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5 Common Roofing Mistakes To Avoid

Zimmermans Roofing contractor completing annual gutter maintenance

Pennsylvania can see some harsh weather, from heavy rains and high winds in the summer to large amounts of ice and snow in the winter. These conditions require a quality roof to keep your home protected, but if you choose the wrong roofing contractor to complete your roof installation, repairs, or replacement, your home may suffer from unnecessary damage during stormy weather. To make sure your Pennsylvania home has the best protection possible, here are five roofing mistakes to avoid:

Improper Installation Techniques

There are different installation techniques for each type of roofing material, from shingles or metal to flashing, drip-edge, and roof vents. It is important that your roofing contractor follow all the manufacturer’s recommended installation techniques to avoid leaks and to make sure your roof is covered under the product warranty. Even something as simple as not following the recommended nailing pattern for a shingle could cause problems in the future, and that is why an experienced, professional roofing contractor like Zimmerman’s Roofing is essential to the quality of the job.

Using Low-Quality or Incorrect Materials

Using proper roofing material is paramount when installing or repairing the roof on your Pennsylvania home. While inexpensive shingles seem like they may get the job done, for instance, they will not last as long as premium asphalt shingles. Likewise, if a poor-quality waterproofing membrane or old-school tar paper is used in place of a quality self-adhesive membrane, your protection from ice dams and leaks will be greatly compromised. Avoid low-quality roofing materials whenever possible, and work with a professional roofer to ensure that all materials are installed correctly.

Inadequate Ventilation

Although it may seem like a minor thing, inadequate roof ventilation can have a significant impact on the longevity of your roof. Excessive heat can damage shingles by softening the asphalt that binds the different layers of the shingle together, leading to granule loss, leaks, and accelerated UV damage.

Additionally, inadequate ventilation can lead to mold growing in your home. Restricted air circulation causes moisture to get trapped. This creates the ideal moist environment for mold to grow. To avoid these problems, have your home inspected annually for roof ventilation issues like insulation blocking soffit vents, bird nests blocking ridge vents, or missing vent screens.

Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Your roof is exposed to the elements year-round, from high winds and heavy rain to extreme temperatures. To prevent roofing damage, it is important to have your roof inspected and maintained regularly using a comprehensive roofing maintenance checklist. A qualified contractor can find and repair most common roofing problems like missing flashing, loose shingles, or nail pops before they lead to leaks or structural damage. Ignoring regular maintenance is one of the most costly roofing mistakes that can be easily avoided.

If you are looking for an easy way to make sure your roof is in good shape, consider signing up for our Overhead Care Club! Our team at Zimmerman’s Roofing is proud to offer this maintenance program to ensure your roof is taken care of. By signing up, you’ll receive a 17-point roof checkup and attic inspection, gutter and skylight cleaning, large debris removal, and other exclusive benefits.

Failing To Hire a Qualified Roofing Contractor

Whether you need roof maintenance, repairs, or a full roof replacement, choosing a roofing contractor will be the most important part of the job The wrong company can leave you with shoddy work that does not protect your home from the elements properly, quickly consuming any money you may have saved initially through ongoing roof repairs. For the best results, follow these roofing contractor tips:

  • Search online and ask friends and family for roofing contractor recommendations
  • Research each roofer using online reviews and third-party sites like the Better Business Bureau or Nextdoor.
  • Ask for references and check them thoroughly
  • Choose a roofing company that offers the best balance of quality, costs, and warranty

Choose Zimmerman’s Roofing for Roofing Done Right

If you would like to avoid common roofing errors or an improper roof installation, choose an experienced, professional roofing contractor like our team at Zimmerman’s Roofing. We have been serving Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania for nearly 30 years, and we feature skilled, background-checked technicians who are thoroughly trained. Plus, we back our work with a 10-year leak-free warranty for roof installations.

Contact us today for more tips on how to avoid roofing mistakes or to schedule roofing services with our team in Central or Southeastern Pennsylvania.

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The overhead care club A highly skilled technician will perform an annual exterior home inspection – including taking extensive photos of your roofing, siding, windows & doors as well as an attic inspection.
Annual Home Check Up & Attic Analysis We’ll inspect your roofing siding, windows & doors, we’ll clean your skylights and remove large debris from your roof, and clean up to 150’ of your gutters. We’ll also seal all exposed nail heads on your roof with high grade sealant.
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