4 Signs of a Well-Installed Roof

There is a lot to like about getting a new roof installed. Aside from the fact that it makes your house look great, it also means you probably won’t have to worry about roof repairs for at least as long as the shingle warranty, which is usually 20 years or more.

But you can rely on that ‘worry-free’ feeling only if the roof is properly installed. If it isn’t, your headaches might be just beginning.

It’s difficult to know if your roof was properly installed or not because you can’t tell just by looking at it. At least until the problems start.

Here are four things to consider when you research roofing companies to replace the roof on your home.

1. Proper Installation Procedures

Even the highest quality roofing materials will have problems if they’re not installed properly. Make sure your roofing contractor is experienced in installing the type of roofing you want, including familiarity with the manufacturer’s particular products and procedures.

2. Good Ventilation

Without good ventilation, you run the risk of moisture damage to the structure of the roof, mold growth inside your attic and damaged shingles from freeze/thaw cycles in the winter, among other issues. A well-ventilated roof prevents moisture damage in the summer and ice dam damage in the winter.

3. Adequate Materials

If a contractor doesn’t install everything a roof needs to perform properly, including leak barriers and sealants –all of them things that are invisible on the finished roof – then be ready for roofing repairs sooner than later.

4. Flashing Everywhere its Needed

The metal ‘collars’ around protrusions in your roof, like chimneys and vents, are not there for decoration. They help to waterproof your roof by keeping moisture from getting in through the openings between the roof and the protrusion.

A new roof will only perform as well as it is installed. It’s a big investment in your home and you owe it to yourself to make sure it’s installed properly.