If you think you need to be a roofing professional to spot a bad roofing job, then think again. Whether you are looking at a brand new roof or about to purchase a home, you can easily spot a poor roofing installation in under a minute. Here are five red flags to look for that you can spot in under a minute:
1. Wavy or Uneven Shingles
If you take a step back and look up at the roofline, you should be able to see whether or not the shingles are properly aligned. The roofline should look smooth and uniform. However, if the shingles appear almost bumpy, or misaligned, this can be a sign of poor installation.
2. Exposed Nail Heads
When walking around the property, if you look up and see exposed nail heads sticking out, or even rusting, this means you are spotting an improper installation. Nails should be sealed and hidden.
3. Missing Drip Edge
If you look at the edges of the roof where it meets the gutters, if there is no metal flashing (called drip edge) installed, water can actually seep into the fascia board and cause rot as time goes on. If you suspect a drip edge might be missing, reach out to a professional to take a look.
4. Shoddy Flashing Around Chimneys or Vents
Vents, skylights, chimneys, and any other roof penetrations should be sealed with flashing. If you spot roofing tar or sloppy caulking, this is a sign of a rushed job.
5. Inconsistent Color or Material
Roofs should look uniform and cohesive, so if you see mismatched colors or materials, the job may have been rushed or involved shortcuts.
These are just some of the many signs of a poor roof installation. You should always call on a professional to take a look as well. We offer free inspections and are happy to help!
