You paid a pretty penny for your new roof and you want it to last. But for the average homeowner, it can be challenging to ensure you got what you paid for and that your contractor’s work will stand the tests of time and nature. Once the roofers’ truck has left, here are five things that might indicate your roof wasn’t properly installed.
1. Leaks
Leaks are the most dramatic and easy-to-spot sign that a roof wasn’t properly installed.
The first few times it rains on your new roof, check your ceilings and walls for signs of water. These signs can include wet spots, dark patches on drywall, and drips or moisture on any surfaces. One of the primary functions of your roof is keeping out the elements. If rain is getting in, there is a problem.
Rain coming from a different direction, in higher volume, or with heavier winds can change how the water interacts with your roof. So be vigilant for at least the first few rains after installation.
If there are signs of water intrusion, call your roofing company immediately.
2. Uneven Appearance
Smoooooth! That’s what you want to say when you look at your new roofing surface. There may be a problem if there are lumps, bumps, or irregular sections.
Uneven surfaces create low spots where water can collect. These valleys can lead to significant problems down the road. Sitting water is more likely to seep under the roof’s surface. It also creates weight that can cause sagging over time. Finally, water can cause extra wear and tear on the roofing materials, shortening the lifespan of your new roof.
Look for sections of the roof that have a wavy appearance, shingles with a lifted appearance, or areas where the lines created by the shingles are curved or uneven. Everything should lay flat and line up correctly with the materials around it.
3. Missing Components
Your roof may seem like one large surface to you, but it is made of many parts, all of which work to protect your house and give your roof the longest life possible. When Utah roofing companies skip any of these components—possibly to cut costs—their customers pay for that in the long run. You can do a visual check for most of these items, but the safest approach is to ask your contractor about whether these items are included, and if not, why not?
There may be reasons not to use some of these components based on your specific roof design or climate, but your contractor should be able to explain that to your satisfaction.
Roof Decking— This is the surface onto which your roof is built.
It should be checked before the installation of a new roof. Typically, at least a few boards will need replacement, but sometimes there may be more extensive damage. Your contractor won’t know the condition of the decking until removal of the old roof.
Flashing– This thin, metal material is used to direct water away from areas of your roof that need a little extra attention. Most commonly, this will be around obstructions like chimneys, or in valleys created by intersecting roof planes.
Drip Edge—Installed at the edges of your roof, this metal piece hangs over the edge, directing water run-off away from your roof decking and other surfaces. Not only is this crucial for keeping your roof functioning properly, most building codes also require it.
Underlayment—Between the decking and the shingles is the underlayment, which provides an extra layer of protection to your home.
Ridge Cap—This is the “V”-shaped piece that sits along the top edges of the roof. It offers better protection at this key point compared to just regular shingles bent to fit.
Roof Boots—Your roof likely has at least one vent pipe, which is part of your plumbing system. A roof boot fits around the vent pipe to help create a water-tight seal around it.
If your contractor skips any of these components, your roof might not do its job. Ask about these items before installation and follow up to ensure they were all included where needed.
4. No Attic Ventilation
Your attic is subject to extreme temperatures. It can get incredibly hot in summer and quite cold in winter. If the space isn’t properly vented, that trapped air means the underside of the roof is exposed to those extremes, which can affect the longevity of your roofing materials. It may also mean higher utility bills for you. Inadequate ventilation may also void the manufacturer’s warranty on your roofing materials.
Before work begins, ask your roofing contractor about the plans for vents. After installation, confirm those vents are in place.
5. Mismatched Shingles
If the color of your shingles looks off, that’s another potential concern. It could be that your contractor mixed materials or batches to save money. That can mean that things don’t line up correctly, leading to problems down the line. It is also unattractive. For the money you spend on a new roof, you should get something that looks nice and cohesive. Walk around your house and look at the roof from all angles. The color, texture, and size of the shingles should be uniform.
Checking these five things after roof installation can help ensure you get the most out of your investment and that your home and wallet are protected. It can give you some peace of mind, knowing you got what you paid for and that your home should be protected for many years to come.
Looking for more ways to make sure you get what you pay for? One of the best ways to protect your home is by carefully vetting your roofing contractor. Working with an expert you trust can guarantee you get the outcome you are looking for and the best value for your money.
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After your contractor installed your roof, you might wonder how the outcome is. There is a lot of money that goes into a roofing installation and you want to make sure you got what you deserve. See how well or how badly your contractor installed your roof. Check out for the following indicators of a poorly done roof.
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