Your roof has an incredibly important job. It protects you and your belongings from the elements, keeps you safe and comfortable regardless of the weather, and contributes to your home’s energy efficiency. As such, you want to ensure that your roof is up to the challenge and will stand the test of time.
Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are created equal. Whether they use low-quality materials, don’t have the necessary training and experience, or cut corners, a bad roofing job can lead to costly repairs and structural damage down the line.
At Kanga Roof, we understand the importance of top-of-the-line products, skilled installation, and outstanding service. That’s why we compiled this list of things to be on the lookout for that may indicate a bad roofing job. Keep reading to learn more about what makes a good roof and how to avoid substandard roofing.
Be On the Lookout for These 7 Signs of a Bad Roofing Job
If you’re comparing potential contractors for your roofing project, be on the lookout for these signs of a bad roofing job:
1. Uneven Appearance or Poor Shingle Placement
A wonky appearance isn’t just a cosmetic concern — it indicates carelessness and a lack of attention to detail. Poor shingle placement, misaligned tiles, gaps between roofing materials, or shingles that are missing, curling, or improperly cut are all dead giveaways of a bad roofing job. If the shingles don’t look right, imagine what might be going on out of sight beneath the roof’s surface.
2. Sagging Roofline
Rooflines may sag very slightly as materials settle, especially if they’re older. This doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong — roofing professionals generally consider a quarter inch of sagging per 10 feet of roof to be normal. However, if your roof sags more than that, it may indicate improper structural support or poor installation, which can lead to leaks, water damage, and more.
3. Exposed Nails or Fasteners
Exposed nails or fasteners aren’t just an eyesore — over time, they can rust, creating holes in the roof that allow water to seep in and get trapped under the shingles. Once water has infiltrated your roof, it may lead to mold, mildew, and rot, which can compromise the integrity of your roof.
4. Leaks and Water Stains
A particularly obvious sign of a bad roofing job is water damage. Leaks and water stains can be the result of inadequate waterproofing on the roof, allowing moisture to enter your home. As we mentioned before, water damage can cause mold and rot, which put your home’s structural integrity at risk and can be hazardous to your health. Plus, it can be expensive to fix.
5. Drafts or Temperature Inconsistencies
If your home has unexplained drafts or inconsistent temperatures, it may be due to a bad roofing job. Without proper insulation and ventilation, the winter chill and summer heat can creep in, compromising your home’s comfort. This means you’ll have to overly rely on your HVAC system, which decreases your home’s energy efficiency and increases your energy bills.
6. Red Flags During Installation
In addition to physical cues that indicate a bad roofing job, there are some red flags to be aware of during installation, including:
- Lack of professionalism: Untrained or uncertified workers, along with a lack of adherence to local building codes, are a major red flag.
- Insufficient underlayment: Without proper underlayment, your home is at risk of water damage.
- Improper use of materials: Mismatched or substandard materials used in construction indicate a lack of quality.
7. Long-Term Signs of Poor Craftsmanship
As time passes, poor craftsmanship and initial low-quality work can lead to premature wear and tear, necessitating frequent repairs. The roof may also fail well before its expected lifespan, leaving you with a significant expense you didn’t plan for.
How to Avoid a Bad Roofing Job
To avoid falling victim to a bad roofing job, take the following steps:
- Hire licensed and insured contractors and verify their credentials
- Request detailed contracts and ensure the scope of work, materials, and warranties are clearly outlined
- Ask for references and reviews
- Research past projects and client experiences.
- Schedule regular inspections to catch potential issues early
We Get the Job Done Right
At Kanga Roof, our top priority is customer satisfaction. When you work with us, you can rest assured that you’ll find none of the signs of a bad roofing job. Our highly trained team uses quality materials and installation techniques to ensure a job well done. Contact us today to get started on your roofing project!
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