Proper installation is a key ingredient of what makes a roof durable, because installation mistakes can make the roof vulnerable to premature failure. In this post, residential roofing company Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC takes a look at the hallmarks of a properly-installed roof.
Uniform Appearance
Today’s asphalt shingles are made to be installed evenly, and a uniform appearance is an indication that the roofers have done their job properly. Individual shingles should be properly aligned, without visible gaps between them with consistent overlaps. Patchy or uneven areas, irregularly-placed roof nails and other visual inconsistencies are signs of poor installation work.
No Signs of Moisture Damage on the Roof Deck
The roof deck is the flat plane where the underlayment and asphalt shingles are fastened to. Kept in good condition, a roof deck is good for two roof installations. If you have an unfinished attic, you can inspect its underside for signs of moisture damage, which usually happens when the outer parts of the roof are not installed correctly.
Proper Flashing Installation
Flashing protects the roof valleys and other transitions between planes from water infiltration, which means it has to be properly installed. Misaligned or using the wrong flashing profile can result in leaks that can result in long-term damage. Incorrect installation methods can also cause the flashing to become dislodged from the roof.
Installed Underlayment
The underlayment is a layer of material that serves as the barrier between the roof decking and the asphalt shingles, and serves as secondary protection in case the outer layer of asphalt shingles fail. Some roofers do not include underlayment or consider it as an extra, and the lack of it indicates poor workmanship or inexperience. Roofing systems from manufacturers like GAF and Owens Corning® include underlayment as a standard component, a feature worth looking for when planning a roof replacement.
Proper Ventilation
Trapped heat and humidity in the attic can cause damage to the roof, which makes roof ventilation an essential part of roof design. A skilled roofer should be able to determine the type of ventilation a roof needs. Most asphalt shingle roofs would have exhaust vents at the ridges and intake vents at the soffits, utilizing differences in air pressure to create airflow. These vents can be augmented by exhaust fans. You can tell if a roof is lacking ventilation because you’d feel the heat and humidity as soon as you climb into the attic.
You can count on our roofers at Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC to ensure proper installation when we replace your roof. Contact us today at (541) 688-7663 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.