A new roof is a hefty investment, so you want to make sure the job is done right the first time. Otherwise, you can suffer from water damage or other issues. However, not every roofing contractor is the right contractor. Some cut corners and some just don’t have enough experience.
Many times, you won’t recognize the right roofers from the wrong roofers until the job is completed, which is why it is important that you understand the signs of a poorly installed roof so that you can address the issue quickly before it can cause issues.
So, what are some indicators of an improperly installed roof?
Shingles are a good gauge on if your roof is installed correctly or not as they are easily visible. Some noticeable issues with shingles are dips or valleys in your roof, shingles that are not aligned with roof edges, or shingle columns that are too aligned. You can also look for missing drip edges or other flashing, noticeable roof cement, and improper nailing.
Continue reading to learn more in depth on how you can tell if your roof was installed incorrectly.
Improper Nailing
Nails are the components that affix shingles to the roof, and they must be driven in at just the proper amount to avoid issues. If the nails are not driven in enough, shingles may stick up instead of lying flat.
This can lead to water damage to your roof and home. If the nails are driven in too deeply, the same issue of leaks may occur. However, nails driven in too deeply are difficult to spot unless you are on top of the roof.
Lost Shingles
Every shingle producer has a set instruction on nail positioning. Incorrectly placed nails may detach shingles, giving rise to roof openings where rain can seep in. Shingles might get loose over time or during severe weather. They shouldn’t, however, fall in mild wind or rain.
Dipping and Rising Sections
Noticed your roof having sections lower or higher than the rest? It perhaps refers to a flawed fitting of the underlayment. This underlayer, placed beneath the shingles, protects against water harm. If this layer wasn’t positioned flat before placing shingles, such issues could arise.
Non-existent Drip Edge
The roof edges have a drip edge that directs water into gutters. Should a roofer miss installing this while putting up a new roof, corners begin collecting water, triggering leaks.
Incorrect Offsetting or Misalignment of Shingles
A glance at your rooftop shows non-precise alignment of shingle columns, each offset for water damage prevention. Some roofers mistakenly align the first two columns and then offset others. This initial alignment can lead to leaks.
Shingles mustn’t be perfectly aligned column-to-column but should align with the roof edges. If you behold irregular patterns on your rooftop, it’s likely the roofer didn’t start laying from the edge or didn’t adhere to a straight line.
Flashing Not Put in Properly
Like drip edges, several parts of a roof need flashing to stop leaks, such as chimneys and between each row of shingles (referred to as step flashing). Chimney flashing comprises two layers. One requires fitting into the mortar in between bricks, but often roofers miss this. Spotting this missing flashing is usually quite straightforward from ground level.
Step flashing demands a unique process, only applying roof cement where two pieces intersect, and just one nail in the top corner. If you notice any visible roof cement, the roofer applied an excess, and if you see extra nails, the step flashing could have been put on incorrectly.
Flashings Recycled
Occasionally roofers might reuse existing flashing on a new roof to cut costs or due to lack of proper training. Even if the old flashing appears in healthy condition, it should be replaced with fresh material. Otherwise, new nail holes might not align with the old ones, leading to tiny spots where water can infiltrate.
Preventing Wrong Roof Fitting
Mounting a roof once is a pricey and lengthy task, and it’s something you definitely want to avoid doing twice. Hence, ensuring you employ an experienced roofer at the outset is crucial. Here are some pointers that can help you separate the good contractors from the inexperienced ones:
Verify References
References offer an effective method to evaluate a roofer’s previous work. You can also explore online reviews or ask for a recommendation from a trusted contact who has previously worked with roofing contractors. Moreover, request the roofer to show you images of previous projects. Take time to closely analyze these pictures and ask your queries. Each image must demonstrate the roofer’s competence, and any skilled contractor should comfortably address your questions.
Check for Insurance and License
Trustworthy roofers carry valid insurance and licenses. Ask about these before hiring them for a project.
Consider Experience
Safety is key when hiring. Seek out roofers with a long history in the business, shunning newcomers. Seasoned contractors have honed their skills over several years and possess a portfolio of past projects to demonstrate this.
Roof Recap
As roofers focus on setting up your new roof, exert effort in employing the right team. Regardless of who you’ve hired, inspect your roof meticulously for any signs of poor installation. Spot any flaws? It’s high time to enlist a fresh roofer to review the initial job.
Call Level Up Improvement in Dearborn for all your roofing needs. We have the experience, skill and trustworthy reputation that the residents of Michigan rely on for a job well done. Our roofing services include roof repair and maintenance, replacement, and new roof installation. Our home improvement team is committed to complete customer care and satisfaction by completing the task as if it were their own home.
Call and speak with a team member today about your roofing needs! Free Estimates