As a homeowner, you want to avoid big expenses for your home. DIY projects are great for those on a budget, but you should enlist a professional’s help for more serious issues. When replacing or installing a roof, it is crucial to hire a professional roofer. Unfortunately, not all roofers are good at their jobs. Some roofing contractors install roofing systems incorrectly, causing a wide range of problems. Here are the nine signs of a bad roofing job and what you can do to avoid them.
Signs of a Bad Roof Installation
A roof installation is a significant investment. You want to be confident that you’re getting your money’s worth regarding materials and craftsmanship. Before you sign off on any roofing project, look for warning signs indicating a bad roofing job.
#1 – Sagging or Uneven Roof Line
A roofline that appears to be sagging means something is wrong with your roof. A properly installed roof will always be straight and even in appearance. If you notice sagging in your roof, it could be a sign that there are major structural problems. Your roofing contractor may have failed to inspect and repair those problem spots on your old roof before installing a new one. When there is any sagging, it could cause structural damage and water leakage problems. Make sure to call a professional to inspect your sagging roof.
#2 – Missing and Damaged Shingles
Missing or damaged shingles are common occurrences but should not be present immediately following a roofing job. If you see this issue after an installation, it could mean that your roofing contractor was careless. Unsecured shingles will easily come off the roof with a gust of wind. Always get your roof inspected so that you can fix those shingles.
#3 – Water Leaks
Water leaks can stem from various roofing issues, including poor-quality installation. If you don’t get the problem addressed, it can lead to many problems. Water leakages will cause the roof to rot, which will be a hefty repair bill for you. After an installation, you should never see a water leak. If you do, make sure to contact a New Jersey roofing company.
#4 – Missing Drip Edge
Your roof’s drip edge is a metal sheeting that serves as a buffer between your home’s shingles and the underlayment. Drip edges will need to be installed by professional roofing contractors. These edges ensure your roof’s structural support stays intact and helps avoid water damage. If your roofer didn’t install a drip edge, your home could develop mold. Along with that, there could be flooding around the base of your house.
#5 – No Uniformity
After a new roof installation or roof replacement, your home should have a uniform appearance. As you examine your roof from the ground, it should look the same at all different angles. Any changes in appearance should be a cause for concern, especially after a new installation. If there are any abnormalities on the surface, it could signify a defect with the materials or be the result of a poor installation.
#6 – Staining
Another sign of a bad roofing job is the presence of roof stains. These stains appear as dark black spots and are usually the result of problems in your attic. If you have multiple spots across the entire roof, you need to find a roofing company to help you resolve those issues.
#7 – No Underlayment
Shingles will last longer if you use roofing underlayment. Underlayment is a layer of material that helps to prevent leaks by creating a waterproof barrier. It also protects shingles by preventing water seepage. If you don’t use underlayment, your roof will deteriorate much faster than normal. As a result, you will have to replace the entire roofing system before it has reached its average lifespan.
#8 – Poor Nailing Techniques
When nailing in shingles, there are certain methods that the roofer should use. Wrong nailing techniques can cause plenty of problems, meaning you could face significant repairs down the road. If you see nails in the wrong location, overdriven nails, and rusting nails, it could be a sign of a poor installation. Poor nailing can often be detected from the ground. Contact a reliable roofing company to inspect the nails on your shingles.
#9 – Reused Flashing
When you get a new roof installation, all materials should be brand new. Some bad contractors reuse flashing to cut costs. That will not only cause roof issues in the future, but it could also violate local building codes. A reputable roofer will never reuse vital components like flashing.
Find the Right Roofer for Your Installation Project
Replacing a roof can be a major task. It can be time-consuming and expensive. However, getting a roof replacement is essential to protecting the structural integrity of your home. When you need to hire a contractor for your roofing job, make sure that you choose one who will do a great job. Unfortunately, a bad installation can happen to anyone. If you want to avoid ending up with a poor roof replacement or installation, hire a reputable company.
There are many roofers in NJ, but RGB Construction stands above the competition. Our roofing technicians are committed to workmanship, timeliness, and integrity. We will always ensure you have a professional and safe repair, replacement, or installation on your home. Schedule your consultation by calling 856-264-9093.
