What To Check After Roofers Installed New Roof

So, you’ve got a brand-new roof! That’s fantastic—your home’s first line of defense against weather and damage is fresh and ready. But hold up! Before you completely relax, it’s a good idea to check a few things to ensure the job is done correctly. Even the best roofing contractors can miss a detail now and then, so it pays to know what to look for.

Brothers Construction lll Corp will walk you through some essential areas you should inspect to ensure your roof is installed correctly. We’ll keep it simple.

Top 8 Essential Things To Check After a Roof Installation

1. Look for Even, Straight Lines

One of the first things you’ll want to check is the roof’s overall look. Step back from your house a bit, maybe to the curb, and take a good look.

Are the shingles or tiles in straight lines? There shouldn’t be any dips, bumps, or waves. Everything should look uniform and neat.
Are the edges aligned? The roof’s edges should be straight and even, especially along the eaves and ridges. No pieces should be sticking out awkwardly.

If you see any wavy lines or misaligned edges, it could be a sign of a sloppy job. Straight lines are not just for looks—they indicate that the materials are installed evenly, which helps the roof last longer.

2. Check for Loose or Missing Shingles

A shingle or two can get loose even on a brand-new roof, especially if the weather isn’t cooperative during installation.

Walk around your house and look closely at the roof surface. You shouldn’t see any missing shingles or areas where shingles look loose or lifted.
Give special attention to the corners and edges, where shingles can sometimes come loose if not nailed down securely.

Loose or missing shingles are a problem because they expose your roof to leaks. In windy weather, loose shingles can fly off and leave even more of your roof unprotected.

3. Inspect the Flashing

Flashing is the metal material roofers put around areas where water might get in, like chimneys, vents, and valleys where two roof sections meet. It’s crucial for keeping water out.

Check around the chimney and any vents sticking out of the roof. The flashing should be tightly sealed against the roof surface.
Look for any gaps, cracks, or loose edges. Flashing should be secure and in contact with the roof; no part should be lifting.

Poorly installed flashing is one of the most common causes of roof leaks. Even if everything else looks perfect, bad flashing can lead to significant water damage.

4. Inspect the Gutters

Roof installation can be messy, and debris might be left in your gutters from the roofing materials. This might not sound like a big deal, but clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof or siding.

Look inside your gutters to ensure they’re clear of roofing materials like nails, pieces of shingle, or other debris.
Check the downspouts, too, as they should be free-flowing. If water can’t escape through the downspouts, it could overflow and damage your foundation or landscaping.

If you find a lot of debris, ask your roofing contractor to come back and clean it—this is usually part of the job.

5. Confirm Proper Ventilation

Roof ventilation is critical to preventing moisture buildup in your attic, which can lead to mold and rot. Your roofer should’ve installed vents to keep air flowing through the attic space.

Check for roof vents along the ridge or near the eaves (the roof’s lower edge). There should be a balance of intake and exhaust vents to let air flow in and out.
Feel inside your attic (if you can safely access it) on a warm day. The attic should feel warm but not overly hot or stuffy.

Good ventilation also helps keep your home’s temperature stable and can even lower your energy bills.

6. Look for Signs of Nails and Fasteners

Nails hold your shingles down and should be driven flush with the shingle surface, not sticking up or punched too deep.

Walk around the house and look up at the roof. You shouldn’t see any exposed nails unless they’re on the flashing (and even then, they should be sealed with a waterproof coating).
Check for any nails poking through the shingles or sticking out along the roofline.

Exposed nails can rust over time and become a weak point for leaks. If you see any, make a note and call your contractor back to fix them.

7. Make Sure Your Yard Is Cleaned Up

Roofing jobs can leave a surprising amount of mess. Shingle pieces, nails, and other materials can fall off the roof and end up in your yard.

Walk around your yard and check for stray nails or shingle pieces. This is especially important if you have kids or pets who play in the yard.
Look in your driveway and any nearby walkways for debris. The last thing you want is a flat tire from a stray roofing nail.

Most roofing companies use a magnetic roller to pick up nails and metal pieces, but doing a final sweep yourself doesn’t hurt.

8. Review the Paperwork and Warranty

Lastly, make sure you have all the paperwork in order. This includes:

The warranty on the roofing materials and the installation warranty from the roofing company.
A final invoice showing what was done and any additional services provided.

Double-check that the warranty covers leaks, poor installation, and defective materials. A good warranty will give you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered if any problems arise.

And So, Is Everything Ok with Your Roof?

Taking the time to inspect your new roof after installation can save you from headaches (and extra costs) in the future. Even if everything looks good, don’t hesitate to ask questions or call your contractor if you have concerns.

Remember, a roof is a significant investment and should be done right the first time. So, follow these steps, and you’ll be one step closer to enjoying a safe, secure, and beautiful new roof!

At Brothers Construction III Corp, we have 21 years of experience as a professional roofing company. Our client’s satisfaction is our #1 commitment. Therefore, we always do our best to exceed their expectations. Count on us for your roof, gutter, and siding installation, replacement, and repair projects, and rest assured that it is in good hands!

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