Common Mistakes During Roof Installation in Delta and How to Avoid Them

1. Poorly Installed Flashing – The Leaky Nightmare 

Flashing is the quiet workhorse of a good roof. It doesn’t get the glory like shingles but trust me, if it’s done wrong, you’ll notice—probably around the time you see water stains creeping across your ceiling. I’ve seen this too often in Delta, especially when the first real storm of the season rolls in. One heavy downpour, and suddenly, that “small” oversight turns into a full-blown leak. And leaks? They don’t just go away. Water finds its way into the structure, soaks insulation, rots out wood, and, before you know it, you’re battling mold that smells like an old basement. Nobody wants that. 

So, what goes wrong? A lot of things. Some roofers use the wrong type of flashing—may be too thin, maybe cheap aluminum that corrodes faster than a Surrey traffic light changes. Others don’t secure it properly. I’ve even seen cases where they skipped it entirely, assuming caulking would “do the job.” (Spoiler: It won’t. Caulking shrinks, cracks, and fails, usually right when you need it most.) Chimneys, valleys, skylights are all prime spots where water naturally tries to sneak in. If the flashing isn’t solid, water will find its way through. 

How to Avoid It: 

Flashing needs to be installed like it’s a life-or-death situation—because for your roof, it kinda is. It should be snug, layered correctly (because water **flows**—it doesn’t just sit there), and locked so wind and rain can’t lift it. If your roofer relies on caulking as the “main defense,” that’s a red flag. Caulking is a backup, not the star of the show. A good install uses solid metal flashing, properly fastened and sealed only where necessary. 

And if you’re wondering, “How do I know if my flashing is good?”—ask your roofer to show you. No need to be shy about it. A solid pro will be happy to walk you through it. If they get cagey or give you a rushed answer like, “Yeah, yeah, it’s all good,” that’s your sign to dig deeper. A roof is a long-term investment. Done right, it lasts decades. Done wrong, well… you’ll be calling someone like me way sooner than you’d like.

2. Nailing Like It’s a Game of Whack-a-Mole

You wouldn’t think nails could cause so much trouble, but trust me, I’ve seen entire roofs fail just because of a few bad swings with a nail gun. Too many nails? You’re punching unnecessary holes in your shingles, which is like giving water an open invitation to sneak in. Not enough nails? Your shingles might take flight the next time the wind picks up—especially in places like Delta, where the winter storms don’t mess around. 

Then there’s nail placement. If they’re driven too high, the shingles won’t seal properly, and you’ll end up with loose tabs that catch the wind and break off like they’ve got better places to be. Too low? The nail isn’t grabbing both the shingle and the layer beneath it, so it’s just along for the ride instead of holding anything down. 

And let’s talk about pressure. If a nail is overdriven and slammed too hard, it can cut right through the shingle. I know some guys out there think more power is better, but this isn’t a demolition derby. A nail should sit snug against the shingle, not buried in it. On the flip side, underdriven nails stick up like tiny little speed bumps, which means the shingles above won’t lay flat, leaving gaps for wind and water to do their thing. 

I see this all the time, especially on DIY jobs or from roofers who rush through an installation. And you know who pays for those mistakes? You do—every winter when another shingle goes missing like it decided to move to Surrey. 

 How to Avoid It

Follow the manufacturer’s nailing guidelines. I know reading instructions isn’t the most thrilling part of your day, but they exist for a reason. The nail line is there for a purpose—the sweet spot where shingles seal and overlap properly. And when driving nails, think “firm and flush.” Not buried, not sticking out, just right. 

And for the love of dry attics, if you’re using a nail gun, adjust the air pressure so you’re not overdriving or underdriving every second nail. I’ve been on way too many roofs where guys just crank the pressure and blast away, thinking speed is the goal. It’s not. A well-nailed shingle will outlast a badly nailed one by years. 

So if you’re up there doing it yourself or checking someone else’s work, take your time. A few extra seconds per nail today can save you a whole lot of headaches (and missing shingles) down the road.

 3. The Wrong Shingles for the Job 

Delta’s weather isn’t exactly a gentle breeze and sunshine year-round. We get rain—lots of it. Wind that’ll make you question your life choices. And the occasional snowstorm that shows up uninvited, just to remind us it can. Now, here’s the thing: shingles aren’t just shingles. You can’t just slap any old ones up there and hope for the best. Some are built to handle wet, coastal weather. Others? They’ll give up faster than a Vancouver driver stuck behind a cyclist on a one-lane road. 

How Do You Avoid a Shingle Disaster? 

Step one: Don’t cheap out. I get it—roofing isn’t where people want to throw money. But going for bargain-bin shingles is like wearing flip-flops in a rainstorm. It’s going to end badly. Those budget shingles might look fine at first, but give them a couple of heavy storms, and suddenly, your attic’s got its own little indoor waterfall. 

Step two: Ask about shingles rated for high moisture and wind resistance. Not all shingles are built for this climate. Delta’s rain isn’t just a drizzle—it’s the kind that soaks you to the bone in five minutes. You want shingles that can repel that kind of moisture, not absorb it like a sponge. Wind resistance is another big one. Ever seen shingles go flying down the street during a storm? That’s what happens when you pick ones that weren’t made for this region. 

Step three: Architectural shingles are your friend. They’re thicker, last longer, and stand up better to wind and rain. If 3-tab shingles are the economy car of roofing, architectural shingles are the all-wheel-drive SUV that doesn’t get stuck when the weather turns ugly. Sure, they cost more upfront, but they last longer and save you from having to replace your roof again in half the time. 

Step four: Installation matters as much as the shingle itself. A great shingle, installed poorly, is just an expensive mistake waiting to happen. Think of it like a Gore-Tex jacket—works great when zipped up properly, but if you leave it half-open in the rain, you’re still getting soaked. 

Long story short? Don’t just grab whatever’s cheapest. This is Delta. It’s wet. It’s windy. Pick shingles that can handle it, or you’ll be regretting it faster than someone who didn’t check TransLink delays before heading downtown.

4. Skipping the Underlayment – A Guaranteed Disaster Waiting to Happen 

Some roofers cut corners by skipping the underlayment, trying to shave costs or save time. Bad idea. Really bad idea. The underlayment is that waterproof shield between your shingles and the wood deck underneath. Think of it like wearing a rain jacket—your shingles might keep most of the water out, but when the wind picks up and rain starts coming at an angle (which, let’s be honest, is every other Tuesday in Vancouver), you’ll be grateful for that extra layer of protection. 

Because here’s the thing: Water will find a way in. It always does. A little crack, a slightly lifted shingle, a nail that wasn’t sealed properly—boom, now you’ve got a leak creeping its way into your attic. And once water gets through your roof deck? That’s when you’re dealing with rot, mold, and a whole lot of regret. 

Now, not all underlayments are created equal. There’s the standard felt kind (better than nothing) and the more advanced synthetic types that handle moisture way better, especially in our damp Lower Mainland climate. If your roofer tries to tell you, “Oh, you don’t really need underlayment,”—that’s your cue. Show them the door. Preferably before they get their ladder up. 

No good roofer will ever tell you to skip it. It’s one of those things you don’t really notice until it’s missing—kind of like insulation in the winter or that second cup of coffee on a Monday morning. Trust me, you’d rather have it.

5. Improper Ventilation – Turning Your Attic into a Sauna

Alright, let's talk about something that gets overlooked way too often—attic ventilation. It’s one of those things that, when done right, you don’t even notice. But when it’s wrong? Oh boy. Your attic turns into a sauna, your shingles start aging like milk left out in the sun, and your energy bill suddenly looks like it belongs to a 24-hour Tim Hortons. 

First off, yes—Delta gets ice dams. I know it sounds ridiculous because we’re not exactly the Yukon, but trust me, it happens. When your attic is trapping heat, it melts snow on your roof, which then refreezes at the edges, creating a lovely little ice dam that backs up water under your shingles. That’s right—water going where it absolutely should not be. 

And mold? It thrives in a stuffy attic like a Vancouverite in a craft brewery. When warm air has nowhere to go, it condenses on the underside of your roof deck. Next thing you know, you’ve got a full-blown science experiment up there. And if you’ve ever had to deal with attic mold, you know it’s about as fun as trying to find parking at Metrotown on a Saturday. 

Now, let’s talk about shingles. Poor ventilation cooks them from the inside out. Your roof might look fine for a while, but then—boom!—suddenly, it looks like it’s been through a decade of sunbathing in just a few years. If your shingles are curling, cracking, or just looking extra tired, take a peek in your attic before blaming the roofing gods. 

How to Fix It (Before Your Attic Starts Charging Rent for the Heat)

Your roof needs a balanced airflow system. It’s not just about slapping a couple of vents in and calling it a day. There’s a rhythm to it: intake and exhaust working together. Without enough intake (soffit vents), your attic isn’t pulling in fresh air. Without proper exhaust (ridge or gable vents), that hot, humid air just sits there like traffic on the Alex Fraser. 

Signs your ventilation sucks:

✅ You see frost or condensation on attic nails in winter (they’ll look like they’re sweating) 

✅ Your insulation is damp or moldy (gross, but fixable) 

✅ Your shingles look old way before their time (premature aging isn’t just a skincare issue) 

✅ Your upstairs feels like a sauna in summer, even with AC blasting 

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth taking a look before things get worse. Fixing attic ventilation isn’t just about making your home more comfortable—it’s about protecting your roof, your energy bills, and honestly, your sanity. Because nothing ruins a day like realizing your attic is basically a greenhouse for mold.

6. Ignoring the Slope – Not All Roofs Are Created Equal

Alright, let’s get real—your roof isn’t just a flat surface where shingles magically do their job. The angle, or slope, of your roof changes everything. But you’d be surprised how many times I’ve seen so-called "roofers" slap regular asphalt shingles on a roof that’s practically flat. Guess what happens next? Water just sits there, seeps in, and before you know it, your ceiling’s got more bubbles than a Richmond bubble tea shop.

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t wear flip-flops in a snowstorm, right? (Well, unless you're that one guy in Surrey who wears shorts year-round.) The same logic applies to roofing—low-slope and steep-slope roofs need totally different materials and installation methods.

Why Slope Matters

A steep roof is like a waterslide at Cultus Lake—rain runs right off. But a low-slope or nearly flat roof? That’s more like a kiddie pool; water hangs around, looking for trouble. And trust me, water always finds a way in if you let it. If your roof has a low pitch, standard shingles alone won’t cut it because they rely on gravity to drain water away properly. The wind-driven rain we get in Vancouver? It loves to sneak under shingles, and if your roof isn’t built for it, you’re in for a world of headaches.

How to Avoid This Mess

Step one: Know your roof’s slope. This isn’t something you need to measure yourself (please, no ladders involved), but any half-decent roofer should be checking this before even talking materials. If they’re not? Big red flag.

Step two: Use the right materials. If you’ve got a low-slope roof, you likely need a rubberized membrane like TPO or EPDM. These act like a waterproof jacket, sealing everything up. If someone tells you, “Nah, shingles will be fine,” they either don’t know better or don’t care. Either way, run.

Step three: Ask questions. A good roofer should explain their reasoning without tossing a bunch of jargon at you. If you feel like you need a translator just to understand what’s happening, something’s off. You don’t need to be a roofing expert—that’s our job—but you should at least feel confident in what’s being installed over your head.

At the end of the day, a little knowledge can save you a ton of stress. Vancouver’s weather is already temperamental enough—your roof shouldn’t be adding to the drama.

7. Shingles Installed in Cold Weather – The Brittle Shingle Problem

Alright, let’s talk about cold-weather roofing because, in Delta, winter doesn’t mess around. Have you ever tried bending a cold cracker? Yeah, it snaps—just like a frozen shingle. Shingles need a certain temperature to seal properly. If they go up when it’s too cold, they stay stiff, don’t adhere right, and suddenly, that “brand-new roof” is vulnerable to wind, rain, and premature failure. Worse, if someone tries nailing them down too aggressively, they crack—tiny little fractures that you won’t notice until your roof starts leaking way earlier than it should.

How to avoid this mess: If you can, schedule your roof work in spring, summer, or early fall—before Delta’s damp, bone-chilling cold settles in.  But let’s be real, sometimes you can’t wait. If winter work is unavoidable, your roofer should be using a hand-sealing method with roofing adhesive to ensure those shingles bond properly. This isn’t a “maybe” thing—it’s essential. And if your roofer shrugs it off like, “Nah, we always do it this way,” that’s a red flag. A pro will adjust to the conditions, not just plow ahead for convenience.

8. Not Accounting for Rain (Because Delta Gets Plenty of It)

Delta’s rain is like an unpredictable guest—it either stays for a few minutes or decides to move in for the whole season. And here’s the thing: a wet roof deck is a disaster waiting to happen. When moisture seeps into the wood, it swells, warps, and makes shingles sit unevenly. If that happens, you’re inviting in gaps, leaks, and mold—problems you won’t even see until months later when your ceiling suddenly starts looking like a topographical map.

How to avoid it: This one is simple but often ignored—watch the forecast and plan accordingly. A proper roofer won’t roll the dice on a rainy day just to stay on schedule. If they do, and your deck gets wet, the job should pause until it dries completely. No exceptions. In emergency cases where work absolutely has to continue, every inch should be covered and protected with tarps—real tarps, not those flimsy blue ones you find at Canadian Tire. And if your roofer is acting like, “It’s just a little drizzle,” remind them this is Delta, where a drizzle can turn into a monsoon real quick.

9. Poor Cleanup – The Tire-Popping Surprise

Ever stepped on a roofing nail barefoot? No? Good, let’s keep it that way. Some crews treat cleanup like an afterthought, which means your driveway turns into a landmine field of stray nails, shingle scraps, and who-knows-what else. And if you’ve got kids, pets, or a car that you’d prefer to keep tire-puncture-free, this is not something to take lightly.

How to avoid it: A proper roofing crew will go over your yard with a magnetic sweeper (multiple times, if they know what they’re doing) to pick up anything metal. They’ll also clear away debris, leaving your property as clean—if not cleaner—than when they arrived. Don’t feel bad about doing a walkthrough afterward. I always tell homeowners, “If you find even one nail, call me. We’ll come back and sweep it again.” No one should be dodging roofing debris after a job is “done.” If your roofer rushes off before doing a final cleanup, that tells you a lot about their attention to detail.

10. Hiring the Cheapest Roofer and Hoping for the Best

Roofing is expensive, and no one wants to overpay. But there’s a massive difference between a fair price and a too-good-to-be-true price. When a roofer throws out a bid that’s way lower than everyone else, ask yourself why. Because roofing materials have set costs, labor isn’t free, and experience comes at a price. So where’s the cut happening? Spoiler: it’s usually in the quality of materials, the skill of the crew, or the time they’re spending on your roof. And all three of those will come back to haunt you faster than you think.

How to avoid this trap:

1. Get multiple quotes. Three is a good number—enough to compare, not so many that it gets overwhelming.
2. Ask for references. Not just a list—actual homeowners you can call or places you can drive by and see the work.
3. Check reviews. And not just the ones on their website—Google, Better Business Bureau, and local Facebook groups are where the real talk happens.
4. Ask about materials. A good roofer will be upfront about what they’re using and why. If they’re dodgy about it, run.
5. Make sure they stand by their work. Warranties exist for a reason, and not just the manufacturer’s warranty—the installer should back up their labor, too.
6. Cheap roofing isn’t actually cheap when you’re paying for repairs a year later. Find someone who does it right the first time.

Final Thoughts

Your roof isn’t just some part of your house—it’s the thing keeping your home dry, warm, and protected. Cutting corners leads to leaks, stress, and way more money spent fixing what should’ve been done right in the first place. Roofing in Delta  has its challenges—rain, cold, and unpredictable weather are just part of the deal. But a good roofer knows how to work with that, not against it. Paragon Roofing BC is Delta Roofing!

At the end of the day, if you’re getting a new roof, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If something doesn’t sit right, speak up. A pro will take the time to explain, and if they don’t—that’s your answer right there.

And remember, the only thing more unpredictable than roofing mistakes in Delta... is whether the weather app is actually telling the truth today.

Stay Dry Delta,

Harman