4 Reasons Roofers Shouldn’t Cut Corners

When it’s time for a new roofing job, your customer is expecting the best quality work possible. However, unfortunately a lot of roofers like to cut corners, especially with the tools or components of the roof, with fall protection, and with the foundation, which can’t be seen. There are quite a few reasons why this shouldn’t happen. With fall protection, for example, you want to protect your employees as well as your company. With the components of the roof and the roofing job itself, you don’t want to cut corners for a number of reasons. Here are some of them.

1. The roof could create gaps for moisture as it contracts and expands. 

This could happen if basic preparation is not done correctly. This might happen if a roofer doesn’t measure the roof length and slope precisely. There may be imprecise cuts if each panel is not cut to the exact size. You could also end up with rough edges that are exposed to the elements which can lead to rust and roof coating failure. Before installation, a roofer should always check for water damage signs or dry rot on the deck of the roof. Otherwise, you might have gaps created.

2. There could be leaking.

The most usual issue with metal roofing is leaking. However, it’s not the metal that leaks, it’s the penetrations in the metal. Roofing fasteners that are poorly installed as well as faulty sealing washers are the largest reasons for leaks with metal roofs. Many roofers may make errors with off-center fasteners, fasteners that have been under tightened, or fasteners that have been overtightened. You should always check to make sure fasteners aren’t under or over tightened. And you definitely shouldn’t cut corners when it comes to your sealing washers.

Learn more about choosing the right high-quality fastener

3. There could be rust and corrosion.

There is a risk of rust and corrosion with galvalume or galvanized steel metal roofs. Protective coatings can, however, prevent this. Any damage that’s done to the coating can increase the risk of rust. If during the installation, the metal roofing material is cut, it will leave an open edge of metal exposed. That can take in moisture.

4. You may have oil canning. 

Oil canning occurs when there is waviness or buckling observed across the metal panels. It doesn’t typically affect the structural integrity of the roof. It can be caused by over-tightened fasteners or under-tightened fasteners, and it will cause the metal to pull and stretch in different directions.

These are just some of the problems that can occur when a roofer tries to cut corners. Always do the best quality work that you can, and get the highest quality tools and components that will be needed.