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Few things are more frustrating and expensive than discovering your roof has been poorly constructed. A roof that’s not installed or prepared correctly leads to a host of problems. Leaks are just one of the potential issues, but they can quickly escalate into a series of persistent and costly repairs. Despite the challenges that come with a poorly executed roofing job, there are clear warning signs to help you identify bad workmanship. What follows outlines key indicators to look out for.

Incorrect Nailing Method

Proper nailing techniques are essential when installing shingles, as improper methods can cause issues over time. Common mistakes include overdriven nails from excessive pressure, nails prone to rust, or nails placed in the wrong spots. If you think poor nailing practices may have compromised your roof, reach out to roofing professionals for a roofing inspection today.

Sagging Rooflines

If you notice your rooflines are sagging instead of being straight and even, it’s a sign of a problem. A properly installed roof should appear uniform, so sagging areas are easy to spot from the ground.

This could point to issues like framing problems or roof deck rot, which may result from a contractor failing to properly assess or prepare the old roof before installation. To prevent further damage, call a qualified roofing contractor for an inspection.

Missing Shingles

Shingles can become damaged or even come off entirely over time due to severe weather or normal wear and tear. This is a common issue and usually easy to fix.  However, shingles showing signs of damage or being missing right after a roofing job is not normal and may indicate that the contractor was negligent, careless, or unprofessional.

If you find that shingles on your roof are easily dislodged during mild storms while neighboring roofs remain unaffected, it is a strong sign of poor workmanship during your installation. Consider arranging a professional roof inspection to identify the underlying problem.

Immediate Roof Leak After Installation

One of the most noticeable signs of a roofing issue is if your roof starts leaking immediately during the first rain after an installation or repair. While this can be deeply frustrating, especially since you’ve invested in a roof to shield you from the weather, it may not always be as severe of an issue as it seems.

Sometimes, these leaks can occur due to something as simple as a single area lacking proper flashing or a few nails not being correctly secured. While dealing with a leak right after roof work is understandably disappointing, it could be the result of a minor mistake rather than evidence of an entirely faulty installation.

Attic Lacks Proper Ventilation

Trapped hot air can severely damage your roof by overheating it, leading to the breakdown of adhesives in the decking and causing shingles to crack or curl. Meanwhile, trapped cold air interacts with the interior heat and moisture from your home, creating condensation. This moisture can cause the roof decking to swell, resulting in a wavy appearance.

Whether it’s hot or cold air getting trapped, improper attic ventilation will lead to problems. To prevent these issues, ask your roofing contractor to check your attic during the inspection and provide details on your current ventilation system.

The Roof Lacks a Consistent Appearance

If your new roof appears uneven or lacks a consistent look, there’s a good chance the job was poorly done. Signs like a bumpy or wavy surface, or shingles that seem lifted, can indicate an issue. This could happen for various reasons, but the root cause often lies in careless or unprofessional workmanship. If the problem is confined to a specific area, it might just be a mistake rather than deliberate shortcuts or incompetence.

Reach out to your roofing contractor to address the issue, a reliable contractor should be willing to resolve it. However, if they avoid responsibility or fail to return your calls, you’re likely dealing with a contractor who isn’t professional.

The Roof Lacks a Drip Edge

Drip edges play a crucial role in directing water properly toward your gutters, which then channel it away from your home. Made from galvanized steel, these elements are positioned above the underlayment and beneath the shingles at the roof’s edges. During strong winds, a drip edge helps prevent water from seeping underneath the roof.

Without a drip edge, you risk mold and rot developing in your roof decking or inside your home. Additionally, missing drip edges can lead to foundation stains, soil erosion near the base of your house, and even a risk of basement flooding.

Endnote

Roof replacement is a task best left to professionals unless you have significant roofing experience and knowledge of local building codes. It’s not only a complicated project, but a hazardous one as well.