Why does installation matter as much as roofing materials?

Short Answer

Installation matters as much as roofing materials because even the highest-quality shingle will fail if it is installed incorrectly. The most common causes of premature roof failure — leaks at flashing points, shingles blowing off in wind, ice dam water intrusion — are installation issues, not material defects. A manufacturer warranty covers material defects, but it does not cover damage caused by improper installation.

Detailed Explanation

A roof is a system, not just a collection of shingles. The system includes the deck, underlayment, ice and water shield, drip edge, starter strip, shingles, flashing, ventilation, and ridge caps. Each component must be installed correctly and in the right sequence for the system to perform as designed. A shingle installed with too few nails, or nails placed incorrectly, can blow off in moderate wind. Flashing that is not layered correctly can direct water into the roof rather than away from it. Underlayment that is not properly lapped can allow water to back up under the shingles. These are installation failures, not material failures — and the manufacturer warranty does not cover them. This is why manufacturer certification programs exist: to ensure the contractor installing the products has been trained in the manufacturer's specific installation methods.

Common Mistakes

• ✕Choosing a contractor based solely on price without evaluating installation quality
• ✕Assuming all contractors install products the same way
• ✕Not asking about the contractor's installation training and certifications

Questions to Ask Your Contractor

• ?What installation training do your crews receive?
• ?What manufacturer certifications do you hold?
• ?How do you ensure the installation meets the manufacturer's specifications?