Roofs are an important part of your building that protects it from the outdoor elements. We always stress the importance of proper roof installation for the safety and security of your home and your building’s overall integrity.
When it comes to your home, preventing damage is usually less expensive than treating it afterward. So, the first thing to remember is to never compromise on the type and quality of material you choose for your roof. Second, always hire experienced and reputed roofers in your area for the installation.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to find a bad roofing job before it’s too late. With this knowledge, you can ask the roofer who installed your roof about these problems and make sure your investment is not wasted.
#1 Thoroughly Check The Appearance Of Your Roof
This is the simplest way to spot a bad roofing job. Your roof must have a balanced and uniform appearance. If you find any uneven surface, ask your roofer to fix it immediately.
Walk around your house and view the roof from different angles. You should see straight lines. If any surface looks wavy or bumpy, that’s a red flag. These issues can result in leaks and other problems down the road.
#2 Improper Shingle Installation
Even if you use high-quality materials, improper shingle installation can still lead to serious problems. This indicates that your roofing company did a bad job installing your roof.
First, check for misaligned shingles. Just like the first sign of damage, this problem can also cause leakage in your roofing system.
Check for exposed nails. They should be covered by the shingle above them to prevent rust. Also, ensure shingles are securely fastened. Loose shingles can easily blow off during a storm, leaving your roof vulnerable.
Pay attention to the shingle overhang. Shingles should extend slightly over the roof edge but not too far, as excessive overhangs can cause breakage.
#3 Damaged Or Rotted Roof Deck
When replacing a roof, it is very important to check if the underlying structure is in good condition. If the roofer ignores this, it is a clear indication of a bad roofing job. To spot this immediately, you need to keep an eye on the installation work. By doing this, you can instantly ask them to fix any underlying problems after the old materials are removed.
Ask your roofer to properly inspect the overall structure of your roofing system to avoid early roof failures and high repair and replacement costs. Not only the roof deck but also other underlying components like rafters and joists.
When you choose an experienced roofing contractor, like Capital Roofing, they will identify and inform you about these problems and concerns before starting the new installation.
#4 Improper Ventilation
Check your attic properly. If there are symptoms of not enough airflow in your attic or if your home feels uncomfortable, these are the signs of improper ventilation in your roofing system. This is another sign that your roofer did a bad job.
Ask your roofer to fix this, as improper ventilation can result in increased humidity levels inside your attic, and this environment is where moss and algae thrive. Improper ventilation will make your home less comfortable, leading to reduced temperature control and drafts inside your home.
Additionally, poor attic ventilation can lead to ice dams in winter and extra heat buildup in summer. This can result in high energy bills and potentially damage your roof’s structure over time.
#5 Improper Flashing
Inadequate flashing is another red flag that signals a bad roofing job. Flashing is important for directing water away from vulnerable areas like chimneys, vents, and skylights. If the flashing isn’t properly installed or sealed, you’re likely to experience leaks and water damage.
Look for signs such as gaps, misaligned pieces, or rusted sections. These indicate that the job wasn’t done correctly. Pay close attention to roof valleys and intersections where water flow is heavy.
If the flashing looks sloppy or is missing altogether, it’s a sure sign of subpar workmanship. Don’t ignore these signs, inadequate flashing can lead to significant and costly damage over time. Always make sure your roofer uses proper installation techniques.
#6 Check Your Roof Edges
Take a close look at the edges of your roof. You should see a metal strip called a drip edge along the bottom and sides. This important piece helps keep water away from your house and guides it into your gutters.
If your roofer did a bad job, they might have forgotten this piece or installed it incorrectly. You might see gaps or places where it doesn’t line up right.
Without a proper drip edge, water can sneak behind your gutters and cause rot over time. Walk around your house and look up. If you can’t see a continuous metal strip along the edges or if it looks bent or damaged, your roofer might have done a bad job.
Remember, a well-installed drip edge is key to protecting your home from water damage. If you spot any issues, it’s best to get them fixed quickly to avoid bigger problems later on.
#7 Poor-Quality Materials
Another major sign of a bad roofing job is the use of poor-quality materials. You might think all shingles are the same, but low-grade options deteriorate quickly.
Involve your roofing contractor and ask them what material will suit your area’s climatic conditions. Do not compromise with the quality of the products and materials for your roofing system.
High-quality shingles should feel thick and sturdy. If they seem thin or brittle, that’s a red flag. Similarly, as we have already mentioned earlier in this blog post, substandard flashing corrodes easily and won’t protect your roof.
From underlayment to shingles, all the materials that your roofer uses need to be strong and durable. Don’t hesitate to ask your roofer for specifics about material brands and warranties to ensure you’re getting the best quality for your investment.
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What If Your Roofer Denies To Fix The Problems?
If your roofer refuses to fix problems with their work, you have several options:
1. Check Your Workmanship Warranty
Look at the paperwork from your roofing project to see if the issues are still covered under the contractor’s workmanship warranty. If they are, remind the roofer of their obligation to honor this warranty.
2. File A Complaint With Your State’s Licensing Board
If your roofer is licensed and won’t honor their warranty, you can file a complaint with your state’s licensing agency. This can trigger the roofer’s surety bond, which may cover the cost of fixing the problems.
3. Contact The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
You can register a complaint with the BBB, who will try to mediate the dispute between you and the roofing contractor. While they can’t force the roofer to act, this process might lead to a resolution.
4. Consider Legal Action
As a last option, you might need to consider civil litigation. This means taking your roofer to court over a bad roofing job. However, be aware that this can be expensive and time-consuming. You’ll need to hire a lawyer for the bad roofing job, which adds to your costs.
Remember, your recourse for a bad roofing job depends on the specific situation and how cooperative your roofer is. It’s always best to try and work things out directly with the contractor first. If that doesn’t work, gradually escalate through the options above.
Hire A Professional Roofing Contractor To Avoid A Bad Roofing Job
As we have already mentioned, choosing a reputed and experienced roofer is important to avoid these unnecessary installation faults in your roof.
If you are looking for durable roofing services in Claremore, OK, and the surrounding areas, we are here to assist you. Trust our team of the best-rated roofing contractors in Oklahoma. Our roofers have the right experience to handle different types of roofing systems and roofing materials.
Trust us as your reliable roofing company and we will make sure your new roof is watertight and looks great. To get a free quote for your roofing project, call us today at (918) 260-4075.
