The roof of a home is one of the most important aspects, but it can be one of the most costly to repair. Because of this, many people attempt to replace or repair their roof on their own. Since it's a job that many people try on their own, there's a lot to learn from their mistakes. Here's a look at some of the most common problems people encounter when working on their roof, and how you can avoid them. Of course, if you want to make sure the job is done effectively from the beginning, it's best to turn to professionals like Hazelmere Roofing.

Problem #1: Not Using Enough Nails You may think that a nail or two will hold the shingle in place, but the general rule is at least four nails per shingle. At least five nails per shingle is recommended on the first row, and at least six nails per shingle on the whole roof if there's a steep grade. If you use too few nails, the shingle will likely slip loose over time, and won't be effective. Most shingles have a "sealing" strip near the top. Make sure you don't drive a nail through this strip.

Problem #2: Not Allowing for Proper Ventilation On the surface, you may think that you need an airtight seal on your roof. But when laying down shingles, it's vital to make sure that air inside can escape. If you don't allow for proper ventilation, moisture and mold will eventually build up inside. Aside from the problems that come with mold, this moisture can weaken the structure of your roof.

Problem #3: Not Having A Proper Overhang The edges of your shingles should hang about an inch over the edge of your roof, or about half an inch if your roof has flashing. If you hang the shingles over the edge too much, there's a good chance the shingles will blow off in the wind. Too little overhang, and water will be allowed to leak inside. Putting a new roof on a home or repairing an existing one isn't an easy job, but it's a necessary one.

Since the roof of a home is such an important part, it's often just best to trust the job to the professionals. They've got years of experience and knowledge to help get the job done right the first time. An improperly done job can lead to even more expensive repairs down the road.