Had a new roof installed recently, or know someone who did? Take a moment to assess the contractor’s work, and consider if you should entrust your future roofing needs to them. If your roof is showing the following signs, think about hiring a different roofing company the next time you need a new roof.
Roof Appearance
Start with a visual inspection. On a clear day, take a pair of binoculars and inspect your roof from the ground. Look out for loose or missing shingles, which shouldn’t happen if the roof is only a few years old. Starter shingles, or the first row of shingles located at the roof’s edge, are typically reinforced against strong winds, and should not have apparent signs of wind damage.
A properly-installed roof should not develop leaks in its first few years. If water stains start to appear on your ceiling after your new roof is installed, there may be installation issues, which should be covered by your roofing warranty. A warranty that doesn’t include workmanship coverage is a poor warranty. Find better roofers to correct the poor installation job.
Structural Issues
When inspecting the attic, take a closer look at the roof deck boards. If the nails are visible, you should see even spacing and uniform nail size. Proper nail spacing is important, as bad spacing is the common cause of loose or prematurely damaged shingles. Uneven nail spacing indicates lack of knowledge on proper installation procedures. Basic components such as the drip edge, underlayment and flashing should be present.
Finding a New Contractor
There are certain red flags that you should remember if you are seeking out a new roofing contractor. Avoid contractors that evade questions during consultations, as well as those that don’t inspect the attic and roof deck. An accurate assessment of your roof’s current condition should be made before you receive a quote – which should always be in written form, never simply verbal.
Contractors should be able to provide their license and insurance information, which you should be able to independently verify. These documents will be required for building permits, which the contractor should pull on your behalf; otherwise, you might end up covering general liability and workers’ compensation with your own insurance provider.
To learn more about our roofing services, call Howard Roofing today at (636) 296-1057. To schedule your free, no-obligation quote, fill out our contact form. We serve many areas in and near St. Louis, MO.