Common Roofing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Protecting Your Investment by Knowing What to Watch Out For

Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, yet it’s often overlooked until something goes wrong. For homeowners in Santa Monica, CA, the key to a long-lasting and effective roof is avoiding the most common roofing mistakes—many of which are entirely preventable. At Economy Roofing, we’ve seen firsthand how early awareness can save thousands in repair costs and extend the life of your roof.

Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent roofing errors—and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Poor or Incomplete Ventilation

Why Ventilation Is Essential to Roof Health

A common and costly mistake is ignoring attic ventilation. Without a proper ventilation system, hot, moist air gets trapped in the attic, leading to mold growth, wood rot, and premature aging of roofing materials—even those from trusted manufacturers like Malarkey and Owens Corning.

How to Avoid It: Ensure your roofing contractor installs a balanced system of intake and exhaust vents. Soffit vents (intake) paired with ridge or gable vents (exhaust) keep your attic cool and dry.

Mistake #2: Reusing Old Flashing

A Small Detail That Can Cause Major Leaks

Flashing protects roof penetrations such as chimneys, skylights, and vents. Reusing old or corroded flashing can allow water to seep in and damage insulation, rafters, or drywall.

How to Avoid It: During roof replacement, insist on new flashing to be installed and sealed correctly with proper overlapping and fasteners.

Mistake #3: Improper Shingle Installation

Misaligned, Overdriven, or Under-Naile

Poor installation techniques—such as incorrect nail placement or failing to stagger shingles properly—can compromise your roof’s durability. Shingles may lift, shift, or blow off entirely in strong winds.

How to Avoid It: Hire certified professionals with experience in installing your specific roofing system. Ensure they follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

Mistake #4: Skipping Roof Deck Inspections

Overlooking the Foundation of the Roof

Some contractors skip inspecting or replacing damaged decking. Installing new shingles over rotting or warped decking leads to sagging, instability, and future leaks.

How to Avoid It: Before starting a new roofing project, make sure your contractor conducts a full decking inspection and replaces any compromised sections.

Mistake #5: Inadequate Cleaning and Maintenance

Letting Minor Issues Grow Into Major Repairs

Neglected gutters, overhanging branches, and accumulated debris all create opportunities for moisture intrusion and deterioration.

How to Avoid It: Clean your gutters regularly, trim back tree branches, and schedule annual roof inspections—especially before and after storm seasons.

Mistake #6: Using Incompatible or Low-Quality Materials

Saving Today, Paying Tomorrow

Some homeowners or contractors cut costs by using off-brand or mismatched materials, which can lead to product failure and voided warranties.

How to Avoid It: Choose materials from reputable manufacturers like Owens Corning and Malarkey, and use all system-compatible components for full warranty protection.

Mistake #7: Hiring Unlicensed or Inexperienced Contractors

The Most Expensive Mistake You Can Make

Working with an unlicensed or uninsured contractor can lead to subpar work, legal issues, and denied insurance claims. Poor workmanship is one of the top reasons roofs fail prematurely.

How to Avoid It: Only hire licensed, insured, and reviewed roofing contractors. Ask for references, verify credentials, and get everything in writing.

Final Thoughts: Do It Right the First Time

Your roof protects everything beneath it. Avoiding these common mistakes doesn’t just save money—it protects your home’s structure, energy efficiency, and resale value. In Santa Monica, CA,

Economy Roofing is committed to helping homeowners get it right from the start.

Read also our blog: Key Facts About Attic Ventilation and Its Benefits