Roofing installations and replacements are one of the most critical factors to consider in your home improvement project. It’s also a great investment to make because it will provide you and your family the comfort you need and safety for years to come. And no one wants to have their roof poorly built, replaced, or repaired because it can be costly and troublesome as problems arise. 

So how can you avoid experiencing a bad roofing job?

A bad roofing job can easily be spotted, but you have to know the indications you need to look out for in dealing with a botched roofing installation, replacement, or repair. In this article, you can check out some of the telltale signs of a bad roofing job to give you a good idea of what it looks like. 

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    7 Indicators of a Bad Roofing

    Here are the seven indicators you need to spot during the inspection.

    If you notice that your house’s roof is sagging, drooping, or leaning while inspecting, then it’s a great indicator you had a bad roofing job. These indicators are easy to spot because properly installed rooflines will always look even in appearance, completely straight, and have uniformity. 

    Make sure to always check if your roof has a curve or dip. If it has, then there’s a high chance that your framing or roof decking was installed improperly. It could also mean that your house has a roof deck rot, which could cause further damage to your house structure, so be wary of this sign.

    You can thoroughly inspect your roofing system for any bumps or uneven surfaces. If you notice your roof isn’t smooth or even, and your roofing shingles tend to pop up, then it’s an indicator there are underdriven nails and poor ventilation installation, hence, your roofing contractors did a bad roofing job.

    Shingles popping up are not only aesthetically troublesome, but they may also result in leaks and condensation that can further damage your house.

    Missing or damaged shingles are relatively common when your roof has aged with time and experienced general wear and tear.

    However, if you’re the only one with damaged or missing shingles in your neighborhood after experiencing severe weather or storm, then your roofing contractor most likely did a bad roofing job. The shingles on your roof might not be nailed properly, or they most likely used the wrong nail if your shingles are already missing.

    Also, remember that a properly installed roofing system will not easily come off after a minor storm. 

    If you notice that your roof has mismatched colors or sizes of shingles and has multiple types of roofing materials, then your roofing contractor definitely did a bad roofing job.

    Lack of uniformity on your roof has many downsides because it could affect the quality of your roofing system. Different roofing materials mean that the various sections of your roof will have different aging rates than other sections and would result in future repairs.

    If you also notice specific sections of your roof look older or more worn down than other parts of your roof, then it means your roofing system used recycled roofing materials and is most likely cutting corners.

    This kind of dilemma doesn’t only violate your contract, but it would also lead to more repairs and costs in the future. It is also dangerous because it could result in leaks and damage your house.

    These signs are easy to spot during an inspection, so make sure to pay close attention and tell your roofing contractor if you notice them.

    Another indicator of a bad roofing job is missing roof accessories, including drip edges, underlayment, roof vents, gutters, and flashing.

    A drip edge or metal flashing sheeting is an important component of your roofing system because it creates a watertight seal and helps protect your roof from water damage. It’s commonly installed at the edge of the roof. 

    If your roof has no installed drip edge, it will result in flooding and soil erosion beside the foundation of your house. Your roof will also be more prone to staining, rotting, and mold growth. 

    Another important part of your roofing system is the underlayment, which is the sheet of felt paper or tar installed directly below the shingle and above the sheathing.

    A missing underlayment will result in water leaks and a quicker aging rate of your roof, which will reduce the lifespan of your roofing system.

    If you notice any sign of water leaks on your ceiling, attic, or even at the walls of your house, then it’s a sign of a bad roofing job and water damage. It could be caused by improper installation of shingles or missing roof components. 

    You might also notice black stains on your roof, which are caused by water leaks and could result in further damage to your house structure.  

    Improper nailing technique is also an indicator of a bad roofing job. It includes overdriven or underdrive nails, use of rusty nails, wrong nailing locations, and use of wrong nail type. These signs could result in water damage, leaks, and corrosion. 

    Read also: Roof Drip Edge Material Types


    How to Avoid a Bad Roofing Job in the First Place

    The last thing we need for your home improvement project is a bad roofing job because it doesn’t only cause expensive repairs, but it can also be extremely dangerous and unsafe for the people living inside the house in the long run. So how can you avoid being a victim of it?

    You can avoid a bad roofing job by knowing how to spot a good roofing contractor. 

    Here are some signs you need to consider when looking for a roofing contractor. 

    When looking for your roofing contractor, it’s important to look for companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured because they will protect you from any issue, dispute, or accident throughout the roofing installation process.

    You can check this information on the company’s website or through your state building department or licensing agency. You can even ask your roofing contractor for proof if you want further assurance. 

    It’s important to choose a local and established roofing contractor because you will be confident that your roof will be properly installed and in compliance with your local or state’s laws and requirements.

    It’s also good to look and choose contractors with physical office locations within your area to ensure they will be there to take care of and fix any issues or problems that may come up. You can also look at reviews of your potential roofing companies to gauge if they are reputable and established.


    Get Your Roofing Done Right

    Choosing your roofing contractor for your home improvement project will be a crucial decision because it can greatly impact the quality of your roof installation or replacement process. So it’s a great practice to always review the roofing companies you’re considering. One of the companies we recommend looking at is Champion Roofing.

    Once you have your chosen roofing company, don’t forget to look out for any signs of a bad roofing job to ensure you’re getting your roofing done right. It could provide you with the peace of mind you need for your home improvement project, save you expensive repairs, and prevent a lot of problems for you in the future.

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    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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