Roofing is a significant investment for any homeowner. Not only is it one of the most expensive parts of your home, but it’s also crucial for protecting everything inside it. You want the job done right, not just because it looks nice but because you’re counting on that roof to keep out the rain, withstand the wind, and protect your biggest asset. But let’s face it—roofing isn’t cheap. When you put your trust (and hard-earned money) in a contractor, you expect a job done with care and expertise. Unfortunately, not every contractor lives up to those standards.
Every contractor today claims to be the best, but few stand on this statement. So there is a chance when you choose someone to install a new roofing material or repair your roof, there will be some damage.
This is why we are here today. If you recently had a roofing project completed and want to make sure it was done correctly, you are in the right place. We’ll walk you through the tell-tale signs of a bad roofing job and what to do if a roofer does sub-par work on your home.
The Basics of a Good Roofing Job
Before we discuss what a bad roofing job looks like, let’s quickly review what a good roofing job should include. When done right, a roof should look seamless and have uniform, properly aligned shingles, straight lines along ridges and edges, and no visible gaps or uneven sections. Ventilation, flashing, and drainage should also be installed precisely to avoid leaks and moisture buildup. Basically, your roof should look solid, clean, and well-constructed.
A high-quality roof replacement or repair also goes deeper than looks. Beneath the surface, the materials should be high-grade and installed to withstand weather and time. Proper roofing involves not just the shingles but also the underlayment, flashing, and ventilation—all working together to protect your home.
Now, let’s move on to the core of our blog post and discuss the crucial signs of a bad roofing job.
Visible Signs of a Bad Roofing Job
Spotting a bad roofing job starts with your eyes. Here are some of the visible signs of a bad roofing job that you should not ignore.
Misaligned or Uneven Shingles:
When inspecting the roof from ground level, it is essential to assess the arrangement of shingles. The shingles should be installed in uniform rows, ensuring that they are aligned seamlessly with one another. Any indications of shingles that are misaligned, improperly overlapped, or unevenly spaced may signify a lack of craftsmanship in the installation process.
Sagging Roofline:
This one’s hard to miss! Your roof should follow a straight line. If you notice any dips or sags, that’s usually a sign of poor structure, inadequate support, or a rushed installation.
Improperly Installed Flashing:
Flashing is the metal used around chimneys, vents, and valleys to keep water out. If you see bent, cracked, or loose flashing, these can lead to leaks fast. Good flashing should be securely attached and sealed with no visible gaps.
Exposed Nails:
Every nail should be covered by the shingle above it or protected by sealant. Exposed nails can rust, weaken, and lead to leaks over time. If you see nails poking out, it’s a sure sign your roofer wasn’t paying attention to detail.
Leftover Debris or Tools:
If you spot loose nails, tools, or shingle scraps left behind on your roof or yard, that’s a tell-tale sign of carelessness. A professional roofer will always clean up after themselves. In fact, the cost of cleanup should be shown on the roofing estimates you get.
These visual clues can give you an immediate idea of whether the job was done with care and precision—or if it’s time to take action.
Other Issues To Consider
Visual cues help a lot and are an obvious way of detecting that your roof has not been installed correctly. But are these the only way? No. A bad roofing job can cause some interior issues too. Let us look at some of them:
Water Leaks and Other Damage
Roof leaks are one of the most obvious signs of a poorly executed roofing job. Even minor leaks can lead to significant damage if left untreated. After heavy rain, check your attic for any moisture, water stains, or damp spots. If you notice these signs, it’s an indication that water is penetrating your roof. Inside your home, keep an eye out for yellow or brown stains on ceilings and walls, particularly where the roof meets the walls.
Ventilation Being Ignored By The Roofer
Another major issue caused by improper roofing is inadequate ventilation. Without proper attic ventilation, heat and moisture can build up, leading to problems like overheated attics in summer or dangerous ice dams in winter. Look for intake and exhaust vents on your roof. If they are missing or poorly placed, it could mean that your roof’s ventilation system isn’t working properly. Condensation inside your home or attic is another sign that ventilation is insufficient, which can lead to mold and rot if not addressed.
Mixing Of Different Shingles/Using Sub-Par Materials
Finally, a bad roofing job can also be the result of using subpar materials or taking shortcuts. Mismatched shingles, poor-quality underlayment, or thin flashing are all red flags that the contractor may have used cheaper, less durable materials. These can compromise the integrity of your roof, making it more prone to leaks and damage.
What To Do if Your Roofer Does a Bad Job?
If you notice these signs of a poorly executed roofing job, don’t worry—you’re not out of options. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do next:
Document the Issues:
Start by taking clear, detailed photos of any visible problems—uneven shingles, exposed nails, sagging areas, water stains, etc. If possible, note the exact locations and any details that may help explain the problems later.
Review Your Contract:
Carefully review your roofing contract to see what work was promised and what materials were listed. Look for any warranties or guarantees that the contractor offered on their workmanship. Many roofing companies provide a warranty on labor, so this may be a way to have issues fixed at no extra cost.
Contact the Roofer:
Reach out to the roofing company directly and explain the issues you’ve observed. Remain polite but firm, providing them with your documentation. A reputable roofer will be willing to address concerns to preserve their reputation, and they might send someone out to assess and repair the issues.
Consider Legal Action:
If your roofer refuses to address the issues or gives you the run around, and you’re facing significant problems, it may be time to consider additional steps:
- The BBB (Better Business Bureau) can be an effective first step if your roofer is unresponsive. Filing a complaint with the BBB often encourages contractors to make things right to protect their business reputation.
- If this does not work, consult a consumer protection attorney, especially if the contractor violated local building codes or your contract.
Call Us For A Thorough Roofing Inspection
If you’re noticing any of the warning signs we discussed, don’t wait. Contact a reputable roofing company (like ours!) for an inspection or consultation. At A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing, we have a team of reliable professionals who can help address problems early, ensuring your home stays safe, dry, and comfortable. After all, a good roof is worth every penny, and we’re here to help make sure yours is built to last. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167.
