Roof repairs are complex and high-risk jobs that require skill and experience to do right. Even small errors can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the line. When you’re considering hiring a contractor to address roof issues, understanding the common pitfalls can save you time, stress, and money.
At Schmidt Roofing in Burnsville, MN, we’ve helped many homeowners recover from roof repair mistakes that compromised the integrity of their roofs.
Skipping the Inspection Before Starting Repairs
A thorough inspection is essential before any roof repair begins. One common mistake is rushing to fix an obvious issue, like missing shingles, without examining the surrounding area. Damage that appears minor on the surface can be a symptom of deeper problems, such as trapped moisture or a weakened roof deck.
Without identifying the full extent of the damage, repairs may be ineffective and short-lived. A comprehensive assessment ensures the root cause is identified and repairs support your roof’s long-term durability.
Using the Wrong Materials for the Job
Not all roofing materials are created equal, and using incorrect products can cause more harm than good. Shingles vary in grade, thickness, and composition based on the style and your roof’s requirements. Mixing incompatible brands, especially when replacing parts of an existing roof, can create vulnerabilities that allow water infiltration.
Other components, such as flashing, nails, sealants, and underlayment, also differ in quality and function. Using substandard materials can compromise your roof’s ability to shed water and resist wind damage. While improper repairs might hold temporarily, they often fail during the next storm. For lasting results, we use materials that match your existing roof. The right materials are critical to ensuring durable, effective repairs.
Overlooking Damaged Underlayment
Underlayment may not be visible, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your roof. It serves as a barrier between your shingles and the wood decking beneath. If the underlayment is torn, saturated, or beginning to rot, it creates a vulnerable spot in your roofing system.
Simply replacing shingles over damaged underlayment won’t resolve the problem. Water can still penetrate, leading to mold growth and hidden damage that often only becomes apparent once it leaks through your ceiling.
When we remove damaged shingles, we carefully inspect the underlayment. If we find it brittle, wet, or compromised, we replace that section before installing new shingles. While this requires extra effort, it ensures your roof’s structure remains strong and helps prevent costly repairs later.
Ignoring Flashing and Seal Points
Flashing protects some of the most vulnerable parts of your roof, including areas around chimneys, vents, skylights, and where two roof slopes meet. If the flashing lifts, rusts, or cracks, water can seep underneath your shingles and cause damage. Focusing on replacing visible problems but overlooking sealing flashing is not a long-term solution.
Using too much sealant to patch flashing can also cause issues. If you simply smear caulk over damaged flashing without restoring its proper shape or securing its edges, water will still find its way in. Over time, these quick fixes trap moisture and lead to rot. We inspect flashing as carefully as shingles and replace worn or loose flashing instead of just patching it. A clean, secure seal is essential to keep water out of places it doesn’t belong.
Improper Nailing Techniques
Nailing in shingles might seem straightforward, but there is a correct method to ensure durability. Too few nails leave shingle edges vulnerable to wind damage, while too many can split shingles or expose the roof deck below.
Proper nail placement is just as important: Nails set too high won’t hold the shingle above, and nails placed too low may miss the thicker, more secure part of the shingle designed to resist pulling.
We take care to follow the correct nailing pattern for your shingles, matching the recommended spacing, placement, and depth for a secure, weather-resistant installation. Some installers incorrectly angle nails, which allows water to seep through the shingle. These small details significantly affect your roof’s performance during storms.
Layering Over Old Shingles
Installing new roofing material over old shingles can hide serious problems beneath the surface, such as sagging areas, moisture damage, or compromised decking. It also adds unnecessary weight to your roof. If the structure was only designed to support a single layer of shingles, layering another can strain the framing and lead to serious issues, including sagging.
Improper layering also creates uneven surfaces. If the old shingles have curled edges or raised seams, the new layer won’t sit flat, leading to gaps and poor sealing, ideal conditions for water intrusion. Adding a layer of shingles to an existing roof is sometimes a good solution. However, we usually recommend a full tear-off before any major roof repair or replacement. Removing old materials gives us a clear view of the roof deck and ensures a stronger, longer-lasting result.
Misjudging the Weather Window
Roofing jobs need dry, steady weather. Trying to squeeze in a repair when rain is in the forecast or temperatures are swinging too much can ruin the work. Shingles need time to set. Sealants need time to cure. If a job is rushed during a heat wave or attempted just before a storm, the materials might not bond correctly.
A sudden downpour during a half-finished repair can damage the underlayment or soak the deck. Cold weather can make shingles brittle and harder to work with. Roofing in bad conditions usually ends with mistakes that show up later.
We carefully plan our work around the weather and adjust our methods in less-than-ideal conditions. When conditions are unpredictable, we may reschedule or take extra steps to safeguard the exposed areas. Timing and technique both matter; choosing the right weather window ensures a longer-lasting, more reliable repair.
Skipping a Final Check After the Job
A thorough final inspection is one of the most important steps in any roof repair, but it’s often overlooked. Once the visible work is complete, some contractors pack up without verifying that everything was installed and sealed properly. At Schmidt Roofing, we always take time to perform a detailed final check.
Our final inspection includes checking attic spaces for any signs of moisture, ventilation issues, or structural concerns, as well as confirming that flashing, seals, and shingles are secure and will perform as intended. A final walk-through helps catch small details that might otherwise lead to future problems. It’s a simple but essential step that gives our customers peace of mind and ensures the repair will last.
Contact Your Local Experts
Roof repairs may seem simple, but even small mistakes can lead to serious damage and costly repairs over time. When it comes to protecting your home, working with a trusted professional is always the smart choice. In addition to roof repairs, we also offer siding installation, storm damage restoration, and window replacement.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced roofing professionals.
