Ritco Group, Inc.

Whether you are planning a roof replacement or new construction build, working with dependable professionals is essential. Even the best materials can fail prematurely when not installed properly. You are likely to get quality results from local roofing companies. Nevertheless, you must carefully evaluate all your prospective roofers. 

Here are common signs of poor roof installation. 

How Do You Know if You Have a Poorly Installed Roof?

Your Roof Looks Uneven

Shingles that look even are a sign of a roof replacement job done right. Uniformity means that the installer laid down the shingles carefully and correctly. If the roof appears misaligned or looks significantly wavy, call your contractor. This issue must be dealt with immediately because it could later lead to water damage and early failure. 

Shingles Are Loose or Missing

Besides completing the look of your home, they offer protection against weather extremes. They are overlapped against each other to keep water from penetrating the materials underneath them. Shingles make a significant part of your roof, making proper installation even more vital.

You shouldn’t find loose, cracked or missing shingles shortly after your project. Reputable local roofing companies will make sure every area of your roof is covered. After installation, they will check if there are spots they missed. 

Improper Nailing

Nailing a roof isn’t as simple as it seems. Improper techniques will cause shingles to get damaged or not stay in place. A skilled professional knows which type of nail is suitable for your roof and how to use them. 

Poor Flashing Application

Flashing is a piece of metal attached to roofing protrusions like skylights, vents and chimneys. These areas require protection because they are more susceptible to leaks. When the flashing isn’t secured properly, water will seep through the gaps of these penetrations. If not fixed immediately, it wouldn’t take long for water to leak into your living space. 

The Gutters Are Incorrectly Installed

Gutters divert rainwater away from your roof and home. If they are in poor shape or not installed properly, water will go to places it shouldn’t. When this happens, water will pool on your roof and overflow to the rest of your home’s exterior.

Your gutters say a lot about the outcome of your new construction or roof replacement project. Consider it a red flag if your roofer didn’t install them properly. It is very likely that your roof has the same problem. Contact your roofer as soon as you notice your gutters aren’t working properly or look odd. Quick action is essential to gutter issues because these can lead to costly problems like basement flooding, foundation issues and erosion. 

Lack of Drip Edge

The material protecting the fascia or board beneath the roof edge is called a drip edge. You will find it between the shingles and underlayment. If it extends over your gutters, your contractor installed it correctly. They are attached using roofing cement or a row of roofing nails on top of the edge of the shingles. Without the drip edge, the likelihood of basement flooding, mold, rot and erosion along the foundation increases. 

There Is No Underlayment

Underlayment is found between the decking and shingles. It’s made of water-resistant or waterproof materials that can protect the decking against leaks and the elements. This component offers an added layer of protection during extreme weather events and helps prevent mold and rot. Without it, your roof will become more susceptible to leaks and deteriorate faster. You can consult a roofing expert to learn about the ideal underlayment material for your roof. 

Tips for Finding a Reliable Roofing Contractor

Go Local

Getting referrals is one of the first things you need to do when planning a roofing project. Ask your family, friends and neighbors for contractors they can recommend. Regardless of the home improvement you are doing, it’s easier to work with a local company. Another perk of hiring local is that you’ll get to see the quality of their work in person. You can easily reach locals if you have concerns, and they arrive quickly if you need emergency repairs. 

Do Background Checks

Once you have a list of prospective contractors, it’s time to start researching. Many companies today, even local businesses, have websites. You can check these sites to know what services the companies specialize in. They could also have uploaded pictures of the jobs they have completed. 

Read Reviews

Customer feedback will help you determine which roofer is and isn’t reliable. While reviews matter, a single negative response doesn’t immediately mean the contractor can’t do the job right. However, if a company has several complaints, it’s better to skip to your next prospective contractor. Consistent good reviews from previous customers usually mean that a roofer delivers superior service. Reviews tell you more about roofing professionals more than information on their websites.  

Ask for Proof of License and Insurance

A reputable contractor has proper licensing and insurance. The pros will not have issues showing proof of these essential documents. A license will give you the assurance that the roofer is qualified for your project. Meanwhile, insurance protects you from being held responsible if property damage or a worker injures themselves during the roof replacement. Even if the contractors have years of experience, they still need to have insurance. 

Consider Roofers Who Are Easy to Communicate With Throughout the Project

Good communication is key to the success of any home improvement project. It helps avoid miscommunications that could delay your roof replacement. A reliable roofer will be more than glad to answer all your queries. If your prospective contractor is difficult to communicate with, you may want to consider another contractor. 

Avoid these installation issues, make the most of your investment and ensure your roof lasts long by choosing a trustworthy contractor. Turn to Ritco Group, Inc. for superior residential and commercial roofing services. We specialize in roofing new construction, replacement, maintenance and more! Call us at (931) 381-0175, or complete our online form to schedule a consultation. We work with clients in Columbia, Franklin and Brentwood, TN.