A
large percentage of the roofs that we replace are due to poor
installation practices. How a roof is fastened is critical to the
longevity. Whether due to wind or just simple gravity an improperly
nailed roof is doomed to fail. After Hurricane
Ike almost every roof that we replaced due to blow off was originally
installed by companies who utilized roofing nail guns. Nail guns are
unable to maintain a consistent level of pressure therefore many of the
nails are set to shallow or to deep which forces the nail head through
the fiberglass mat of the shingle rendering the fastener completely
ineffective as well as creating a potential leak issue. Due to the
problems that can result from nail gun installations Discount Roofing
has always been a proponent of hand nailing shingles.
Aside from
nail guns, proper placement of the nail is essential during
installation. Even without hurricane force winds if your shingle is not
nailed where specified by the manufacturer eventually slippage can and
likely will occur. Dimensional shingles which are often simply referred
to as 30 year, 40 year or lifetime shingles consist of two piece
lamination that give an aggressive shadowed finish look to your roof.
The installation of these laminated products calls for nailing along a
designated line which drives the fastener through both sections of the
shingle to prevent separation due to age, wind, heat and gravity.
Unfortunately most homeowners are unaware that their roof has been
nailed improperly until the blow-off or slippage begins. Keep in mind
that if the company who installed your roof cared about quality over
profit they would have taken the time to hand nail. When it’s time to
replace due to hail, hurricane or just shingle age know your contractor
and his installation practices.
Eric Powell
DISCOUNT ROOFING 936-756-1170
