Five Ways To Tell If Your Roof Was Installed Correctly or Not
Shoddy roof installation projects lead to safety hazards along with costly repair projects. Do you know how to tell if your roof was installed correctly? Experts recommend evaluating the following signs of poor installation:
- Proper flashing
- Nail patterns
- Shingle alignment
- Ventilation
- Cleanup practices after installation
How can you tell when it’s time to call a professional for a roof inspection? Ask yourself these five questions to determine whether follow-up repairs may be needed.
1. Does It Appear Uniform?
Identifying a poor roof installation can be as simple as evaluating its appearance. Look for any discrepancies in the final product, such as:
- Discolored shingles
- Misaligned materials
- Uneven patches
Contact a professional roofing company if the shingles’ alignment isn’t up to par. Notable gaps between shingles compromise the rooftop’s structural integrity. If some shingles appear raised, it’s likely due to inconsistent nail patterns.
2. Is the Flashing New and Secure?
Every chimney will have metal sheets around the base to prevent water intrusion. If you’re wondering how to tell if your roof was installed correctly, this metal material, known as flashing, will provide insight.
Qualified roofers should never reuse old flashing material during an installation, regardless of its condition. The metal may become loose when contractors nail it back in place. Compromised flashing integrity increases your risk of leaks and water damage.
3. Are There New Vent Pipes?
Serious problems can arise without proper roof ventilation. Mounted vents allow for safe air circulation so you can avoid ice dams and mold or mildew growth.
Before an installation service, make sure your contractor plans on swapping out the old vents for new ones. Experts recommend replacing these components to avoid loose nails. Just like reusing old flashing, failing to replace your rooftop ventilation equipment increases the risk of leaks.
4. Do You See Dips or Bulges in the Structure?
The structure should appear smooth whether you have a steep or low roof slope. So, why does yours have random spots that dip down or bulge out?
Ask a professional how to tell if your roof was installed correctly, and they’ll tell you to watch out for this issue. An uneven surface indicates problems with the underlayment.
Rushed work may cause the underlayment, a vital protective layer, to bunch together in certain spots, which will remain noticeable beneath shingles. Don’t hesitate to schedule an inspection and repairs if you notice areas of concern. Contractors will have to correct the underlayment so you can avoid compromised shingles and weak structural stability.
5. Do You See a Drip Edge Near the Gutter?
Knowing how to tell if your roof was installed correctly could be as simple as taking a look at your gutter system. High-quality structures need a piece of flashing right at the base so water can seamlessly flow from the shingles into the gutters.
This feature, known as the drip edge, can help you avoid extensive water damage. If your roof doesn’t have one, it’s time to contact a reliable contractor for urgent repairs. They’ll also inspect the plywood decking to make sure it’s not rotting due to water infiltration.
Trust Our Experts for Superior Roofing Services – Request a Quote Today
Now that you know how to tell if your roof was installed correctly, you can address serious structural issues before they escalate. Let our experienced team of roofers correct problems due to a shoddy installation project so you have peace of mind. Elite Remodeling Services is the most reliable roofing company serving greater Minneapolis.
Submit our online request form or give us a call at (952) 646-2480 to schedule a free inspection in Farmington, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, and all surrounding cities.
