It’s a big fear for anyone who’s spending a lot of money on a new roof: How do I know my Bradenton roofing contractor is doing a good job?
There are many subtle nuances to a good install, especially one that will endure the elements that roofs in Sarasota and Manatee counties are subjected to. And different roofing materials require vastly different installation techniques.
Still, there are some things that you can look for that don’t require roofing expertise. Here are a few tell-tale signs of a poorly installed roof.
Pooling Water
This may seem obvious, but puddles on your roof are bad. It’s natural to try to explain it away, especially if you just invested thousands of dollars in a new roof, but pooling water is a sign of a poor install.
Gaps Around Vents and Chimneys
This is true of any roofing material: Shingles, tiles, metal etc. should be in direct contact with the flashing (the metal shield that prevents leaks around roof edges and other seams). If there are gaps between the roofing material and the flashing, or if the flashing is missing entirely, then that area is a prime risk for leaks.
Gaps or Missing Drip Edge
Likewise, a drip edge, which is flashing that covers the edges of your roof deck, is necessary for protecting your home from water damage. Any contractor who neglects to install a drip edge throughout the roof’s perimeter is either crooked or criminally oblivious.
Cheap or Poorly Installed Underlayment
Some less reputable roofing contractors try to cut costs by using inferior underlayment. After all, you can’t see it once the roof is finished! Except sometimes you can, if that underlayment has ridges or bubbles that create an uneven surface for your shingles. Underlayment is a vital part of your roof’s ability to keep out moisture and to act as insulation. Always ask about the underlayment being used, and don’t be afraid do research and ask follow-up questions. If your contractor is defensive or evasive, you don’t want to deal with them anyway.
Crooked or Uneven Roofing Materials
This is a particularly common issue with poorly installed shingle roofs. Shingles should create smooth, straight horizontal lines across the length of your roof, and all the shingles should appear to be the same size. Slap-dash installs—of the shingles, the underlayment, or both—result in crooked, uneven, or even raised shingles. Not only is this a major leak risk, but it negatively impacts your property’s curb appeal.
Hire a Reputable Sarasota-Bradenton Roof Company
Of course, if a poor installation job is already happening on your roof, it’s daunting to start all over. Proper due diligence prior to hiring a local roofing contractor will save you a lot of grief and stress. When you feel reassured that you’ve hired the right Bradenton residential roofing contractor, you’ll see the results from day 1.
