Roofing Red Flags: Signs of a Poor Roof Replacement
A properly installed roof is your first line of defense in ensuring your safety, comfort, and the preservation of your home. A professionally installed roof can last for decades with regular maintenance. On the other hand, a subpar roofing installation can cause a myriad of issues and end up costing you thousands of dollars to remedy.
Learning how to identify the signs of a bad roof job, and how to avoid one in the first palace, is something that every homeowner should do.
If you're concerned that your roof might not have been installed correctly, or you want to avoid such a situation in the future, keep reading. Let's check out the signs of a poor roof job and what you should do if your roof installation falls flat.
Sagging Rooflines
When your roof is replaced, you should be left with a roof that is uniform in appearance. Your rooflines should be straight and even, with no dips or curves. A sagging roofline can indicate underlying structural issues, roof deck rot, poor craftsmanship or a combination of these issues.
Mismatched shingles
If you have patches of different colored shingles on your roof, this is an obvious sign of a bad roof job. Oftentimes, contractors will cut corners if they run out of your preferred shingle selection and just install whatever they have on hand rather than ordering more of your selection. Professional roofing contractors will be sure to order the correct amount of material for your roof so your installation goes as planned.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles can usually be repaired easily. However, if you are missing shingles right after a roof replacement, it is a major red flag that they were not installed correctly. If you discover missing shingles after a minor storm post roof replacement, don’t wait to have a trusted company inspect your roof and fix the problem.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are a clear indication that something has gone amiss during your roofing replacement. After all, your roof’s primary role is to keep the elements out of your home.
How your roofing company handles a water leak after a recent roof installation will show you a lot about their character. If they are a reputable company, they should take responsibility and return to fix the problem in a timely manner. If they are a sketchy roof company, they will likely dodge your calls and ignore your complaints. The latter reaction is a pretty good indication that the roofing company knows their quality of work is poor and there are probably more hidden signs of a bad roof installation they don’t want to fix.
Missing Drip Edge
A drip edge is an “L” shaped metal component of your roof installed between the underlayment and shingles to protect the edges of your roof and home from water damage by directing water into the gutter system. If the drip edge is missing, you are at an increased risk for water damage, mold growth and soil erosion around your home.
Reused Flashing
There is no set rule that instructs roofers to use new flashing when installing a new roof, but it is an unspoken practice amongst reputable roofers. When old flashings are reused, nails may not be placed in the exact same spot as before, meaning there are now holes in your flashing that water can penetrate. It is always best to ensure that new flashings are installed during a roof replacement.
Rotten Roof Decking
The wooden foundation for your roofing system is called the roof decking. During a roof replacement, your contractor should inspect the roof decking before installing your new roof. If any of your roof decking shows signs of rot and decay, it should be replaced. If the roofing contractor fails to do this, your new roof could sag because the decking can’t handle the weight of the roof. If the boards mold and mildew, it could also cause health issues for those living inside the home.
Because you cannot tell if your roof decking needs to be replaced before your old roof is removed, it is important to ask your contractor what they will do if rotting roof decking is found. Good roofing contractors will communicate with you if your roof decking needs to be replaced and will take the necessary steps to ensure your roof is healthy.
How to Avoid Subpar Roofing Contractors
A roof replacement is a big commitment. The process is often time consuming and expensive, but worth the effort when done correctly. If you want to make sure you hire a roofing company that is going to do good work on your home, make sure you ask these 5 questions before signing a contract:
What is the full name and address of the company?
Is the company a credentialed contractor (or do they carry a license)?
How long has the company been in business?
Can the company provide references from previous jobs?
What kind of workmanship warranty does the company provide?
Dealing with a Roof Installation Gone Wrong
If you have issues with a recent roof replacement, here’s a few steps that you can take:
Begin by getting in touch with the contractor responsible for the installation and request them to assess the situation on your property. It's important to allow them an opportunity to review and resolve the issue since even reputable roofers can make mistakes. Most professional contractors value their reputation and will take steps to satisfy their customers.
Keep a record of any evidence supporting your claim and, if available, obtain their proof of insurance. Capture photographs of any damage and areas where improper installation is evident, such as damaged flashing or missing drip edges.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with the contractor regarding the necessary repairs, consider filing a complaint with your local building department. If the contractor is licensed, you may also seek assistance from the relevant licensing authority to help resolve the problem.
If the installation errors have caused damage, contact your homeowners' insurance company to determine if they can cover the costs of rectifying the issue. It's worth noting that insurance is unlikely to cover the damage if your roof was not installed by a professional, licensed roofing contractor.
In the event that the damage requires repairs, you may need to engage another contractor to fix the issues with the roof.
At Elite Roofing and Restoration, we’ve worked with several customers to fix poor roof work done by prior contractors. If you suspect you’ve had a botched roof replacement, contact our team at Elite Roofing and Restoration to schedule a free inspection to get to the bottom of your roofing issues.
Elite Roofing and Restoration is your source for quality roof repair and replacement.
In addition to roof replacements and repairs, both commercial and residential, we offer a considerable list of additional home repair services to assist you with any general construction needs you may have.
Contact us today to schedule your no-hassle, complimentary roof inspection today.
