Your roof is one of the most important things about your home. It protects you from extreme weather such as hurricanes and tropical storms, prevents water damage and pests from sneaking in, and can even impact energy costs. That’s why choosing a quality roofer is so essential.
There are many instances where homeowners have gone for a “cheap and quick” route but ended up costing them more in the long run. A bad roofing job can cause detrimental damage and result in further issues than you had starting. Bad roof jobs are typical during hurricane season in Florida as storm chasers are trying to find a mass amount of roofs to fix to get lots of money as quickly as possible. So, to prevent you from having to spend more money to repair your roof again, we’ve gathered five signs of a bad roofing job that one should look out for and avoid.
5 Signs of a Bad Roofing Job
The average shingle roof in Florida lasts around 12 to 30 years, and a metal roof can last up to 50 years. On the other hand, a poor roofing job can break down as soon as a year or even a few months later. Florida receives a lot of harsh weather that can wear down a roof quickly, so every home should have high-quality materials and installation. From insurance scams to uneven and missing shingles, many things can go wrong during the roofing process.
Insurance Scams
Have you ever noticed an influx of door-to-door roofers during hurricane season? They are known as storm chasers, and this is a big red flag when searching for a roofer. Storm chasers will knock on your door and offer a free inspection! Seems great, right? Unfortunately, more often than not, they will mark things as “damaged” or will tell you your whole roof needs replacing when it may only require minor repairs.
If you find yourself in this situation but have not noticed any leaks in your attack and cannot see anything yourself, seek out a second opinion. Many roofing companies will offer free inspections but use “out of house” contractors as an integrity check so customers do not receive incorrect estimates or overstated reports.
Uneven and Missing Shingles
Stand outside and look at the edge of your roof. Does it look even? Are the shingles lying flat, or are they starting to lift? Are the shingles in a straight line, or do they form a wave? A correctly installed roof will have zero lifting, no missing shingles, and should look even in placement.
Over time, due to temperature varying, shingles will begin to crack and warp from frequently expanding and contracting; however, this should not start until several years down the line. If you observe warping and cracking happening soon after your roof replacement, then it was not installed correctly. When roofers rush through the process, there is a high chance of moisture getting trapped, incorrect nailing, and improper underlayment installation.
Leaking
After a rain storm, take a peek into your attack and look for potential leaks or water damage. The most common spots are along flashing, near chimneys, around vents, ceilings, corners, and insulation. Without proper ventilation, an attic can trap moisture easily, creating the perfect environment for water damage and mold.
If you notice water dripping, it may be caused by one of three common issues: someone improperly installed the flashing, nails were driven too deep, creating potential entry points for water, or the underlayment was not sealed adequately.
Mismatched Shingles
Although mismatched shingles are often an aesthetic issue, this could mean there are more issues than what meets the eye. With high-quality materials, a shingle roof will have consistent colors and sizes. It’s not uncommon for shingles to have some staining after installation due to asphaltic oil seeping through, but this should fade after weather; if it does not, then there could be further issues.
Poor Ventilation
As said above, leaks can occur when there is poor attic ventilation. But what causes moisture to get trapped in the attic? Have you noticed that rooms on the top floor feel warmer than rooms on the bottom floor? That’s because they are closer to the sun, and the same thing applies to attics.
When there is hot air in the attic, moisture begins to accumulate, and the air will start to rise. But without proper airflow, that air will get trapped and have nowhere to escape. When roofs have missing shingles or damaged flashing, water will drip through to the attic, soaking the insulation and causing further issues with ventilation.
Choosing the Right Roofing Company
Now that we have covered what to look out for in a bad roofing job let’s dive into how to find the right roofing company.
Do They Have Certifications?
First, establish that the company you are viewing is appropriately licensed, then look for their certifications. We highly recommend finding a roofer who is CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster certified. CertainTeed requires holders to renew their certification annually to maintain it, and workers must adhere to their safety regulations and code of ethics. With Select ShingleMaster, they offer warranties of up to 25 years, ensuring customers only receive the best quality and service.
Get Multiple Quotes
A new roof is a large expense, so we advise receiving multiple quotes to get a ballpark estimate of how much your roof should cost and how much you should save. Prices will vary depending on the experience of roofers, but on average, the estimates should be within a few thousand of each other and avoid any outliers. McFall offers free estimates to help you with this process!
Check Past Projects
Does the company have a history of roof replacements, inspections, and repairs? Check to see if they share projects on their social media and website that showcase different homes they have done. There should be a section for their projects explaining the type of project and materials used and how long it took! These tools will help you figure out what kind of roof you want and the best time to schedule an appointment!
Request Photos From Inspection
Before you’re about to get an inspection, request they take photos of the damage they see and ask for an explanation of how and why it happened. This will help build trust and help you understand what to look out for in the future!
Choose McFall Roofing
At McFall Roofing, we offer over 35 years of experience, CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster Certified, fully licensed and insured in Florida, and more! We back our commitment to customer satisfaction with a guarantee. With the McFall Difference, we ensure attention to detail, conscientiousness, and accountability so that every customer is left feeling safe and satisfied with their new roof.