A new roof is a 20‑ to 50‑year investment—if it’s installed correctly. Unfortunately, rushed jobs and corner‑cutting are all too common. Below are six costly mistakes we see other roofing companies in Barrie make, plus the Ainger Roofing methods that prevent them.
1. Ignoring Local Climate Loads
The mistake: Using generic nailing patterns or lightweight shingles that can’t handle Lake Simcoe’s wind gusts and heavy snow.
Our fix: Ainger’s estimators calculate wind‑uplift and snow‑load ratings specific to your neighbourhood. We then specify CSA‑approved shingles, six‑nail fastening on all courses, and ice‑shield membranes two metres past the warm wall.
2. Poor Ventilation Planning
The mistake: Mixing ridge and box vents—or installing none at all—leading to trapped moisture, mould, and premature shingle curl.
Our fix: Every quote includes an attic airflow model. We balance intake and exhaust to meet the Building Code’s 1:300 ratio, often with a continuous ridge vent that looks clean and slashes energy costs.
3. Skimping on Underlayment
The mistake: Relying solely on felt paper, which can wrinkle or tear before shingles go down.
Our fix: We lay high‑temperature synthetic underlayment that stays flat and breathable. Critical valleys get an additional self‑sealing ice‑and‑water membrane to block wind‑driven rain.
4. Improper Flashing Techniques
The mistake: Re‑using old step flashing or relying on caulk alone around chimneys and skylights.
Our fix: Ainger Roofing replaces all flashings with 26‑gauge galvanized steel, bends them onsite for a custom fit, and seals laps with butyl, not messy tar that fails in two years.
5. Misaligned Shingle Courses
The mistake: Staggering tabs incorrectly, which weakens the overlap and exposes fasteners.
Our fix: Our installers follow manufacturer‑specified offsets (usually 6 in. or 5.5 in.) and snap chalk lines every two courses to keep rows laser‑straight—critical for warranty compliance.
6. Failing to Protect Landscaping and Attics
The mistake: Dumping tear‑off debris onto your flowerbeds or filling the attic with shingle dust.
Our fix: We erect plywood drop zones, roll out ground tarps, and use negative‑pressure vacuums in the attic. When we leave, your property looks cleaner than when we arrived.
Why Choose Ainger Roofing Over Other Roofing Companies in Barrie?
- Local reputation since 1990. Third‑generation family business with hundreds of five‑star reviews.
- Transparent process. Drone photos, written checklists, and daily progress texts keep you informed.
- Certified crews. All installers hold Working at Heights and manufacturer certifications—no day labor.
- Iron‑clad protection. Up to 50‑year shingle warranties plus our exclusive 10‑year workmanship guarantee.
Don’t let common mistakes shorten your roof’s life. Schedule a free, no‑obligation inspection at aingerroofing.ca or call 705‑444‑5712 today. Discover why discerning homeowners rank us among the top roofing companies in Barrie—and how we ensure your next roof is built to last.
