Signs of a Poorly Installed Roofing System

Installation quality is a crucial element of your roof’s long-term performance. Poor installation can make the roof vulnerable to damage that may lead to premature failure. Fortunately, poor installation can be corrected if you spot issues sooner rather than later. Roofing and gutter repair company Chase Roofing LLC discusses the signs of a poorly installed roofing system.

Signs of a Poorly Installed Roofing System

Signs of poor installation are not always readily apparent, but there are signs that can be spotted upon closer inspection.

• Uneven installation. Most roofing systems, including asphalt shingles and standing seam metal roofs, are arranged symmetrically. This makes unevenly installed parts easy to spot, especially on a roof with a steep slope. Manufactured roofing materials are made with installation guides or locking components, which can make it difficult for installers to make mistakes unless they’re unskilled.

• Missing shingles. Incorrect use of fasteners makes the roof vulnerable to blow-offs by wind, which means a poorly installed roof is more likely to lose whole shingles.

• Crooked gutters. Gutters are installed on the roof’s fascia. No matter how well-built the gutters are, they can end up crooked if the roof frame is not properly built. Signs of crooked gutters include standing water in the gutter troughs and water backing up during rainfall.

If you notice any of the signs described above, call your roofing contractor as soon as possible. If your roof is covered by a workmanship warranty, roofers should be able to correct your roofing problems at little to no cost.

How to Protect Yourself from Poorly Installed Roofing

Your best defense against problems caused by a poorly installed roof is choosing a roofer that won’t let such problems happen in the first place. When choosing a roofing contractor, make sure about these factors:

• Legitimate credentials. The state of Virginia issues a Class C license to roofers with two years of experience, Class B for three years, and Class A for five years or more. Also, make sure that the roofer has coverage for general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

• Warranty coverage. Look for warranties that cover the roofing system and workmanship. As described above, the latter can save you from most of the repair costs if you find roofing issues after the fact. Roofing manufacturers like GAF offer both system and workmanship coverage through certified contractors.

Chase Roofing LLC provides roof repair and installation services to customers in Newport News, VA, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (757) 872-0700 or (757) 206-1948. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.