Your roof is one place you don’t want any holes, leaks, gaps, or oversights. It is imperative for the protection of the internal structure of the property, and more importantly, the people living in your home.
When it comes to roof installations, always make sure they are installed with strict adherence to correct Australian guidelines. While most contractors will work to these guidelines, it never hurts to be informed. Here are some things to keep an eye out for when your roof is being installed.
Re-Using Old Flashings
Flashings are a metal casing that goes around chimney flues, vents and skylights. Flashings create a seal between that structure and the surrounding roofing. As these sites represent places where there is a break in the roofing, it is very important that they are properly moulded to the roof. If this is not done correctly, water can infiltrate your roof, causing rotting, leaks, and dampness, compromising the safety of the roofing.
Old flashing should never be re-used as it is already worn, bent and potentially corroded. Make sure your contractor always installs new flashing that’s custom fitted to the site’s requirements.
Inadequate or Improper Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is an extra layer of protection installed between the roofing and the support structures. It is a breathable layer that absorbs and protects against moisture coming from within the home. Condensation from kitchens, bathrooms and laundries rise in your home, accumulating in the roof. If underlayment is not functioning properly, damage from moisture can begin to occur from inside.
Improper Nailing of Shingles
The integrity of a shingle roof relies on the thorough nailing of individual shingles. If these are not properly secured, problems will ensue. Overdriven nails or nails in the wrong position will mean your shingles are not properly secured. This leaves them vulnerable to the wind, rain and airborne embers in the event of a bushfire.
Leaving out the Starter Strip
The starter strip is a factory produced adhesive layer that goes underneath shingles to make them more secure. Starter strips also create water resistance along the eaves and rake edges of your roof. The strips provide protection from the water in the channel created when shingles press up against one another.
Choosing Your Contractor
Price is important when choosing a contractor but beware of cutting corners when it comes to roofing. There are key factors in the installation process which should not be left out that make all the difference to the longevity of your roof.
Once you have chosen your roofing material, spend some time getting to know the basics of installation and where problems can occur. Don’t be afraid to ask your contractor if they plan to use starter strips, for example, or any other queries you might have. Be wary of timelines that seem hasty as you don’t want your job rushed.
For more information on the safe installation of roofing and all other roofing enquiries, contact One Stop Roofing today. As suppliers of a wide range of roofing products, we can assist you with all the finer details of installation. Get in touch today – we are here to talk and happy to help.
