Skip to main content

Signs of a Bad Roofing Job

roofing problems

The reputation of a roofing company can be negatively affected by the work that it does and the actions of its contractors. Identifying if you have a problem with a contractor is essential before you agree to any work. These are signs you should look for before agreeing to any work on your roof. They can help you avoid getting a bad deal on a new roof. They include: 

A Poorly Ventilated Attic

The ventilation system of your attic is essential to the longevity of your roof. Without it, the cold and hot air will get trapped in the attic and shorten its lifespan. Poorly ventilated attics are another sign of a poor roofing job. Hot air can burn your roof up, which can cause the adhesive on your decking to deteriorate and the shingles to curl or crack

Meanwhile, trapped cold air can combine with the moisture and heat from your home to form condensation. It can cause your roof’s decking to swell, turning it into a wavy surface. Even if the trapped cold or hot air is not causing your issues, you still need proper ventilation to avoid further problems. To avoid this, ask your contractor if they can access your attic during their inspection. 

The Roof Contractor is Not Changing Out The Rotten Roof Decking 

Your home’s entire roof system relies on the wooden foundation of your roof decking. When replacing your roof, your contractor should inspect the integrity of the decking to ensure it’s still intact. 

If the contractor doesn’t replace the decking, it indicates that the job got poorly done. The sagging of your roof can be caused by the need for proper weight capacity for the new materials you’re replacing. If the old decking is still intact, it can also cause mold and mildew to develop. 

Before you start replacing your roof decking, ensure that the contractor knows how much work will need to be done to remove the old decking. You should be fine if the contractor says they’ll replace the old decking. 

If Crucial Components Of The Roof Were Left Out During Installation

A properly functioning roof system is composed of various components and materials. One of the most common signs of a poor roofing job is the need for these crucial components and materials during the installation. 

A properly functioning roof system is composed of various components and materials. These include roof decking, metal roof flashing, water shields, and underlayment. Other components include roof vents, Ridge capping, and pipe boots. 

You’ll likely have issues if your new roof is left without these components. Doing so could be because the contractor needed to be more active or because they were cutting corners to finish the job faster. 

One of the main reasons why a roofing contractor might leave out a component or material during the installation is to make their prices cheaper. If they do this, you’re signing up for a poor job. Before you agree to work with a roofing contractor, ensure they include all necessary materials and components in their estimate. 

A Non-Uniform Appearance On The Roof 

If your roof’s uneven or has a non-uniform appearance, you most likely need a better roofing job. Some common signs are lifted shingles, a bumpy or wavy look, and other non-standard roof components. 

It could be caused by poor craftsmanship, improper driving nails, or cutting corners. Although this sign is mainly about appearance, your roof could leak eventually due to the issues that caused it. 

Leakages on A New Roof

A sign that a poor roofing job got carried out is when your roof leaks after rain. Although this isn’t always the case, it could be because the installers made a mistake or there was an area that needed to be flashed properly. When a roofing contractor informs you that they leak, they should immediately come out and fix it. It’s important to note that they should immediately address the issue if they’re a reputable company. 

If the contractor refuses to take responsibility for the issue or doesn’t acknowledge your call, more of your roof might have gotten installed incorrectly. This first sign is not necessarily a sign of a poor job. It’s the reaction of the contractor after learning that a leak developed following the installation.