10 roofing mistakes to avoid when renovating a home

If there were no roofs in structures, one would have to directly bear the brunt of harsh sunlight, heavy downpours and snow, rough winds, and extreme weather, not to mention birds, reptiles, and insects, making the place all their own. However, the roof is directly exposed to all such factors, so a fragile roof is subject to continuous wear and tear. To prevent such a scenario, here are some roofing mistakes one should avoid:

1. Not installing a cricket over the chimney
Cricket is a tiny ridge placed over a chimney, and its main function is to prevent water from entering the chimney. Usually, it is made of wood and is an important part of the roofing structure, especially if one lives in a rain-prone zone. It helps prevent leakage and shouldn’t be missed while building a roof.

2. Selecting the wrong roofing materials
There is no dearth of roofing materials on the market, but not all of these materials may suit all types of structures. For example, asphalt shingles are extremely popular choices for roofs all over the country, but that’s mainly because of the steep pitch that most residential structures in America have. So, if one has a low-lying roof, asphalt shingles may not be the best choice; in such cases, materials like ethylene propylene diene monomer and sheet metal may be better options to prevent leakage. Such factors need to be considered while selecting a roofing material.

3. Incorporating less or no flashing
Flashing is essentially a plastic, composite, or metal barrier used to prevent water seepage and leakage from roofs. Having sufficient flashing prevents potential damage to the structure’s walls, so it is important to install enough flashing between roofs and walls. One should consult a professional to understand the level of flashing required.

4. Not ensuring proper ventilation in the attic
The attic is an important component of the roof, and by overlooking it, one can incur major damage eventually. For starters, the attic should have proper ventilation because the roof can get damaged if it becomes too hot and also increase maintenance costs. One way to keep the attic cool is to install rafter vents between the roof and the attic. Although attic fans may also be installed, rafter vents are more energy-efficient in the long run.

5. Failing to secure a roofing permit
A roofing permit ensures that one’s roof is safe and adheres to building regulations set in that particular area. Most local municipalities require one to secure a roofing permit before starting to build a roof. Without a roofing permit, one may have to abruptly stop the roof construction and pay fines as per the local rules. So, to avoid such hassles, it is best to secure a roofing permit before starting a roofing project.

6. Forgetting to add a roofing underlayment
After removing the old shingles or tiles, many people make the mistake of directly installing the new roofing on the deck. But a crucial step before doing this is to add a roofing underlayment, which protects the roof from water seepage and corrosion because of moisture. It increases the durability of roofs, so adding a roofing underlayment is highly recommended.

7. Not fastening the shingles properly
Shingles, or the rectangular blocks covering a roof, are the building blocks of roofs and need to be installed properly to prevent damage. Even if one is using shingles made of a durable material like asphalt, proper installation is crucial to ensuring that the roof lasts a long time. Also, proper nails should be used in this process, with ideally-sized caps to fasten the shingles firmly onto the roof.

8. Leaving the roof nails exposed
Many people tend to leave roof nails exposed after constructing their roofs. But doing so can cause water to seep inside and moisture to build up, so mold and mildew begin to form with time and end up damaging the roof. So, one should never forget to cover the roof nails to prevent such damage.

9. Not allowing shingles to hang over the roof
A common mistake is to lay shingles so that they stop where the roof ends. Shingles should always hang over the roof so that water is directed toward the drainage on the ground during rains or if there’s a leakage. At the same time, the overhang shouldn’t be too much because there is a risk of the roof being blown away in the event of harsh winds. Ideally, the shingle overhang should be about half to three-quarters of an inch from the drip edge.

10. Not taking steps to prevent ice dams in cold climates
Ice damming is quite common in cold climates because when melted snow refreezes on roofs, water can seep under the shingles. This can cause leakage and moisture buildup, making the roof a breeding ground for mold and mildew. So, when one is installing a roof in an area with a cold climate, one should take active steps to prevent ice damming. One way to do so is to ventilate the attic properly. Using electric de-icing cables can also help avoid this phenomenon.

Building a roof from scratch requires a lot of consideration because it is an expensive affair and should be a long-term one. One should set a clear budget and seek assistance from professional roofers to prevent any potential problems.

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6 cleaning mistakes that can ruin carpets

Carpets are not just great standalone pieces of furnishing, they can also tie a room together. Additionally, they help the space look cozier and softer. However, carpets and rugs tend to attract a lot of dust. So, they must be cleaned every now and then to keep them clean and retain their vibrance and texture in the long run. Further, one must avoid making cleaning mistakes that can make carpets look worn out: 1. Using the wrong products One may fall for tall claims and bring home carpet stain removal products that can instead cause discoloration. This is because some harsh cleaning products do more harm than good, especially when dealing with carpets and rugs. This is why experts often recommend testing a new cleaner or stain removal product on a small portion of the carpet before using it directly on the stain or for the entire carpet. For instance, one can apply the product to a small portion of the carpet that is not too visible, like the portion underneath the couch. If the product does not cause discoloration or other issues on the test patch, then one can continue using it. The test should be a standard practice for all new carpet cleaning products, even DIY homemade cleaning solutions. 2. Not vacuuming regularly Keeping the carpets clean is a continuous job. So, vacuuming it once a month is not nearly enough. If not daily, one must run the vacuum cleaner on their carpets at least once every week. Carpets accumulate a lot of dust and dirt throughout the day, so vacuuming them can help get rid of all the dust. Vacuuming regularly can also help carpets stay fluffy and soft for longer. As a result, making it a regular practice is a useful way to extend the life of carpets. Further, those with pets should especially vacuum carpets often, as pets tend to shed a lot of fur that can stick to carpets. 3. Not getting professional cleanups Many may prefer cleaning carpets by themselves to save money and effort of calling in professionals. However, a thorough cleanup can work wonders and keep carpets clean for much longer. Professionals also have the right skills, expertise, and tools to get rid of extremely stubborn stains. They can also offer tips to keep carpets free from dust and stains for a long time. Further, DIY cleanup can result in one or more mistakes on this list, which can shorten the lifespan of carpets, making one replace them. One does not have to get a professional carpet cleanup often. They can do it once in a while and resort to vacuuming and gentle DIY cleanup the rest of the time. 4. Vigorously scrubbing carpet stains One may instinctively reach for wet wipes or rags to scrub stains on the carpets after spilling something. However, scrubbing carpets vigorously tends to damage the fibers and deteriorate fabric quality. Further, this can push the stain deeper, making it even harder to clean. That’s not all. Vigorously rubbing the carpet can also lead to carpet discoloration and dullness. So, one must be careful while tackling stains. First, they should opt for a dedicated stain removal product that can do the job without having to rub the stain. Then, one should opt for blotting instead of rubbing the stain. When dealing with an especially stubborn stain, one should seek professional assistance to avoid damaging the carpet. 5. Using too much water While using excessive water to clean dirty surfaces is a common practice, this might not always work for carpets. This is because carpets can be quite thick and absorb more water than one thinks. Then, they may take a long time to get completely dry. If some portions of the carpet remain wet for long periods, then they can be at risk of mold growth. The mold can cause allergic reactions and spread quickly in the living space. So, one should be careful while cleaning carpets and leave them out in the sun to dry completely. Alternatively, one can use damp cloths to clean certain spots till it is time for a deep cleaning. Even when dealing with harmless water spills, one can use paper towels or cloths to soak up excess water and let the carpet dry. 6. Not acting fast enough When dealing with a spill or a stain, one needs to act as soon as possible to undo the damage. This is because stains are easiest to tackle early on. So, waiting for the spill or stain to dry completely before one starts cleaning the carpet can be a huge mistake. Sometimes, even the toughest cleaning products won’t be able to tackle dried stains. What one should do here is quickly blot up whatever has been spilled and then try to get as much moisture out as possible. This can help minimize the staining, prevent moisture from getting deeper into the carpet, and avoid increasing the risk of mold growth. Additionally, one should avoid going overboard with carpet deodorizers as they can lead to gunk buildup, which can become really difficult to remove over time.

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11 common basement waterproofing mistakes to avoid

Almost every homeowner has faced water-caused destruction in their homes at one time or another. A good way to stop water damage is to waterproof areas like the basement. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it sounds. A lot of people unknowingly make mistakes while waterproofing this place, which could be costly in the long run. Read on to learn about 11 such mistakes and how to avoid them. Ignoring the early warning signs of leakages When it comes to water damage, it is very important to catch the early warning signs. One should watch out for any unusual odors, dampness, or visible water stains in the basement. Recognizing these early can prevent excessive damage and mold growth and avoid expensive renovations in the future. Overlooking external drainage issues To keep the home and basement clean and moisture-free, homeowners also need to pay attention to their external drainage systems. Issues here, such as clogged gutters or downspouts, can increase the risk of water seepage and damage in the basement. One should regularly maintain the drainage systems so that the water is directed away from the home's foundation. Thinking waterproof paint is enough While using waterproof paint is important in closed-off or humid locations like bathrooms and basements, it should not be the only barrier to prevent water from seeping in. One should look for leakage issues and nip them in the bud. This will help limit any bubbling, cracking, or chipping away of the paint. Individuals can consult or hire a professional to do this safely. Once done, homeowners can apply a layer of waterproofing agent or sealant to the walls and finish with waterproof paint. Using the wrong products or techniques The market has many waterproofing products, which makes finding the right one incredibly hard. Some products are ineffective and repeatedly increase waterproofing costs. So, one should speak to a professional to understand what to use for the home. In addition to picking the right waterproofing products, homeowners must pay attention to their application. Overlooking this can be dangerous. Individuals should prepare the surface well, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and apply the right amount of product for a tight moisture lock. Draining a flooded basement too fast When the basement is flooded, it is natural to try and clear out the water as fast as possible. This, however, may not be the best plan of action. Why? Basement flooding is often a result of storm damage or the collapse of a large water body, which could be linked to high pressure. Removing the water quickly could cause this pressure to transfer into the basement, bringing another huge wave of water and flooding the area again. This can cause a lot of damage! To avoid this issue, one should avoid rushing into the task. Water removal should be a slow and gradual process. Not giving the basement enough drying time Even after all the water has been removed, there's a lot to pay heed to. Before thinking about waterproofing again, one should give the basement ample time to dry completely. This can take a few days. Individuals can call a specialist to inspect the area before starting waterproofing. Skipping this step could weaken the home's foundations. Forgetting to check the soil around the foundation Water often seeps into the house via the soil around the foundation. So, it is extremely important to keep an eye on the foundation during the construction process. To avert seepage, individuals should ensure the soil around the house slopes away from the home and fill in any depressions around this area. Sealing cold joints The basement's walls and flooring usually have a few gaps. Contractors leave them intentionally to release any pressure. Many homeowners rush to fill these gaps up during DIY repairs, thinking it would prevent water or air from seeping in. One should not do this! Filling the gaps could compromise the integrity of the whole house and lead to a massive collapse. Ignoring runoff locations If a certain part of the basement always seems to keep leaking, inspecting further may be a good idea. The leakage could be due to a variety of reasons, both internal and external, such as clogged drain pipes, gutters, or even window drains. One should fix these problems at the source to avoid dealing with the issue recurrently. Putting off waterproofing for later Unfortunately, water damage can affect any home. Investing in waterproofing in a timely manner is crucial to staying safe and preventing any long-term problems. One should avoid putting off the job and instead act fast to prepare a stronger base for the home and reduce the risk of damage. Having poor ventilation Lastly, many homeowners forget to consider ventilation and dehumidification of the basement. This could not only lead to moisture buildup in the area but also contribute to mold growth. To avoid trouble, one should take ventilation into account during waterproofing. Adding a quality dehumidifier here may help. If the basement has windows, one should keep them shut to stop moisture from entering. Avoiding these eleven common errors can help protect the basement from water damage and improve the home's structural integrity.