Selecting the right roofing material is crucial because different roofing materials will perform differently in various climatic conditions. Just like choosing the appropriate roofing material is essential, having your roofing installed correctly is equally important.
Properly installed roofing not only helps enhance the durability of your roofing but also prevents any future trouble.
However, many first-time homeowners or DIY enthusiasts often make common roofing installation mistakes.
These minor mistakes could sometimes be converted into significant issues like leakages, reduced lifespan, and increased repair costs.
Here, we’ll discuss some common roofing mistakes that you should avoid. Whether you plan to install new roofing or repair your existing roofing, understanding roofing installation mistakes in India will help you deter these roofing pitfalls.
Roofing installation mistakes can often lead to problems like leakages, structural damage, and increasing maintenance expenses.
Here are some of the common roofing installation mistakes you should be staying away from.
The first and foremost thing every homeowner makes is selecting the wrong roofing material.
Roofing material is not just about its looks but also about its ability to withstand weather conditions. Some roof materials are suitable for hot climates, while others are for cold temperatures.
Example: For hot, humid, and heavy rain climate regions like Kerala, it’s better to opt for asphalt shingles or clay tiles.
Solution: Choosing roofing that will adapt well to your climate conditions is better. Choose something that can resist moisture and provide good insulation for a humid or moist place.
Properly installed shingles ensure water from seeping through gaps and causing leaks.
Misalignment, gaps, or even improper nailing could lead to leakages. It is essential to note shingles should be installed correctly, neither too tight nor too loose.
Example: During the monsoon or summer season, if shingles are not correctly installed, it could lead to leakages or heat loss/gain.
Solution: It’s better to go with a professional installation worker or hire a roofing contractor. Make sure they are meticulously following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Ensure all the overlaps are correctly installed.
Another essential component to pay special attention to is installing flashing correctly. Flashing helps keep the water from entering vulnerable parts of your roofs (chimneys, vents, and skylights).
Water is kept away using other joints or roof penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights, or pipes).
Example: If the flashing around chimneys or vents is not installed correctly, it could lead to leaks or water entering homes.
Solution: Make sure your flashing is well-sealed. Furthermore, it should overlap with the roofing materials to guide water away from these joints. Types of flashings you could go with are Counter flashing, Apron flashing, Valley flashing, or Step flashing.
Often, homeowners tend to neglect roofing ventilation. Adequate roofing ventilation ensures the longevity of your roofing.
Lack of roofing ventilation could lead to excessive building of heat, moisture, and ice ridges (ice dams), leading to numerous issues.
Example: For hot places like Rajasthan or Kerala, inadequate roof ventilation can lead to excessive heat buildup. This heat could lead to more consumption of energy.
Solution: Install appropriate ventilation systems based on your roofing materials, like ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents. Based ventilation systems will allow proper airflow and reduce moisture or heat.
Underlayment is a protective layer that is installed between the wooden surface of the roof (roof deck) and roofing materials. They provide additional support to prevent moisture from getting inside your home.
Underlayment could extend the roof’s lifespan by protecting the roof deck and material.
Example: Underlayment could help protect your roof from damage caused by ice dams in cold regions. They can also reduce your cooling costs by preventing heat from building up.
Solution: Use high-quality, synthetic underlayment (made from polypropylene or polyethylene). They are lightweight and more resistant to wear and tear.
Another typical roofing installation mistake homeowners often make is disregarding the condition of the roofing deck. The roofing deck is the foundation of the roofing system.
If damaged or weakened, it could affect overall roofing stability and performance and cause the roofing deck to sag or collapse.
Example: If the new roofing material is installed over rot or weakens the roofing deck, it could result in the roofing sagging or collapse.
Solution: Make sure to inspect your roof deck thoroughly before you install new roofing. To ensure a solid and stable roofing base, repair or replace any damaged sections before installing new roofing.
To maintain roofing material quality and efficiency, handling and storing them properly is essential.
Not correctly handling or storing roofing material before the installation could compromise the performance and increase repair costs for your newly purchased roofing materials.
Example: For instance, asphalt shingles, if left carelessly under the rain before the installation, could wrap or lose its adhesive properties. This could lead to underperformance of the roofing material.
Solution: Before installing, store roofing materials in a dry place, directly away from sunlight, to avoid deformation. Stack the roofing material in an orderly way. Don’t remove the original packaging until you have installed your roofing materials.
To save on costs, homeowners often try DIY videos; this usually leads to improper roofing installation, which causes numerous issues. It’s smarter to let a professional roofing contractor with experience, do the job.
Example: An inexperienced person may end up installing roofing incorrectly. Thus leading to leaks and other roofing problems. Like leakage, gaps, or damaging roofing during the process.
Solution: Go with someone who is experienced and licensed. Research and hire someone who has a reputation in the roofing market. Make sure you have verified their past works.
In many countries, building codes and regulations ensure all building roofing meets specific standards like safety, quality, and performance. In India, the National Building Code (NBC) is responsible for creating particular guidelines that residential, commercial, and institutional structures must follow.
Example: Not following code requirements would compromise structure and safety. Non-compliance with codes often leads to fines and penalties.
Solution: It’s crucial to know and follow these standards completely in order to escape these penalties.
The aftermath of installation is equally essential as having roofing adequately installed. It is crucial to have regular checkups and inceptions, which will help you identify minor issues before they become big. If you live in a region with extreme weather conditions, having someone inspect your roofing condition is better.
Example: In some parts of India, specific materials or installation practices may need to be followed.
Solution: Ensure all building code guides and regulations are followed. If you opt for unique roofing material, get a special permit.
By avoiding such roofing installation mistakes, you can ensure you end up with a successful roofing installation. Proper roofing installation will also be practical and last much longer.
Avoiding these common roofing mistakes ensures your installation is both durable and efficient. Roofing installation mistakes could often lead to structural damage and leakage and even increase the cost of maintaining your roofing. That’s why choosing a reliable roofing manufacturer makes all the difference.
CertainTeed India is the go-to option for those in Kerala seeking superior roofing solutions.
Known for their premium roofing shingles, CertainTeed India showcases a broad selection of sturdy, weatherproof, and good-looking options that pass the toughest benchmarks. By combining the right materials with the right installation practices, you can enjoy a roof that’s not just a head-turner but also built to last.
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Saint-Gobain Grindwell Norton Limited Devanahalli Road, Via. Old Madras Road,
Bangalore – 560 049. India.
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Email: certainteed-india@saint-gobain.com
Phone: +91 (80) 4697 8623
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