5 More Common Roofing Errors for Residential Roofing Projects

By Wendy Helfenbaum 11-18-2022
QUICK SHARE
Tag Icon

As Erasmo "Mitos" Fuentes — GAF CARE Team Training Lead and highly respected "Maestro" of the roofing world — will warn rookies, errors during installation can have consequences later on in the life of the roofing system. Many are minor, like small leaks. Others, though, can be much more serious, such as major (and potentially catastrophic) cracks.

The good news is that precautionary techniques and practices — such as watching out for potential trouble spots, working with high-quality materials, and focusing on excellent workmanship — can prevent such issues from the outset. Here are some more of the most common roofing errors from Erasmo's list that could lead to issues down the line.

1. Missing Ventilation in the Attic

When laying down roof shingles, it's vital to make sure air can escape from attics and ceilings, which need the proper level of humidity and airflow. Inadequate attic ventilation can cause moisture buildup and mold, weakening the shingle material. Missing ventilation can then cause structural issues and cut the life of the roof's materials short.

Not only can this ruin the insulation, but it may also cause energy bills to spike. Typically, attics require one square foot of ventilation for every three-hundred square feet of attic space, but the roof design and slope determine the exact calculation.

2. Incorrectly Installing Hip and Ridge Caps

In some cases, problems stem not from technique but from using the wrong materials for hip and ridge caps. Roofers may attempt to cut an ordinary shingle into three pieces and use that — however, many of today's thicker shingles are not designed to be ridge caps because they don't lie flat. Ultimately, some could crack or break when they're bent over the ridges.

GAF Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles come pre-perforated to help roofers achieve efficient installation of materials protecting the hips and ridges. And because they match GAF shingles, they will also create a better overall aesthetic.

3. Using Incorrect Metal Flashing

Customers who take pride in their homes obviously want their roofs to look good. So, using just one type and finish of flashing — whether or not it matches the walls, chimney, skylights, and dormers on their new roof — may not quite cut it.

For the best results, color-match the roofing elements and make sure they're compatible with the adjoining building materials to prevent corrosion. It's also crucial to seal flashings properly to help prevent leaks. Also, never omit flashing where it's previously been used (or reuse old flashing that has become corroded).

4. Choosing the Incorrect Valley

Roof valleys (the areas where two roof planes meet) may be subjected to more rain, snow, ice, and debris than any other part of the roof. With several different installation techniques commonly used by roofing contractors, it is important to confirm that your roofer chooses the method best suited for your property, and for the roofing materials being installed.

5. Lack of Maintenance

To keep roofing systems in tip-top shape throughout their lifetimes, it's advisable to schedule regular inspections. During an inspection, contractors will make sure leaves don't accumulate, clean the gutters, and check the roof sealant along the flashing and walls — maintenance tasks that prolong the life of the roof and its materials.

An easy way to prevent some of the most common roofing errors is by harnessing available resources, such as following installation instructions and upgrading your roofing knowledge via training seminars, lectures, and webinars — like those hosted by GAF CARE (Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence) trainers. Also: consult your shingle manufacturer representative for help whenever you need it. The more information you have, the better results your customers can expect.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wendy Helfenbaum is a Montreal-based journalist, content marketing writer and TV producer who covers design, architecture, real estate, gardening and travel for many publications and brands, including Country Gardens, Metropolis Magazine, Realtor.com, Marriott Traveler, Costco Connection, Toll Brothers, PBS NextAvenue.org and many more. Wendy loves keeping up with current design trends and is addicted to home improvement DIY reality shows. Follow her @WendyHelfenbaum.
Don't miss another GAF RoofViews post!
LATEST UPDATES
Buildings are designed to keep the outside weather out and the inside space conditioned as the occupants desire. A building's enclosure or envelope is made up of multiple layers of materials with the goal of stopping the uncontrolled movement of water, air, heat, and moisture vapor.
Work is getting underway in Greater Charlotte, North Carolina, as GAF supports Habitat for Humanity with the 2023 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The five-day build event began in 1984 when former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalyn Carter led a group of Habitat for Humanity volunteers to New York, building alongside 19 families in need of safe, affordable housing. For 36 years, the Carters have worked side by side with professional builders and volunteers at locations around the world to build and raise awareness of affordable housing.
Looking for the best roofing materials for your outdoor office, shed, or garage roof? It's not just about curb appeal—although looks are important. Learning about the materials to consider for your roof pitch can help you reduce the risk of roof leaks. You can also benefit by knowing when you need roof ventilation or drip edging, when to consider insulation, and how to calculate roof materials costs. Here are the key details to understand.
As a roofing professional, you likely field questions from curious homeowners from time to time. One of the trickier questions—because there isn't a definitive answer—is: "Can you put new shingles over old shingles?" The answer to this will depend on certain factors, and you can only provide a firm "yes" or "no" after inspecting an individual's roof.
Buying a roof online can be as easy as ordering from Amazon, thanks to a new online roofing platform by Gunner Roofing. Its industry-changing innovation won the Connecticut-based company the esteemed recognition of Cutting-Edge Contractor at the 2023 GAF WealthBuilder Conference and Expo in Austin, Texas.
If you operate in a hurricane-prone area, or a location that experiences severe, windy weather, you can provide homeowners with valuable peace of mind by informing them about the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty offered by GAF.1
This blog contains information created by a variety of sources, including internal and third party writers. The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of GAF. The content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute financial, accounting, tax or legal advice. GAF does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the information. In no event shall GAF be held responsible or liable for errors or omissions in the content or for the results, damages or losses caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on the content.

Interested in sharing or republishing our content? We kindly ask you to adhere to our guidelines.