Key takeaways:
- Not at roofing contractors are equal. Some can do unprofessional work.
- Signs of a bad roofing job include shingles that are not properly installed, nails that are not driven incorrectly, poorly sealed flashing, and more.
- These are just a few signs of what can go wrong when you hire an unprofessional roofing contractor.
- If you need a contractor, research to ensure you’re hiring a professional with the experience and equipment to do the job correctly.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for the maintenance of your property. By taking precautions, you will increase the comfort of your house while avoiding costly structural breakdowns in the future. While some maintenance and repair work are minor and may be completed as a weekend DIY project, others require expert assistance.
Some projects requiring an experienced specialist include roofing replacements and installs. Unfortunately, not all roofing specialists have the necessary competence to install a stunning new roof. Roofing contractors can sometimes install roofing systems poorly, resulting in various issues.
This blog post by Tiger Roofing LLC will discuss ten indicators of a substandard roofing job and how to prevent them from protecting your investment.
Sign 1: Mismatched Roofing Shingles
One of the most detectable signs of a roofing job done by an unprofessional is mismatched roofing shingles. Mismatched shingles can be caused by a contractor using old or leftover stock. They can also be caused when the contractor uses different batches of shingles from different manufacturers or if they use the wrong type for your roof. Either way, mismatched shingles are a sure sign of unprofessional contractors.
Sign 2: Sagging Rooflines
You have an issue if you glance up at your home’s roof and observe that the rooflines aren’t consistent and are instead sagging. Sagging rooflines are simple to identify from the ground since a correctly built roof will always seem straight and equal. If you find drooping in some spots, the structure may be faulty, or there may be roof deck rot. This indicates that your roofing contractor did not take the essential precautions to pretreat and inspect your existing roof before beginning a new installation. To minimize further damage, contact an expert roofing contractor for an inspection.
Sign 3: Reusing Drip Edge Flashing
When your roofing contractor removes the old drip edge flashing around the perimeter of your roof, they should also replace it with new material. Drip edge flashing is an L-shaped strip of metal or plastic that helps direct rainwater away from shingles and off your roof. However, some contractors will attempt to save money by reusing the old drip edge flashing. This colossal mistake can lead to severe water damage around the perimeter of your roof.
Sign 4: Not Applying Sufficient Roofing Cement
Roofing cement, also known as tar, is applied around vents, chimneys, and other protrusions on your roof. It helps seal these areas and prevent water from seeping in. Most roofing contractors will apply a generous amount of cement to ensure the site is sealed correctly. However, some unprofessional contractors skimp on the roofing cement to save time. This can lead to severe water damage around these protrusions on your roof.
Sign 5: Missing or Improper Installation Of Underlayment
Underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof barrier between the roofing material and the roof deck. It protects your home from water damage if your shingles are damaged or blown off by severe weather. Some unprofessional contractors will not install an underlayment or use an inferior product, which could cause your roof to deteriorate faster.
Sign 6: Incorrect Use of Roofing Nails
When nailing in your shingles, specific techniques must be followed. If you discover any symptoms of poor nailing practices, it might lead to future difficulties. Wrong nail procedures include:
- Overdriven nails induced by excessive pressure.
- Nails prone to corrosion.
- Nails inserted in the wrong spot entirely.
If you believe your roofing contractor used the incorrect nail method, contact Tiger Roofing LLC immediately for a roofing inspection.
Signs 7: Neglecting the Attic
A residential roofing contractor should always take the time to assess your attic before and after installing your new roof. Your attic should be inspected for potential rodent or bug infestations, mold growth, leaks, and proper insulation. If your contractor does not bother to check these conditions in your attic, they are not doing their job properly.
Sign 8: Roof Sagging
The drainage system includes your gutters. Water can overflow if the gutters droop; if they aren’t placed at the proper pitch, water stands and doesn’t flow to the downspouts. Gutters set too low can cause water to back up and into your roof system. If they droop, they can be dragged away from the fascia, which is the cover that connects the roof to the home’s exterior border, allowing water, insects, and vermin to enter.
If you see any signs of sagging on your roof, contact a professional roofing contractor immediately to assess and repair it.
Sign 9: Stains and Discolorations on The Ceiling
The appearance of roof stains is another strong evidence that you have a poor roofing job. While this might develop gradually over time, it is most likely due to an issue with your attic. These appear as dark black stains and are caused by various factors. Suppose you have many areas throughout the roofing surface. In that case, you will almost certainly need to replace the roof to avoid future issues.
Sign 10: Not Cleaning Up After the Job Is Done
A professional roofing contractor will take the time to clean up their work area before they leave. This includes picking up any nails, scraps of material, and garbage that may have been left behind. If your contractor leaves their mess for you to deal with, it is a sign that they are unprofessional.
Conclusion:
Competent and professional experts can assist you in achieving a correct roof installation. Check their papers and ask for their licenses and certificates before selecting any contractor to conduct your roof installation. Keep an eye out for careless contractors with features like chimneys, vents, and other rooftop installations. Inspecting roof flashing is critical, particularly at corners or where the roof plane, house walls, and dormers meet. Leaks are more frequent with loose flashing. When you identify a problem with your home’s roofing, take prompt but appropriate action so that the damage may be repaired before it worsens.
Tiger Roofing LLC is the leading roofing contractor in Forney, TX. Roof installation, professional roof inspections, and preventative roof repair and maintenance are just a few of our services. Allow us to assist you in choosing the best roof for your house and provide you with a quality installation that will endure for years.
