There may be no worse feeling than spending significant money on a roof repair or replacement only to notice signs that it is already failing. A roofing project can be expensive and time-consuming. When you pay for a job, you expect your new roof to last. You may feel frustration, stress, anger, and worry about what comes next when it doesn’t.

The roofing experts at RoofsOnly.com pride themselves on delivering exceptional customer service and high-quality craftsmanship. When skilled contractors are combined with quality materials, the result is a roof that will withstand Mother Nature and Father Time.

With a long track record of top-notch roofing care in Austin and Central Texas, we know the warning signs of a failing roof and can help you understand how to tell if your new construction isn’t passing the test.

Why Roof Installation Quality Matters

High-quality roofing materials are only part of the roof replacement equation. You also need high-quality building materials that address your unique location, roof size and shape, and environmental concerns. However, the best materials in the world won’t matter if your team doesn’t know how to install them properly. The quality of your roof installation is one of the most critical factors in determining how well your roof performs, how long it lasts, and how protected your home is.

Roofing installation quality matters. Here’s why and what’s at stake:

• Extending the Lifespan of Your Roof – Poor installation techniques can shorten the overall lifespan of your new roof. Improper techniques or shortcuts can cause early wear and tear, requiring more frequent inspections and maintenance.
• Protecting Your Home from Harsh Texas Weather – A solid roof protects your home from harsh Texas weather conditions such as extreme heat, UV exposure, rain, hail, and high winds. Poor-quality roof installation can expose your home to the elements and increase the risk of leaks, drafts, storm damage, mold, and structural failures.
• Improves Energy Efficiency – When installed correctly, a new roof can lower your energy costs, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warm and dry in the winter. Improper ventilation can strain your home’s HVAC system and cause higher utility bills. Poor roof installation can also trap moisture in your attic, leading to mold, mildew, and water damage over time.
• Protects Your Investment – Experienced roofing contractors understand the importance of adhering to state and local building codes. A bad installation job that does not meet code standards can be a safety hazard and may fail an inspection if you want to sell your home.
• Maintains Your Roofing Warranty – Many roofing material manufacturers offer warranties on their products. However, when installed improperly or by individuals who are not certified professionals, your warranty may be voided. You could find yourself on the hook for expensive repair or replacement costs when the roof eventually fails.

How to Confirm Poor Roof Installation

You aren’t a roofing expert. So, how can you tell if a roofing company used improper roofing techniques, skimped on craftsmanship, or poorly installed your home’s roof? You don’t have to be a roofing professional to notice the tell-tale signs of a poor roof installation. Some of the most common issues people see that can point to an improper roof repair or replacement job include:

• Visible Shingle Irregularities – Take a good look at your roof. If you notice exposed nails, misaligned shingles, uneven shingles, or shingle overhang, you may be the victim of poor layout and workmanship. Crooked rows, exposed nails, and too much or too little overhang can indicate rushed work and poor quality. Single irregularities increase the risk of early shingle failure, leaks, and wind uplift.
• Other Visible Irregularities – Shingles aren’t the only things that can appear “off” following a poor roof replacement job. Gaps or seams between flashing and chimneys or skylights indicate poor-quality work. The same applies to misaligned gutters, a lack of drip edge installation, a sagging roof, and incorrect slope or drainage setups.
• Shingles on the Ground After a Storm – Severe Texas storms can wreak havoc on a home’s roof. However, after a repair or replacement, if your home is losing shingles or shingles come off in moderate winds or weather conditions, it may be a sign of improper nailing techniques or poor shingle installation.
• Leaks or Water Damage – A new roof replacement should protect your home from the elements. After a new roof installation, you should never notice leaks, water stains, water damage, or a musty smell in your attic.
• Increases in Your Energy Bills – A new roof should help decrease your energy bills, not increase them. If you notice a sudden or unexplained change in energy costs, your attic feels hot or moist, or your roof may have inadequate ventilation, poor ventilation can make your HVAC system work harder and lead to mold, water damage, rot, and structural issues.

Other Warning Signs to Watch For

Other warning signs may call into question the integrity of your new roof, which goes beyond its physical attributes. Reputable roofing contractors should provide you with a contract to sign outlining the scope of the project and related costs. A company that starts and finishes a job quickly and without providing you with proper documentation can be a red flag. Additionally, a roofing company should provide you with warranty paperwork. They should also give you instructions on what to do if any portion of your new roof fails or you experience issues.

Other warning signs that may indicate that a roofing company is more invested in taking your money than delivering a quality product include:

• Lack of insurance or bonding information
• Unable or refusing to provide their license information
• Lack of a written estimate or work contract
• Demanding complete payment upfront before any work starts
• No local references or portfolio of projects
• Poor communication practices

A Residential Roofing Professional Can Help Protect Your Investment

A new roof can be an expensive investment. One that you want to make as infrequently as possible. At RoofsOnly.com, we are committed to providing our customers with professional service and high-quality craftsmanship that lasts. We are proud of our top-notch handiwork and of delivering a functional product that protects you and your family for decades. If you are ready to work with a knowledgeable, experienced roofing team, contact our office and schedule your free quote.