Americans spend approximately $50 billion on roof repairs annually. This indicates how often expert assistance from roofing contractors is needed in the United States. However, there are times when people attempt to save money by making repairs themselves, which brings us to the following examples of mistakes made by homeowners and lessons learned at their own expense.

Not Fixing the Right Problem

Homeowners sometimes do a simple patch job. However, this doesn’t always correct the underlying issue. They might be only getting a temporary fix because other factors are involved. For example, curling shingles are sometimes assumed to be the source of the problem when the actual source is a leak.

Using Old Leftover Shingles

Just because you have old shingles from a previous roof doesn’t mean they will be a good fit for your roof now. Even if the shingles match in color, they may not be the same quality as what was installed after the old shingles were removed. It’s not a good idea to reuse flashing around chimneys or other roof openings. These materials tend to wear down when reapplied to a new roof.

Adding Too Many Roof Layers

Some homeowners over-compensate by putting too many layers on a roof. Doing so doesn’t simply err on the side of caution. Adding extra weight to your roof increases the risk of having new issues later. Roof contractors know how to properly fix a roof without adding extra layers.

Not Creating a Smooth Slope

It’s difficult to create a perfectly smooth slope on a roof. Some homeowners attempt to skirt this issue by assuming a few bumps here and there won’t matter. However, you could end up with water damage if slopes aren’t smooth. Those little bumps here and there also cause water to pool or gather, which damages shingles.

Ignoring the Attic

You can’t always accurately diagnose a roof problem without considering the attic. The attic is where you can see if there’s light coming through certain areas of your roof. You can also look for signs of water damage from your roof such as water stains on floors and walls or warping.

Not Paying Attention to the Underlayment

The underlayment is what protects your roof from moisture. Some homeowners make the mistake of only replacing shingles when the problem is actually the underlayment. Granted, sometimes a shingle replacement is all that’s needed. However, if you’re dealing with a leaking roof, the issue could go beyond the surface areas.

Contact Joe’s Roofing in Reno, NV to take advantage of our residential roof repair services.