Ever watch a crew slap a brand-new roof on a house over near Highland Park only to see granules clogging the gutters two months later? It happens more than you would think. Asphalt shingle projects seem straightforward on paper, but property owners around Lyon County make the same handful of avoidable mistakes every single season. Between our heavy spring winds blowing off Commercial Street and the brutal summer heat baking our roofs, you cannot afford to cut corners.
The biggest trap people fall into is chasing the lowest bid without looking at what is actually included. When an estimate comes in thousands lower than everyone else, that contractor is not just being nice. They are usually skipping steps like tearing off the old layer, using cheap underlayment, or reusing flashing that has seen better days. Emporia Roofing Company gets called out to fix these exact messes after the first heavy storm rolls across the plains and rips half the roof right off.
Ignoring Proper Attic Ventilation
Most people do not think about airflow until their house feels like an oven in July. Asphalt Shingles need to breathe from underneath. If your contractor just drops new Asphalt Shingles on without checking your intake and exhaust vents, your warranty is practically void before the ink dries. Trapped heat cooks those Asphalt Shingles from the bottom up. You end up with curling edges and brittle tabs long before you should.
- Check if your soffit vents are actually open and not painted shut or blocked by old insulation.
- Make sure ridge vents match the square footage of your attic space.
- Do not let anyone tell you ventilation does not matter on a re-roof.
Falling for Storm Chaser Tactics
After a hailstorm hits our area, out-of-town trucks flood the local motels overnight. They knock on your door offering a free inspection and promise to cover your deductible. It sounds great until they take your insurance check and skip town, leaving you with a half-finished roof and a disconnected phone number. Always look for a local crew with a physical address right here in town. If something goes wrong six months down the road, you want to know who is going to answer the phone.
Another mistake is letting a crew start work without a signed, detailed contract. If it is not in writing, it does not exist. Make sure the agreement spells out the exact brand of Asphalt Shingle, the nail pattern, the cleanup process, and who handles the disposal fees. Taking a little extra time upfront saves you from massive headaches and financial regret later on.