Roofing is one of those projects that many homeowners decide to take on themselves in an attempt to save money. Unfortunately, this often leads to disaster. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the worst DIY roofing fails we have ever seen. We will also explain why it is always best to hire a professional roofing contractor instead of trying to do it yourself.
Remove The Old Shingles
The first roofing fail we will look at is one that many homeowners make. They try to install shingles over an existing roof without removing the old roof first. This is a huge mistake because it can lead to all sorts of problems, including leaks, rot, and mold. Not to mention, it voids most roofing warranties. You might think that putting new shingles over old would be a good way to save money, but you’d be wrong. professional contractors will tell you that it’s a bad idea for several reasons. First, the new shingles won’t adhere properly to the old ones, and second, the weight of the new shingles could cause the old ones to break or come loose. So, if you’re thinking about getting new shingles, be sure to have a professional contractor do the job right. Otherwise, you could end up with a roof that leaks or worse.
Don’t Skip The Underlayment
Another roofing fail is when homeowners try to install a roof without any type of underlayment. This is a critical step in the roofing process because it provides an extra layer of protection against leaks. Without an underlayment, your shingles are more susceptible to wind damage. The underlayment acts as a barrier between the shingles and the wind, preventing the wind from getting underneath the shingles and lifting them up.
Another reason why an underlayment is important is because it protects your roof against ice dams. Ice dams can form when the temperature outside is cold and there is snow on your roof. The heat from your house escapes through the roof and melts the snow, which then runs down to the edge of your roof where it freezes again. This cycle can cause damage to your shingles and even lead to leaks. An underlayment will help prevent this type of damage. So, as you can see, an underlayment is a necessary part of any roofing system. If you’re not sure if your roof has one, or if you need to replace it, be sure to contact a professional contractor for help. They will be able to inspect your roof and make sure that it is in good condition.
Save Big Money
Finally, we have the roofing fail that is all too common among DIYers. They try to save money by using lower quality materials. This is a huge mistake because it will only lead to problems down the road. There’s no question that low-quality materials are cheaper up front. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that those same materials will end up costing them more money in the long run. That’s because low-quality materials are more likely to fail, and when they do, it’s usually not covered by warranty.
On the other hand, high quality materials may cost a bit more up front, but they’re more likely to last longer and be covered by a warranty. That means you won’t have to pay for repairs or replacements as often. In the end, quality materials will save you money.
When it comes to roofing your home, it’s worth paying a little extra for quality materials. That way you can be confident your roof will be done right and last for years to come.
So, there you have it. These are just a few of the worst roofing fails we have ever seen. If you are thinking about tackling a roofing project yourself, we strongly advise against it. Always hire a professional roofing contractor to get the job done right. Not only will they do a better job, but they will also be able to provide you with a warranty in case something goes wrong. DIY roofing is simply not worth the risk.
Do you have any roofing horror stories? We would love to hear them in the comments below! And, if you need a roofing contractor in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area be sure to give us a call. We would be more than happy to help you out.
Thank you for reading!