Signs Your Previous Contractor Did a Bad Job: Part 3 – Roofing
When potential buyers hear that the house might need a new roof soon, they hesitate. Installing a new roof is a gigantic expense, so the need to replace one adds thousands of dollars to the asking price. Even worse is when you’ve recently had your roof replaced, but you’re now experiencing issues like leaks, stains, unsightly shingles, and higher energy bills. You’ve poured your savings into that new roof, and you’re looking at pouring even more money into fixing it.
What happened? Most likely, your roofing contractor did a bad job, and now you’re paying for it. If you’re suspicious about their workmanship, here are some ways to tell that your roof was installed improperly.
Related Article: Should I Replace My Roof Before I Sell?
1. Mismatched and Misaligned Shingles
Inexperienced or unmotivated roofing contractors might mismatch or misalign shingles when installing your roof. While this poor job will affect aesthetics, it will cause much more serious problems, too. Shingles that don’t line up properly or are installed too high or low in relation to the previous line of shingles will affect your home’s exposure to the outdoors. Instead of properly insulating and protecting your home, your shingles can leave your structure open to water infiltration and energy loss.
When inspecting your roof, ensure that all your shingles are the same type. A difference in shape, texture, or color could mean you have mismatched shingles. Take special care when considering if your shingles are level as well. You might need to call a professional to inspect the alignment if you’re unsure.
2. Damaged or Missing Shingles
Damaged or missing shingles are a natural sign of wear and tear on an old roof, but they’re a sign of either extreme weather or poor workmanship on a new roof. If there is no reason to have damaged and missing shingles, it’s likely your previous contractor used the wrong equipment and techniques for installing your roof.
Signs of a bad technique include nails that are overdriven, placed incorrectly, and corroding. A professional roofing contractor will be able to spot these issues right away.
Related Article: Is My Roof Damaged? The Subtle Signs: Part 1
3. Sagging Roofline
Regardless of your home’s architectural style, your roofline should always be perfectly straight. There should be no dips in your roof’s structure otherwise. A sagging roofline is a serious indication that the framework of the roof is insufficient, and there might even be roof deck rot present. If this is the case, your previous contractor did not properly assess your previous roof to find and fix structural issues before their installation job.
4. Leaks
Leaks are a tell-tale sign that your roof is in disrepair. If you’re seeing water damage and stains on your walls and ceilings, especially on the upper floors, you should call a professional right away. Your previous contractor likely did not properly lay the foundation for a new roof or install shingles correctly. They might even have reused old flashing to cut costs, which is a code violation and can be dangerous. Water exposure causes serious damage to the structure of your home and can lead to everything from mold to rot.
Related Article: What To Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Call Advance Inc. for Your Roof Upgrade
Typically, homeowners dedicate only once or twice a year to spruce up with actions like checking for damage and power washing their siding, driveway, and walkways. Even then, it’s uncommon for a homeowner to regularly pull out a ladder and inspect their roof closely. Many homeowners would not notice a bad roof installation until it was too late, so here is your sign to take a closer look now. Remove any buildup and debris from your roof so that you can easily inspect it at every angle.
For an efficient inspection and a proper roof installation, call Advance Inc.