Building a new home is exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest financial investments you’ll ever make. While many homeowners spend time choosing flooring, cabinets, and paint colors, one of the most important decisions happens before those finishes ever go in—the roof.
At Barringer Brothers Roofing, we’ve installed roofing systems on new homes throughout Highland, IL and the Metro East since 2004. With more than 200 5-star reviews, we know that avoiding a few common roofing mistakes during construction can help protect your home for decades.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes homeowners and builders should avoid when planning a new roof.
Choosing Price Over Quality
Everyone wants to stay within budget during construction, but choosing the lowest roofing bid isn’t always the best decision.
A quality roof is made up of much more than shingles. Proper installation, quality materials, flashing, ventilation, and underlayment all work together to protect your home.
Saving a little money upfront can sometimes lead to costly repairs years later.
Ignoring the Importance of Underlayment
Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense, but underlayment provides an important backup layer against moisture.
High-quality synthetic underlayment helps protect the roof deck if wind-driven rain or ice gets beneath the shingles.
Skipping quality underlayment—or using inferior products—can leave your home more vulnerable to water damage.
Poor Roof Ventilation
Many homeowners never think about attic ventilation during construction.
Proper ventilation helps:
- Reduce attic heat
- Control moisture
- Improve energy efficiency
- Support the life of the roofing system
Without adequate airflow, excessive heat and moisture can build up inside the attic and affect the overall performance of the roof.
Improper Flashing Installation
Many roof leaks don’t occur because shingles fail—they happen around roof penetrations and transitions.
Professional flashing should be installed around:
- Chimneys
- Roof valleys
- Plumbing vents
- Sidewalls
- Dormers
Proper flashing helps direct water away from vulnerable areas before it has a chance to enter your home.
Hiring an Inexperienced Roofing Contractor
New construction roofing requires careful planning and coordination with builders and other trades.
An experienced roofing contractor understands how to:
- Follow construction schedules
- Install products according to manufacturer specifications
- Coordinate material deliveries
- Ensure proper roof layout
- Complete projects efficiently without sacrificing quality
Choosing an experienced contractor helps avoid delays and installation issues.
Overlooking Roof Design
Roof design affects much more than curb appeal.
Factors such as roof pitch, valleys, dormers, penetrations, and drainage all influence how water moves across the roof.
A properly designed roofing system helps reduce the risk of leaks while improving long-term performance.
Choosing the Wrong Roofing Material
At Barringer Brothers Roofing, we specialize in architectural asphalt shingles because they provide an outstanding combination of durability, appearance, and value.
Architectural shingles offer:
- Excellent curb appeal
- Strong wind resistance
- Long-lasting performance
- Wide color selection
- Proven reliability
For many Highland homeowners, architectural asphalt shingles remain one of the smartest roofing investments available.
Why Experience Matters
Every roof is different.
Installing a roofing system correctly requires attention to countless details that homeowners may never see once construction is complete.
From the first layer of underlayment to the final ridge cap shingles, every component must work together to protect the home from Illinois weather.
That’s why choosing a contractor with experience in new construction roofing makes such a difference.
Trust Barringer Brothers Roofing for Your New Home
Since 2004, Barringer Brothers Roofing has helped homeowners and builders throughout Highland and the Metro East install quality asphalt roofing systems built to last.
We proudly provide:
- New construction roofing
- Roof replacement
- Roof repair
- Roof inspections
- Storm damage restoration
- Gutters
- Siding
With more than 200 5-star reviews, we’re committed to quality workmanship, honest communication, and dependable service on every project.
If you’re building a new home, we’d love the opportunity to help protect your investment with a professionally installed roofing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even high-quality roofing materials depend on proper installation. Correct installation helps the entire roofing system perform as designed.
Yes. Architectural asphalt shingles offer excellent durability, curb appeal, wind resistance, and long-term value for many homeowners.
Improper flashing, poor workmanship, ventilation issues, or installation mistakes are often more common causes than defective shingles.
Yes. Early planning allows the roofing contractor to coordinate scheduling, measurements, material delivery, and installation with the rest of the project.
Since 2004, we’ve helped homeowners and builders throughout the Metro East with quality roofing backed by more than 200 5-star reviews.
Contact Barringer Brothers Roofing
Building a new home in Highland, IL? Make sure your roofing system is installed the right way from the very beginning.
Call (618) 703-3036 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free estimate.
