced up Against your Soffit Vents
This can result in the same damage as insufficient ventilation. If you have blown in insulation added to your attic after your roof is installed, make sure your soffit vents do not get blocked. It is a good practice to have a look in your attic once a year at least.
7. Improperly Installed Skylights
Leaky, incorrectly installed skylights, often by a homeowner, are one of my most common call outs for repairs.
8. Improperly Placed or Using Too Short a Nail
Nails must be of sufficient length to firmly attach your shingles to your roof. The nails must be protected, via placement, from the elements. Unprotected nails will rust and provide a path for water into your roof.
9. My Personal Pet Peeve
Venting bathroom fans, kitchens vents and even plumbing stacks into your attic. It is usually done by a homeowner (but not always) who doesn’t understand the need to get the moisture out of house.
10. Poorly Installed Flashing
Flashing is used to provide overlap where it is needed. If it doesn’t correctly overlap the material it is protecting, it is not serving its purpose.