A well-installed roof is key to keeping your home or office in great condition. Unfortunately, some roofing contractors take shortcuts that can lead to problems down the road. A poorly installed roof can lead to various problems for your building.
You’ve already spent a fortune on your roof installation, but it’s started leaking again, or at least that’s what you’re afraid of after your roof installation. Don’t worry. Your roof is one of the most essential parts of your home, and it’s important to ensure it’s installed correctly. Here are some signs that your contractor did not install your roof correctly.
Leaking
Poorly installed roofs are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes. While a little leaking during heavy rains is normal, if your roof regularly leaks, it’s a sign that it wasn’t installed properly, as a sub-par contractor might have installed it. Sometimes the leaks might not be big enough for water to drip inside the house but enough to accumulate in the walls. Leading to wall stains and mold growth. Ensure that a contractor inspects your newly installed roof so that this problem doesn’t suddenly overcome you.
Nails Popping Out
Contractors have two choices when nailing down roofing material: hand-nail or a pneumatic nail gun. Pneumatic nail guns are the more popular choice as they’re faster and easier. That being said, if your contractor is using a pneumatic nail gun, they could make the error of overloading it with nails, causing the nails to be driven into the shingles at an incorrect angle. This causes the nails to pop out of the shingles, leading to water damage and leaks.
Improper Gutter Installation
Every roof needs a good drainage system to prevent water from pooling and causing damage. This is typically accomplished with a series of gutters and downspouts. One sign that your roof has been poorly installed is the presence of gaps or loose seams in the gutters. These gaps can allow water to leak through, causing damage to the eaves and fascia. In addition, improperly installed gutters can cause the formation of ice dams in cold weather, which can lead to leaks and expensive repair bills.
Poor Attic Ventilation
To function properly, your attic needs a continuous flow of air. This flow of air helps to regulate the temperature in the attic and prevents moisture from building up. If your attic is not properly ventilated, it can lead to excessive heat build-up in the summer and condensation in the winter. This can cause severe damage to your roof and lead to expensive repairs. If you suspect that your attic is not properly ventilated, it’s essential to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
Sliding Shingles
If you’ve ever seen a shingle that’s slid out of place, you may have wondered if it’s a sign of a problem. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is. Sliding shingles are usually a sign that your roof was poorly installed. The nails that were used to secure the shingles were either not long enough or they weren’t driven in at the right angle. As a result, the shingles aren’t properly secured and can slide out of place, especially during high winds. If you have sliding shingles, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could end up with serious leaks or even structural damage.
Uneven Appearance
When your roof is installed properly, it should have a clean, uniform appearance. However, if your roof has been poorly installed, it will likely have an uneven appearance. This can be caused by several factors, including incorrect shingle alignment, improper flashing installation, etc. If you notice that your roof has an uneven appearance, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Doing so can help prevent further damage to your home and ensure that your roof lasts for years.
In most cases, re-roofing is the only way to fix a poorly installed roof. While it’s an expense you may not have planned for, it’s important to remember that a new roof will protect your home from water damage and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Your choice of contractor determines the fate of your roof. Do yourself a favor by making the right choice. For roof installation needs, trust no one but Shoreline Roofing, the number 1 roofing contractor in Victoria, BC. You can request a free estimate today for any roofing service you might need.