5 Common Shingle Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Do you know that asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States? Most homeowners love asphalt shingles for their affordability, aesthetics, and durability. You also have a variety of designs to choose from if you decide to use asphalt shingles. However, you may not enjoy the benefits of an asphalt shingle roof if your roofer makes mistakes during installation.

Below are some common shingle installation mistakes to avoid whenever you have a roofing project.

1. Mismatching Shingles

If you don’t order your shingles in a single batch or fail to record the color specifications for your shingles, you may unknowingly receive mismatching shingles. While this mistake may not affect your roof’s functionality, it compromises its appearance.

However, if your shingles have different dimensions, they may leave gaps at joints, exposing your home to water damage and pest infestation.

2. Improper Nailing

Since asphalt shingles vary in thickness, shape, and weight, make sure that your roofer uses the correct nail size for your shingle type. Also, ensure that your nails are made of a material suitable for your area of residence. For example, if you live in a coastal area, a rust-resistant nail material, like stainless steel, is most suitable due to the high salt content in the air.

Moreover, ensure that your roofer uses the correct nailing techniques. The number one rule for asphalt nailing is to use at least four nails per shingle and drive them at the right angle and depth. The nail’s head should flash with the shingle instead of cutting into its surface. 

If you don’t nail your shingles correctly, you may lose some shingles whenever your region experiences extreme weather like strong winds and storms.

3. Shingle Layovers

If you are reroofing, you may be tempted to lay your new shingles over the old ones to avoid the tedious process of removing them and disposing of them. While some roofers recommend retaining the old roof to have an extra layer of insulation, failure to remove your old shingles can cause more roofing issues.

For example, since you cannot inspect your decking for damages, you won’t notice leaks until it’s too late. The roof may also sag due to the additional weight. A competent roofer should not recommend shingle layovers, no matter the condition of the old roof.

4. Ignoring Starter Shingles

Starter shingles are crucial because they cover the joints between the first course of the shingles and the edge to promote water shedding. These shingles also protect your roof from wind damage by creating a barrier that prevents moving air from entering beneath the shingles at the roof’s edge.

If you fail to use starter shingles, rainwater can cause damage to your decking, leading to rot and mold growth.

5. Poor Shingle Alignment

To avoid leakages, you should align your asphalt shingles precisely at the vertical and horizontal edges. Therefore, your roofer should not place the shingle at the top too low or too high compared to the shingle layer below.

Wrong shingle alignment affects your roof’s aesthetics due to limited shingle exposure, plus you may experience leakages due to compromised water tightness. Therefore, ensure that your roofing contractor follows the manufacturer’s manual for shingle alignment.

Like any other roofing material, asphalt shingle installation requires utmost precision and care. Avoid the shingle installation mistakes above for a flawless roof that impresses functionally and aesthetically. The number one way to avoid roofing mistakes is to hire a skilled and experienced roofer, preferably one trained by the shingles manufacturer.

At Schultz Roofing & Repairs, LLC, we have the experience, skills, and equipment required to offer excellent roofing services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.