Getting a new roof is a challenging ordeal, and the stress isn’t always over once the roof is installed. If you’re considering getting a new roof or are watching your neighbors get new roofs, you might be wondering how to double check that your new roof is installed correctly and is protecting your home – and your family – the way it should. So this week, we’ll be asking Roofstar: How do you know if a roof is installed correctly?
The Question: How Do You Know If a Roof Is Installed Correctly?
Not all roofing contractors are equally trustworthy, so it makes sense that, as a homeowner, you would want to be absolutely sure that your brand-new roof is functioning correctly and won’t start giving you problems immediately. The problem is that it can be difficult for a homeowner to know exactly what to look for when it comes to determining if a roof is correctly installed. That’s why Roofstar is here to help.
Roofstar Says:
There are a few ways to determine the quality of your roof’s installation, and some of them are quite simple and easily doable for the average homeowner. Before we give you the signs to look out for, remember that when dealing with roofs, safety is key. Always use a safe, sturdy ladder (or ditch the ladder and use a drone instead), and don’t walk on your roof.
With that in mind, here are some observations that will help you tell if your roof was installed correctly:
- A Non-Uniform Appearance: One of the easiest-to-spot signs of a poorly installed roof is a roof that looks uneven. This could mean that the shingles themselves are warped, or that one side is uniform while another side looks sloppy – or even that different types of shingles were used along the roof. Either way, this is a sign that your roofing contractor was sloppy.
- Damaged or Missing Shingles: If you got a new roof installed recently and you’re starting to notice that shingles are looking worse for wear or are missing, that’s likely a sign that your roof was installed improperly.
- Reused Flashing: Flashing is not designed to be reused, but shady roofers will sometimes reuse old flashing to save themselves some money. If the flashing on your roof is reused, your new roof was probably not professionally done.
How Do You Tell If a Roofer Is Scamming You?
Getting scammed by your roofing contractor is a big worry for a lot of homeowners. The best way to avoid getting scammed is to do some research on the company before you hire them. Look up reviews, find out if they’re fully licensed and insured, and ask them plenty of questions. In addition, be on the lookout for any warning signs that they’re not legitimate, such as asking for full payment up front or exaggerating the damage on your roof. A professional roofer should always tell you the truth about your roof.
What To Do If a Roof Was Installed Wrong?
If the worst comes to pass and you end up with an incorrectly-installed roof, don’t panic: there’s a path forward. Your first step should be to contact the roofing contractor who performed the roof installation and tell them about the improperly-installed roof. If it was an honest mistake, they’ll take responsibility and help guide you through the next steps. However, if they are scammers, you may be able to file a complaint with your state’s licensing board or the better business bureau. As a last resort, legal action may be taken.
Is It Normal for New Shingles to Not Lay Flat?
It’s a relatively common occurrence for new shingles to have a bumpy or uneven appearance. Usually, this is a sign of misshapen or improperly laid shingles or obstructions that lay beneath the shingles. The course of action depends on which problem is presenting itself. If it is only misshapen shingles, they will often flatten themselves. But if it was an installation error – or if you want them taken care of immediately – it’s a good idea to call a roofing contractor for an inspection.
We hope that this edition of Ask Roofstar has provided you with the answers you want. If you have any more questions or want to schedule a free estimate, call Roofstar Arizona now at 480-426-1915. We’ll tell you the truth about your roof.