When it comes to the roof on your home, proper installation is crucial for ensuring it will last for many years and protect your home from the elements. Unfortunately, not all roofing jobs are done correctly, and it can be difficult to tell if your roof was not installed properly until problems arise.
So, what are some signs that your roof may have been the victim of a bad installation job?
The most common signs of a bad roofing job include leakage, an uneven roof, missing shingles, and mold in the attic. We will discuss the signs of a bad roof installation and the steps you can take to avoid this in detail below.
Leakage
One of the most obvious signs of a bad roofing job is leaks. If you notice water stains on your ceilings or walls or if you can see water dripping from your roof during a rainstorm, it is likely that your roof was not installed properly.
Missing or Reused Flashing
Flashing is the metal or plastic material used to seal the areas where the roof meets a wall, chimney, or other protrusion. If the flashing is missing, improperly installed, or previous flashing was reused, water can seep into your home and cause leaks.
An Uneven Roof
A properly installed roof should be level and without any sagging areas. If you notice your roof is uneven or sagging, it could mean the framing was installed incorrectly or there is rot occurring. Luckily, sagging and uneven roofing is typically easy to spot from the ground.
Missing Shingles
If you see singles that are missing, cracked, or mismatched, you may have an improperly installed roof that could lead to leaks, rot, and other damage. Keep in mind that shingles naturally become loose and damaged over time due to weather and exposure to the elements. However, if you notice this directly after a new install, it is cause for concern.
Attic or Roof Mold
Your roof needs to have proper ventilation to release heat and moisture so the attic and roof stay dry, and improper ventilation can lead to mold, rot, and other problems. If you notice any mold or rot in your attic or from your roof, the roof may have been installed incorrectly.
Now What?
So, you have noticed some roof leakage, an uneven roof, or some other sign from the above list. What do you do now? The first step if you suspect that your roof was installed improperly is to contact the roofing contractor who did the job and ask them to come out and take a look. If they refuse or are no longer in business, consider hiring a different contractor to inspect the roof and provide you with an estimate for repairs.
How To Avoid a Bad Roof Job
Bad roofing work is a pain to deal with. First, you have to pay to get the roof repaired. Second, you have to tackle any other damage that occurred due to the bad roof installation. Instead of dealing with a incorrectly installed roof after the fact, it is best to do your homework and make sure it is done right the first time. Below is a list of steps you can take to make sure the first installation is the right installation:
1. License and Insurance – To avoid a bad roofing job, it is important to make sure the contractor you are using has the proper documentation, especially license and insurance.
2. References – Look for a company with a good reputation. Get multiple quotes and references, and read reviews from previous customers.
3. Contract – Make sure that the contract you sign with your contractor is detailed and covers all aspects of the job, including materials to be used, the start and end dates, and the cost.
Conclusion
The proper installation of a roof is crucial to ensure a long-lasting, safe, and comfortable living space. By being aware of the signs that your roof was not installed properly, you can take steps to address the problem and avoid a bad roofing job in the future.
Get your roof installation done the right way with Excel Home Improvement in Romulus. We are roofing experts providing a 10-year warranty on workmanship and a lifetime warranty on shingles so that you’re confident with your roof investment.
Our home improvement services include gutter installation as well as siding repair and installation and we only use industry leading materials. Call to schedule a roof inspection today! Free Estimates