Roofing is a tedious and costly part of construction projects. Bad roofing can negatively impact the aesthetics and structural integrity of both the exterior and the interior of a house. Proper roof installation improves the durability of the house, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions like the Texas summer heat. If your roof is not installed to high standards, you will keep running into problems that require costly repairs. Additionally, a poorly installed roof can trigger potential buyers to question the skills of the contractors who provided workmanship during the home’s initial construction. Such doubts can influence these potential clients to consider your house inhabitable. However, professionally done roofs can be a major asset when selling a home, catching potential customers’ attention from miles away. The following signs reveal elements of a bad roof installation that you should know how to spot.
The Roof’s Uniformity
Roofing work that is not uniform in appearance is a good indicator that the installation was done poorly. Mismatched shingles are some of the more obvious signs of poor roof installation. They reveal corners cut by the roof installer, no doubt to save time and money. In addition, the rooflines can also serve as a good indicator of the roof installation’s uniformity. Rooflines should always be straight as arrows. Dips and curves on your roof indicate that the installation work was subpar.
The color of the shingles can also tell if your roof is uniform in appearance. It’s an unpleasant view to have a roof with patches of different colored shingles without any discernible pattern. If you notice that this is the case with your roof, your contractor may have purchased low-quality shingles to reduce spending. Ideally, a newly installed roof should have pristine shingles. If you spot old, reused, and damaged roofing materials on your recently fitted roof, it’s likely that the roof’s quality was compromised.
Heavy Foot Marks
Working on the roof means that the contractors have to step on it during installation. However, skilled workers will follow a particular installation pattern to minimize stepping on the already completed parts of the roof. The workers should follow a routine of walking on the roof’s surface without leaving unnecessary marks or even damaging the roofing materials. Unfortunately, unskilled workers may make mistakes and leave behind a scuffed or stained roof.
The presence of stains from tar, paints, or even mud should indicate the workers did not follow the appropriate roofing pattern. Damaged shingles with human footprints can also show that the installation was done in a hurry. Such signs should also hint to you that the roof may not be strong enough to endure extreme weather conditions, including heavy storms and winds.
Improper Nailing Techniques
Professionally done nailing by adequately trained workers keeps the roof secure and ensures there are no leakages, damaged shingles, or exposed nails. The nails used should be of the correct grade, size, and type. More importantly, the nails should also be suitably driven into the roofing materials to secure them in place and hold parts of the roof such as the gutter and fascia boards together. Thus, improper nailing techniques are a strong indication that the roof installation was done incorrectly.
Stains and Discolorations
Stains and discolored interior parts of the roof can be an indication of a leaking roof. The stained spots are usually black. Severe leakages don’t just form stains on the inner parts of the roofing materials, but they can also damage the attic. Personal belongings in the attic space such as furniture and electronics can be damaged and stained by drops of water leaking from the roof. If you see any signs of stains, discolorations, and water drops in your attic, know that it’s time to repair the roof before it is too late.
Poorly Installed Gutters
Water drainage is a crucial aspect of the roof. If the gutters are not correctly installed, the rainwater may damage your house’s walls or even the basement if you have one. The gutters should be fastened with the right type of screws or gutter spikes, and they should be strong enough to hold high volumes of quickly moving rainwater in case of severe storms.
A roof’s gutters should also be installed with the right slope. This allows water to freely drain through the gutter to the water reservoirs, drainage pipes, or any other place where you direct the rooftop water. Rainwater and leaves can quickly accumulate and fill the gutters if they do not have the required slope. Overflowing rainwater from the gutters also cause soil erosion at the base of the house. Over time, this can weaken the foundation and damage the entire roof system.
Moldy and Damp External Walls
Dampness and Moldy surfaces are a result of a constant supply of water. If your walls are damp, the paint is likely to be damaged over time. The general outlook of the house is also hampered. Molding on the walls also indicates that they are not shielded from rainwater as they should be. The drip edges may be missing on your roof, allowing water to damage the walls and the roof’s fascia board. If you notice any of these specific signs, it is time to look for a skilled roofing company to do the repair work so that your roof’s longevity can be preserved. This is important because the lack of drip edges contravenes the 2012 International Residential Code, which made it mandatory for the eaves and gables of shingle roofs to have them.
Missing Underlayment
If the underlayment is missing, leaking may be severe. The underlayment beneath the shingles acts as a waterproof layer. Any leaking water from the shingles collects on this underlayment and is blocked from reaching the house’s interior, preventing staining and damage to the attic. Any signs of water leaks in the attic may be a result of damaged or missing underlayment. If this part of the roofing is absent, the roof’s lifespan will be shortened severely.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, qualified and skilled contractors can help you achieve a roof installation held to the proper standards. Before hiring any contractor to do your roof installation, check their paperwork and ask for their licensing and certifications. Watch out for contractors who are not keen on important details such as chimneys, vents and other rooftop fixtures. It is also important to monitor how roof flashing is done, especially on corners or places where the roof plane, house walls, and dormers meet. Loose flashing is likely to cause leakages. Take speedy but appropriate actions whenever you notice a problem with your home’s roofing so that the damage can be rectified before it becomes worse.
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