Your roof is an essential part of your home. As a homeowner, one of the most expensive choices you will have to make is whether or not you need to fix or replace it if you begin having issues.
To help you spot a bad roof, we have compiled a list of the most common signs and hidden fees associated with a compromised roofing project. Whether you are considering buying a new home or are weary of your current roof here are some signs of impending problems.
Shingles
If you experience strong winds or a bad storm that blows away your shingles, that may be the first sign that your roof construction was not done correctly. Look around at your neighbor’s homes. Are they missing shingles as well? If you are the only one with shingles missing, then the quality of your roof may need to be questioned. Some other things to notice with your shingles are:
- Misaligned shingles can decrease your home’s aesthetic appeal and allow water to seep down in between cracks and ruin the sheathing underneath.
- Shingle overhang should hang between 0.5 to 0.75 inches if you have a drip edge installed. If you have too little overhang, water will seep into the fascia boards. If you have too much, the shingles will begin to sag, crack or blow off in high winds.
Stains on a Bad Roof
If you start to notice black spots on your roof, that may be the first sign of water damage. Check your attic or the room below that spot to determine the extent of the water leak.
If you have extensive damage, including multiple spots where the shingles start to deteriorate or the grainy surfaces start to wear off, then you may have a larger problem on your hands. Damages to this extent could require an entirely new roof. So, be sure to take a close look at your roof every once in and awhile.
Lack of Even Wear
No matter what direction your shingles may lay, with one side facing the weather and the other side facing away, your shingles should wear evenly. When you look at your shingles, take notes of any that are different sizes or colors. Mismatched shingles are a common red flag that your roof is going to have issues.
It is important to look at your roof thoroughly for any mismatched shingles. If different materials were used on your roof, then they may age differently. If your shingles begin to age at different rates, then that could lead to more repairs down the road.
Hardware Mistakes on a Bad Roof
As small as they are, nails can cause large issues if they are used incorrectly. Different roofs call for different nails. Therefore, if the wrong ones are used, that could cause a lot of underlying problems. The wrong size, spacing, or position can create leaks and potentially dislodge them in high winds.
Another essential hardware mistake to look out for is a missing drip edge. A drip edge is the metal sheet that protects the board under the edge of your roof from water damage. If a drip edge is not installed, some damages you may experience are:
- Flooded rooms
- Mold
- Rotting
- Stains
- Soil erosion along your home’s foundation
If the drip edge is installed correctly, the overall quality and lifespan of your roof can be increased.
The Gutter
Making sure your gutters are fastened to the sides of your home with the correct gutter spikes or screws is a key element to a good roof. If the roofers fail to fasten the gutters or slope them to your roof incorrectly, this could cause serious damage.
Sloped roofs send most of the rainwater down the gutters, so making sure the gutters are sloped correctly will help drain the water properly. If the gutters are not sloped and cannot drain the water, rain and leaves will begin to pool up and overflow, causing erosion, foundational, and siding damage. Pooled up water on the roof can cause deterioration to the entire roof system.
Flashing Mistake
Flashing is a wide metal strip that should be installed under your new shingles to help prevent water damage. They are usually installed in high water runoff areas, such as chimneys and pipes.
Sometimes a roofer will poorly install the flashing over the shingles, instead of underneath them. Having the flashing over the shingles will compromise their water resistance and it will be hard to avoid leaks.
Choosing the right roofing company is essential for high-quality roof installation or repair. You want a company that you can trust and one that will give you peace of mind before and after the installation. Taking the time to find a good contractor will help you avoid all of these issues. All while saving you time and money in the end.
