Sometimes we are called by homeowners to fix what a roofer before us did wrong. To help our customers understand what needs to be done for a good roof installation we provide some of the things that other roofers have done wrong and we have found.

Shingles skipped or not butted up properly

Here is a photo a Bothell roofing job where the roofer just plain skipped putting in shingles. This is of course an obvious and willful act, but it did happen! What is a bit less obvious is that the shingle rows were also misaligned, as you can see in the callout.

Starter shingles required

This roof was installed without using starter shingles on the first row of shingles on the roof edge. Starter shingles include a sealant that is within 2" of the roof edge that keeps the shingles from blowing upward and tearing in a strong wind.

Underlayment must be smooth and flat

The underlayment is a layer under the shingles that provides a second barrier to water entering the home. It needs to be laid flat and smooth on the roof deck so that any water that does reach it drains off the roof. Here is a house where the underlayment was installed with wrinkles, trapping water and possibly funneling it into the home. Here the roofer left the underlayment buckled and creased.

Vent pipe flashing must extend out over the lower shingles

Proper installation of vent pipe flashing requires the flashing to extend out over the shingles below the vent pipe so that water runs out over the roof.Likewise, the flashing above the shingle must be installed under the shingles so that water does not run in under the flashing. Here you see, on this Woodinville home, one vent pipe without lower flashing extending out and the other vent pipe with the entire flashing incorrectly placed above the shingles.

All roof penetrations need flashing

Any and all roof penetrations need to be properly flashed. Flashing is a metal skirt that surrounds the opening and directs water away from and around the penetration and down the top of the shingles. Here you can see where the roof neglected to put flashing around the skylights. Flashing is required to go around roof vents, stand pipes, walls, and chimneys. Flashing should be good quality so that it outlasts the shingles.

Valley flashing cannot have exposed nails

Valleys where two roof sections come together require valley flashing or overlapped shingles. If valley flashing is used the nails holding the flashing in place must be well up under the shingles so that no leaks occur. Here you see exposed nail heads on the valley flashing. A heavy rain will flood the valley and cause water to run into the house.

Less visible errors exist as well

These are just some of the errors that can occur. Less obvious errors are common with a rushed crew as well. Here are a few of the common ones due to cost cutting and rushing:

• Skipping some of the nails on the shingles
• Nailing above or below the nail strip
• Driving nails in too deep
• Driving nails in too shallow
• Driving nails in at an angle
• Skipping new rake and eave flashing
• Leaving old pipe boots and old flashing
• Gaps in underlayment