Five Reasons a Roof Can Fail
In general, a properly installed roof is one of the most reliable and durable parts of a house, but without the right care and maintenance, any type of roof can fail. Here are the 5 most common reasons a roof can fail:
Substandard Installation
A modern roof is a highly engineered construction. Every component, from the underlayment, to the beginning course of shingles, all the way down to the number of nails used, has been thoroughly researched and tested to meet quality standards set forth by the National Residential Building Construction Code. A reputable roofing contractor makes a commitment to follow all national construction standards and state code regulations when installing a new roof.
A lack of follow through with these standards leads to leaks, missing shingles, and an overall deterioration of the entire roofing system causing it to fail prematurely.
Lack of Roof Flashing
Some contractors will try to avoid the expense and the labor of including metal or plastic flashing on their roof installations. However, it is an essential element in a roof design. Flashing is necessary to enhance the waterproof seal around roof penetrations, such as chimneys, soil pipes, vents, walls, and skylights.
Use of Mismatched Roofing Materials
Aside from the aesthetic aspects of mismatched shingles, metal, or tiles, certain materials like copper and iron can actually lead to significantly faster deterioration of your roof. Mismatching will also void a valuable manufacturer’s warranty.
Third Party Damage to Your Roof
The use of a third-party vendors opens up an entire world of problems. This vendor could be a satellite or cable provider, or a contractor who installs additional skylights or venting. Before installing a new roof, decide on all the options and accessories that you would like to have. This will help to save both time and money in the future. Other professional services that we recommend proceeding with caution would include gutter cleaning and installing holiday lights.
No Preventative Roof Maintenance
Often times, homeowners are reluctant to follow up on simple preventative maintenance measures. Don’t make this mistake. Keep organic debris, such as leaves or sticks, from piling up. Have your roof inspected annually by an experienced roofing professional, someone trained to look for potential problems.
Local, Professional Help
For more information on reasons a roof can fail or on roof replacement solutions available to you, contact the professionals at GoTo Roofing. With over thirty years combined experience in the roofing industry, our team has the experience and training needed to keep your home in top condition for years to come.