Knowing the difference between a good roof installation and a bad one is the key to your roof’s longevity.
The average home roof installation costs between $8,000 and $14,000, depending on the size of your house. When you’re spending that much money, you want to ensure your roofers are doing a good job.
In this post, we’re going to tell you what a good roofing job looks like. We already know what a bad roofing job looks like, so keep reading and you’ll know when you’ve got a roof you can take pride in.
Drip Edge Flashing
A good roofing installation should always have drip-edge flashing. When rain, sleet, or snow starts coming down, you want to ensure that the water is being directed away from your roof and the base of your home.
Flashing fits between the shingles and the underlayment of your roof. As moisture slides down your roof, it ensures that it ends up in your gutters instead of pooling on your roof or down by your home’s foundation.
Many homeowners wouldn’t know how to identify drip edge flashing, which is why so many bad residential roofers skip this step. Look at your gables and eaves – there should be metal flashing on every edge.
Uniform Roof Installation
When your residential roofers finish installing your roof, stand back from your home and look at the whole thing. Is the roof uniform in appearance or is it uneven and sagging?
A sagging roofline with discolored shingles indicates that your contractor cut corners. To do it properly, roofers have to start from the bottom and work their way up to the shingle installation. If they install on top of your old roof or use old materials, you’re not getting your money’s worth.
Underlayment
The first thing that your residential or commercial roofers should do (unless they have to replace the sheathing) is put the underlayment down. This goes in between the sheathing and the shingles and acts as a secondary barrier between the elements and your home’s interior.
Underlayment protects the wooden elements of your roof, which are more susceptible to rotting when exposed to moisture. If your roofer neglects to install underlayment, your roof might not last as long as it should, which is about 20 years.
Ventilation
Ventilation systems are crucial for promoting airflow in your roof. In extreme temperatures, ventilation is the most important thing for your roof’s longevity, as well as your energy usage.
Roof vents come in three varieties: ridge, soffit, and gable. You can find out more about the types of roof ventilation here.
Enough Flashing
In addition to the drip edge flashing, your roofer should also be installing flashing strategically all over the roof. Flashing is important because it prevents water leaks and keeps your roof from having mold or moss growing on it.
Flashing should be installed around the areas of the roof that are more likely to leak, such as chimneys, pipes, skylights, and vents. Additionally, your roofer should install new flashing, not use the flashing that was on your old roof.
Get the Best Roofing Contractor Around
When all of these boxes are checked, you know your roof will be in great shape for years to come. It’s always important to hire the best roofing contractor for your new roof installation. Find someone with a great reputation and years of experience serving your community.
If you’re a Cincinnati resident, your best bet for roof installation is Guaranteed Roofing. Contact us today to get a free estimate for your new roof and we’ll make sure the job is done right.
