Getting a roof replacement is a big investment. You’d expect that paying for such a large project
means that you’re going to get outstanding workmanship. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Before finalizing any payment or roofing project, make sure you check for common signs that
indicate a bad roofing job.
Sagging Rooflines
If you look up at your home’s roof and notice that the rooflines aren’t uniform and
are instead, sagging, you’ve got a problem. Sagging rooflines are easy to spot from the ground as a
properly installed roof will always be completely straight and even in appearance. If you notice
there are areas that present sagging, the framing could be problematic or there could be roof deck
rot. This means that your roofing contractor didn’t take the necessary steps to pretreat and assess
your old roof prior to starting a new installation. Call an experienced roofing contractor to avoid
further damage.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
With time and severe weather, shingles can become damaged or
even completely removed. This is common and is easy to repair. However, damaged or missing
shingles come with time and general wear and tears and should not be present immediately
following a roofing job. Missing shingles immediately following an installation means that your
roofing contractor was unprofessional, lazy, or careless. If you notice that your roof’s shingles,
come off easily during a minor storm while your neighbor’s roofs remain intact, you likely have
encountered a bad roofing job.
Mismatched Shingles
In addition to easily damaged shingles, do a visual check to see that all the
shingles on your newly installed roof are the same color. Mismatched shingles are one of the
easiest ways to spot a bad roofing job so don’t be afraid to speak up.
Lack of Uniformity
Following a new roof installation or roof replacement, your home should have a
very uniform appearance. You can examine your roof from the ground from different angles. If your
roof looks different from both sides or viewpoints, you underwent a bad roofing job. If the materials
look inconsistent or there are any curving or dipping rooflines, there could be a defect in the
installation.
Reused Flashing
If you’re getting a new roof installation, you should be getting all new materials.
Bad roofing contractors often reuse old flashing to cut costs, despite it being a clear violation of the
code. Reusing flashing can be dangerous and will inevitably lead to leaks. Flashing should never be
reused, and expert roofing contractors are aware of this.
Water Leakage
Leaks can cause several different roofing problems and can be devastating to the
longevity and structure of your home. If you notice any signs of water leakage, you have likely
encountered a bad roofing job. Over time, this leakage can cause the roof deck to rot, which can
lead to dangerous breakages or collapse. At the first sign of water leakage, make sure that you call a
professional roofing contractor like Cummings Roofing Inc. to better understand the extent of the
damage and avoid catastrophic problems.
Roof Stains
Another clear indication that you have a bad roofing job is the presence of roof stains.
While this can happen gradually over the years, it’s likely because there’s a problem with your attic.
These appear as dark black stains and are due to varying reasons. If you have multiple spots across
the entire roofing surface, you’ll likely need to install a brand-new roof to avoid further problems.
Missing Metal Edge
Edge metal is a term for the metal sheeting that’s installed on your roof to
protect the board that’s below the edging. Good roofing contractors install edge metal between the
shingles and the underlayment to ensure that your home’s structural support stays intact, and you
avoid unnecessary water damage. If your roofing contractors did not install edge metal, your roof
will be more susceptible to mold growth, flooding, stains, and even soil erosion around the base of
your home.
Missing Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is necessary to ensure that your home stays water
free. Underlayment helps to create waterproofing for your roofing system so that shingles work
efficiently, and roof leaks are avoided. Without an underlayment, your roof will deteriorate far faster
than if one were present, which means you’ll need to replace the roofing system before the average
lifespan of your roof is up.
Wrong Nailing Technique
There are certain methods that need to be used when nailing in your
shingles. If you notice any signs of bad nailing techniques, it could lead to problems down the line.
Wrong nail techniques include overdriven nails caused by excessive use of pressure, nails that are
susceptible to corrosion, or nails that were installed in the wrong location altogether.