Did you ever walk by a house, look at the roof, and think “that doesn’t look right”?

You don’t need to be a professional to spot a poor roofing job. In fact, anyone can recognize the major signs of a bad roof installation.

5 Signs of a Bad Roof Installation

Roofs are prone to wear and tear due to their constant exposure to the elements. Unfortunately, when it’s time for repairs, homeowners may find that the installation itself was done poorly in the first place. By knowing how to identify a poor roofing job you’ll be able to save yourself from wasted time and money – and the headaches that follow.

A non-uniform appearance

This is something that even the average person can see. If the appearance of the roof seems off, there’s a good chance that the roofing job was done poorly. Look for awkward alignment of materials, bumps and ripples, and mismatched colors and textures. The presence of any of these things may mean that the roofer was poorly trained, inexperienced entirely, or attempting to cut corners.

Stains on the roof

Stains on the roof will not appear until long after the roofer has left. Stains indicate that water is leaking into the roof. Water leakage does not only damage roofing materials. If a roof leak is severe enough, water can seep into the attic and lead to mold and damaged insulation. Roof stains do not inherently mean the roof itself was installed poorly, but once stains are identified, homeowners should check other core elements of their roof to ensure the whole installation was not the problem.

Missing or damaged shingles

The most obvious way to spot a bad roof installation is by looking at the shingles. Missing or damaged shingles are common after a major storm — but if your roof has recently been repaired, this shouldn’t be the case. If your shingles are in bad shape, your roof is at risk for subsequent damages.

No drip edges

Drip edges play an important role in maintaining the integrity of your roof and your home. They are installed below the shingles and help direct water away from the roof and the home’s foundation. Drip edges should be installed to prevent damage to the foundation, basement, and walls.

Using the wrong nails

The improper use of certain nails — or nailing techniques — can make all the difference between a poor roof installation and a great one. Overdriven nails can damage shingles and underdriven nails do not secure roofing materials properly. Unfortunately, these are not the only common nailing issues. An inexperienced roofer may use nails that rust and improperly locate nails too close together or too far apart.

How to Avoid a Bad Roof Installation

Preventing a bad roof installation starts with doing your research. Now that you know what to look for, you can help prepare yourself or homeowners you know to make better roofing investments.

Here are some tips to ensure the contractor you choose with will leave your roof better than they found it.

Request to see certifications

There are a number of different licenses and certifications that roofing contractors should have to prove that they are legitimate. Ask your roofing contractor for copies of these documents before signing any contracts.

Check social media / third party sites

While not an ironclad research method, you could effectively make a judgment on a roofing company’s quality of work just by looking at their Facebook page. While social media is a great start to look at pictures and read customer reviews — take it a step further. Third party websites (such as Angie’s List, Home Advisor, and Better Business Bureau) showcase unbiased reviews from real customers.

Go local

When looking for a roofing contractor, ask your neighbors for suggestions. Local contractors are familiar with area codes and requirements. Moreover, local contractors serve a specific area and work to keep their reputation at a high standard. Many local business owners live in the community! Working with a local contractor also ensures a quick response if emergency service is ever needed.

Avoid all the hassle – call reliable roofing experts!

The best way to avoid a bad roof installation is to start with a great roofing contractor. Longview Contracting has over 30 years of experience with roofing, siding, and interior work all over New Jersey. Along with our experience, we use the most reliable products on the market to complete the job. Contact us to learn more about our credibility and how we can find the perfect roofing solution for your home.