A new roof is a big investment, so it is upsetting when problems show up soon after the job is done. Sometimes those problems point to something bigger: a bad installation. The good news is that the warning signs are easy to learn. Here is how to spot a poor roofing job, and what to do if you find one.
Common Signs of a Bad Roof Installation
Some signs are easy to see. Others hide under the surface. Watch for these:
- Missing or gapped shingles. Shingles that are missing, loose, or have gaps were not sealed or placed right.
- Wrong or loose nails. The right nail, in the right spot, holds shingles down. Poor nailing leads to lifting and leaks.
- Bunched underlayment. This layer sits under your shingles. If it was not rolled out flat, your roof may look uneven.
- No ice-and-water barrier. This thin layer protects edges and valleys, and many building codes require it. A good roofer never skips it.
- Missing drip edge. This metal strip guides water into your gutters. Without it, water can damage your roof edge.
- Missing or poor flashing. Flashing seals areas like chimneys, valleys, and vents. Gaps here are a common cause of leaks.
- A wavy or uneven roof. A bumpy, rippled look, or shingles that lift, often points to sloppy work.
- Leaks after the first rain. A leak right after install is a red flag. A good contractor should come back and fix it.
- Rotten decking left in place. If the old, rotten deck was not replaced, your roof’s structure is at risk.
- Poor attic ventilation. Without good airflow, trapped heat and moisture can harm your decking and shingles. That matters in our hot, humid climate.
What to Do After a Bad Roof Installation
If you think your roof was installed poorly, here are your next steps:
- Call your original contractor. Most reputable companies offer a workmanship warranty. Start by giving them a chance to make it right.
- Report them to your state licensing board. If they will not honor the warranty, file a report with the licensing board in Georgia, Tennessee, or Florida.
- File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB can act as a go-between for you and the company.
- Consider legal action. If nothing else works, you may want to talk with an attorney about your options. This is usually a last resort.
- Get a second opinion. Have a trusted, reputable contractor inspect the roof and recommend repairs or a replacement.
Hire a Roofer You Can Trust: Northpoint Roofing Systems
The best way to avoid a bad installation is to hire the right contractor from the start. Northpoint Roofing Systems is a GAF Master Elite contractor, a level earned by fewer than 2% of roofers. Our in-house crews install every roof to manufacturer standards, backed by a strong workmanship warranty. If you are worried about a recent roof, we are happy to give you a second opinion. Book a free drone inspection, and we will give you an honest look at your roof’s condition. We serve homeowners across Kennesaw and Metro Atlanta, Franklin and Middle Tennessee, and Ft. Myers, Florida. Call 678-345-1711 today.
