Don’t Let Roofing Pitfalls Ruin Your Home
As a homeowner in Marlton, NJ, you want to make sure that your residential roof replacement is done correctly the first time and with quality materials. Besides looking beautiful, your roof must be functional, secure, and waterproof.
Unfortunately, some roof installers may take shortcuts that leave your roof vulnerable to leaks and other dangerous hazards.
At Ameritech Services, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional residential roof replacement services to all our clients in the surrounding Burlington County area.
Let us explain why you should avoid roofers that take these 10 shortcuts.
1. Installing A New Roof Over An Old
One During A Roof Replacement
Some roofers take shortcuts by installing a new roof over an old one.
This practice cuts them a lot of time, but the old roof will trap moisture, leading to leaks and mold growth. To prevent future issues, your installer must install the new roof on a clean surface.
2. Not Encouraging You To Maintain
Your Roof Regularly
Some untrustworthy roofers may not remind you to take care of your roof regularly – an important step to prolong its lifespan and prevent major issues.
A reliable roofer should give you maintenance advice and arrange periodic inspections to ensure the roof is in good condition.
3. Skipping The Use Of Starter Shingles
Starter shingles provide a secure base for the shingles on top and help to prevent leakage.
Without starter shingles, your roof is more susceptible to damage, which can result in costly repairs down the line.
4. Using Staples Instead Of Nails
During Your Roof Replacement
While staples can be cheaper and easier to use, they lack the same holding power as roofing nails. Staples can cause shingles to lift and blow off in strong winds, leading to leaks and costly repairs.
It also causes your shingles to curl and lift from their base, exposing your underlayment to moisture and debris.
5. Reusing Old Flashing Materia
On Your New Roof Installation
Flashing helps to prevent water intrusion in areas where two surfaces meet, such as chimneys and skylights. If your original roof is over 10 years old, your flashing is likely in bad shape.
If a roofer reuses your original flashing, you’ll quickly end up with a roof that constantly leaks and suffer from other moisture-related issues.
6. Skipping Your New Roofing Underlayment
Underlayment is a protective material layer between the roof deck and shingles. Its purpose is to provide an extra barrier against moisture, ice dams, and other elements. It prevents leaks and prolongs the life of your roof.
Some roofers may skip this step to save time or money. Others may use low-quality materials. Both shortcuts will lead to water damage, rot, and mold growth. A reputable roofer will always use the proper high-quality underlayment and ensure it is installed correctly.
7. Not Fixing Leaks Before
Laying Down A New Roof
If your current roof has leaks or other damage, it’s crucial to address those issues before installing a new roof. Otherwise, the problems will only worsen over time, potentially ruining your new roof and costing you more in repairs in the future.
8. Not Following Manufacturer Instructions
Roofing materials come with specific instructions on how they should be installed, handled, and maintained. Failure to follow these instructions can result in a subpar roof. At the same time, it will put your home at risk and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
9. Not Certified To Complete Roof Replacements
Roofing is a specialized skill that requires training, knowledge, and experience. You want to make sure that the roofer you hire has the proper certifications and licenses to perform the job safely and effectively. A roofer who is not certified will most likely overpromise, cut corners, and fail to install your roof properly.
10. Not Insured To Work In Burlington County
Always make sure that any roofing contractor you work with is fully insured. This insurance policy protects you and your property in case of accidents, injuries, or damage that may occur during the project.
An uninsured roofer may try to save money by skipping insurance. But they won’t be able to cover any accidents on your property.
Don’t take this risk – always choose a properly insured roofing contractor.
Trust Ameritech Services For Your Roofing Needs
As a fully insured and certified roofing contractor, Ameritech Services is a trusted choice for your roofing needs. We strive to provide our customers with quality workmanship and exceptional customer service at competitive prices.
We never cut corners and always uphold all our manufacturer’s standards and instructions.
If you’re seeking residential roof replacement, repair, or maintenance services, book an appointment with one of our experts at Ameritech Services in Marlton, NJ.
We’ll be happy to provide you with a free estimate and get started on your roofing project.