Ben's Construction Inc

In general, roofing projects require a professional contractor. Hiring an unqualified roofer won’t guarantee that an installation or repair will be done correctly. That said, keep in mind that as a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure the maintenance and repair of your roofing system. You have to be careful with who you entrust your roofing project because workmanship will affect the performance and durability of your roof.

Being proactive about the upkeep of your roof will maximize your comfort and prevent costly repairs. That’s why it’s important to learn how to discern if a roofing job was done properly. Here’s how to spot signs of a poorly installed roof.

Appearance

It can be difficult to recognize signs that your roof has been incorrectly installed, especially if you are not familiar with how the installation should be done. Some signs of shoddy installation are obvious, but others may not appear immediately – which means your roof may look fine at first, but after a year or so, the flaws would begin to stand out and possibly put your roof at risk. 

For starters, here are some installation errors that you can observe in the appearance of your roof:

• Uneven Shingles

If your contractor did a good job, you would see that your roof looks even and uniform because every part of your roof was installed properly. Check to see if the shingles are in the right place. If a section looks bumpier than the others or their colors don’t seem to match, you should call your roofing contractor right away. If you can no longer contact your original roofer, you should go with a company recommended and vouched for by a trusted friend or several customers.

• Missing Shingles

Your entire roof is made up of overlapping shingles. A variety of materials can be used to create this look. The most important part of your roof is the shingles or tiles, which make up the majority of the roof’s overall structure. An obvious sign of poor roof installation is missing shingles. If a roof shingle is missing, your contractor should be able to determine what caused it to get dislodged. Furthermore, they must replace the missing shingles or redo the installation to ensure superior protection for your home.

• Ineffective Gutter

The gutter is responsible for collecting rainwater that falls from the roof. Instead of flowing directly to the ground from the roof, rainwater is channeled first through the gutter and finally into the pipes. Inefficient gutter installation is a sign of shoddy roof work. The integrity of your home’s foundation could be at risk if you don’t address this problem as soon as you notice it.

• Stains

In many cases, water leaks can be identified through the presence of dark stains on your attic or ceiling. To determine the extent of the leak and any damage caused by it, inspect any stains, and check your attic closely. If your roofer also detects extensive damage and numerous bald patches where shingle granules used to be, this indicates a more serious issue that may necessitate major repair work or even a new roof.

• Water Leakage

Leaks, which can be caused by a variety of roofing issues, can be detrimental to the durability and stability of your roof and home. If you find any signs of water damage, there is a strong possibility that the roof was improperly installed. A reliable roofing contractors will make sure that your roof is leak-proof since they understand that leakage can cause the roof deck to rot over time, which can lead to various hazards like the collapse of the structure.

Structure

Some issues may be easy to detect visually while others require a bit more effort. The latter is equally important, and ignoring them can result in leaks and greater roof damage.

• Missing Drip Edge

The fascia board that runs along the underside of the edge of your roof can be protected from water damage by a metal sheet known as the drip edge. When it is installed correctly, it will extend over the gutter and be situated in the space between the underlayment and the shingles. Roofing cement and, sometimes, also a row of short roofing nails placed above the edge of the shingles are used to secure drip edges. Drip edges are attached to the roof above the edge of the shingles.

• Misuse of Nails

You could be under the impression that nailing your roof to your house is a straightforward process, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. Always ensure that you are using the right materials and techniques when you are nailing. To be able to determine which kind of nail works best on a given material, your home renovations contractor should have the necessary level of expertise. Shingles have a high risk of becoming loose or damaged if they are not secured with nails correctly.

• Missing Underlayment

The underlayment is another layer of material that can be found underneath the shingles. It acts as a barrier against water and protects the roof from damage. The absence of underlayment will not only result in roof leaks, but it can also reduce the serviceable life of your roof. 

• Improper Application of Flashing

Flashing is a sheet of metal that is placed on the joints of a roof. Its purpose is to protect the valleys and protrusions of a roof, such as vents and chimneys, so that water does not enter the structure. If the flashing is not installed correctly, water may seep into your home, which will ultimately result in significant damage and deterioration.

It’s unfortunate for homeowners to deal with poorly installed roofs and subpar roofing contractors. But by learning as much as you can about the company, you can avoid hiring unscrupulous roofers for your project. When selecting a roofing contractor, look for customer reviews, references, a portfolio of their previous works, their certifications, insurance and the types of products and brands they use.

Hire a Trusted Roofer!

Your roof deserves the best installers. Ben’s Construction Inc is a roofing company that specializes in repairing and installing different types of roofing systems. We are humbled by the trust given to us by our clients, which reflects our commitment and outstanding reputation for honest and quality work. We specialize in roofing, siding, gutter installation and other home improvement services. Call us at (508) 962-2417, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.