A new roof is a significant investment in your home’s longevity and value. Once the roofers have completed their work, you might feel relieved to have the job done. However, your role isn’t over yet. Knowing what to check after roofers installed a new roof is crucial to ensure that everything was done correctly and that your home is well-protected for years to come. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to verify the quality of your new roof installation and give you peace of mind about your investment.
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TLDR – Quick Guide:
Visual inspection: Look for any visible damage, unevenness, or loose shingles.
Roof flashing: Ensure flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents is properly installed.
Gutters and downspouts: Check for proper drainage and that no debris is clogging the gutters.
Attic inspection: Inspect for leaks, light penetration, or unusual moisture inside the attic.
Roof ventilation: Confirm adequate roof ventilation for temperature regulation.
Warranty and paperwork: Ensure you have all necessary warranty documents and that they’re clear.
Post-installation cleanup: Ensure your property is clean and free of debris after the roof installation.
Visual Inspection of the Roof Surface
One of the first things to do after roofers have finished the job is to visually inspect the roof. You don’t necessarily need to climb up onto the roof (it’s better to leave that to professionals), but you can do a quick survey from the ground or with binoculars.
Things to Look For:
- Shingle Alignment: Check that the shingles are evenly aligned and that none are missing, curling, or loose. Poorly installed shingles can lead to leaks and reduce the roof’s lifespan.
- Surface Damage: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or unusual wear. This could indicate that something went wrong during installation or that the materials used weren’t up to standard.
- Color Consistency: While color variations in roofing materials can occur, drastic differences could signal that mismatched materials were used.
Inspect Roof Flashing
Flashing is a crucial component in any roofing system. It is typically installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other areas where the roof meets a vertical surface. Properly installed flashing helps prevent water from seeping into these vulnerable areas.
What to Check:
- Secure Sealing: Ensure the flashing is tightly sealed around the edges. Poor flashing installation can lead to leaks, particularly during heavy rain.
- Rust or Corrosion: If the roofers used metal flashing, inspect it for any signs of rust or corrosion that could weaken its integrity over time.
- Proper Placement: Flashing should be layered correctly to guide water away from the roof and into the gutters.
Gutter and Downspout Functionality
Your gutters and downspouts are essential for directing water away from your home’s foundation. After a roof installation, these systems can sometimes become clogged with debris or be damaged during the process.
Key Areas to Inspect:
- Gutter Alignment: Make sure the gutters are still securely attached and properly aligned. Any sagging could affect water flow.
- Debris Removal: Check for leftover materials like nails, shingle pieces, or dirt that might have fallen into the gutters during the installation.
- Downspout Functionality: Ensure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation and that there is no blockage that could cause water to pool around your home.
Attic Inspection for Leaks and Ventilation
The condition of your attic can reveal a lot about the quality of your new roof. After roofers have finished their work, head into your attic to check for any signs of trouble.
What to Look For:
- Leaks or Moisture: Check for any damp spots, stains, or mold that could indicate water is getting in through the roof.
- Light Penetration: If you see any light coming through the attic ceiling, this could mean there are gaps in the roof where water could eventually seep through.
- Ventilation: A well-ventilated attic is crucial for preventing moisture buildup and prolonging the life of your roof. Ensure that vents are clear and unobstructed to allow proper airflow.
Ensure Proper Roof Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is critical to the health of your roof. It helps to regulate the temperature in your attic, preventing heat buildup that can damage shingles and cause ice dams in colder climates.
Key Ventilation Points:
- Intake and Exhaust Vents: Make sure the intake and exhaust vents are in place and functioning. These vents should allow air to flow in and out of the attic freely.
- Temperature Regulation: Without proper ventilation, your attic can become too hot in the summer, baking your shingles from the inside, or too cold in winter, leading to moisture issues.
- Insulation: While not directly related to the roof, good insulation in the attic works in tandem with ventilation to keep temperatures balanced and protect your roofing materials.
Verify Warranty and Paperwork
After the roofers have completed the job, there’s still some paperwork to handle. It’s essential to review and store all relevant documentation, including the warranty for the materials and the workmanship.
Key Points to Verify:
- Material Warranty: This will cover any defects in the roofing materials themselves. Be sure you understand the coverage period and what voids the warranty.
- Workmanship Warranty: This warranty covers installation errors or issues caused by the roofers. Check how long this warranty lasts and the conditions that apply.
- Post-Installation Inspection: Some warranties require an inspection after installation to validate the warranty coverage.
Post-Installation Cleanup
The roofing crew should have cleaned up after themselves, but it’s still wise to double-check your property for any leftover debris or nails, which can pose a hazard to people and pets.
What to Look For:
- Debris-Free Yard: Ensure there are no leftover materials, nails, or shingles lying around your property.
- Magnetic Sweep: Ask if the roofing company used a magnetic tool to pick up nails from your yard, especially if you have a driveway or garden nearby.
- Dumpsters Removed: Make sure any dumpsters or equipment used during the installation have been properly removed from your property.
Key Takeaways
- After roofers install a new roof, perform a thorough inspection for potential issues such as loose shingles, poor flashing, or improper gutter alignment.
- Check your attic for leaks, moisture, or ventilation issues that could indicate problems with the new roof.
- Verify that all warranties and paperwork are in order, including material and workmanship warranties.
- Ensure the roofing crew has cleaned up any leftover debris, and check your yard for stray nails or materials.
FAQs
You should inspect your new roof immediately after installation, ideally within a few days. This ensures you catch any potential problems early and can address them with the roofing company before they worsen.
If you find any issues, contact your roofing contractor right away. Most reputable contractors offer a workmanship warranty that covers installation problems. Make sure to document the issues with photos and keep a record of your communications.
In addition to your own inspection, you can hire an independent roofing inspector to verify the installation quality. This third-party evaluation can give you added peace of mind that your new roof meets industry standards.
After a new roof installation, check for proper alignment of shingles, smooth seams, and uniform flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Ensure the roof is free of debris, and inspect the attic for any signs of leaks or daylight coming through.
After getting a new roof, you should expect improved energy efficiency and better protection from the elements. There may be some initial granule shedding from shingles, but this is normal and should decrease over time.