Skip to main content

«  View All Posts

roof installation /
Roofing Challenges

Top Causes of Poor Roof Installations and How to Avoid Them

September , 2023 | 7 min. read

By Mitch Owens

home with tarps on the roof. poor roof installation on a brand new job

Are you worried about getting a bad roofing job? You're not alone. Deciding to invest thousands of dollars in a new roof can be daunting. We've all heard horror stories of poor installations. 
But don't let the fear of a bad roofing job keep you from making the necessary repairs or replacements to your home.

As a homeowner, you deserve to have confidence in the roofing company you choose. We know your worries and have assisted homeowners like you for 30 years at RoofCrafters. Many of our past clients first came to us because they had a poor roof installation. Many of them had roof leaks. Now we want to share that information with you so you'll be better prepared.

homeowner sitting inside getting rained on from a roof leak

In this article, you'll learn why bad roof installations happen. Most importantly, you'll learn how to avoid them. By the end of this article, you'll have a much better understanding of what to look for in a roofing company. Hopefully, you'll be better prepared and understand how to get a great installation for your home.

Why Do Poor Roof Installations Happen?

 

We understand your fear of getting a poor roofing job. Unfortunately, poor installations happen all too often in our industry. Poor installations are the number one reason for roof failures and leaks. And they can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. From improperly sealed flashings to poorly fastened shingles. A bad installation can lead to leaks, water damage, and other costly problems.

Business man pointing the text Who Is Accountable?

So, why do poor roofing installations happen? Here are some of the top reasons:

  • Lack of training or experience among installers: Some roofers may not know how to install certain roofing materials. This can lead to mistakes that compromise the integrity of the roof.
  • Rushing to complete the job: Some roofing companies may focus on speed over quality. Not paying attention to details. Leading to sloppy work that results in leaks and other issues.
  • Using subpar materials to cut costs: Some companies use cheaper materials to save money. But this can lead to a roof that wears out and requires frequent repairs.
  • Poor communication: Lack of communication between the installer and the client will lead to mistakes. Most mistakes can be avoided with good communication.

inspection of a poorly nailed shingle

 



 
Lack of training or experience among installers: Some roofers may not know how to install certain roofing materials. This can lead to mistakes that compromise the integrity of the roof.
Rushing to complete the job: Some roofing companies may focus on speed over quality. Not paying attention to details. Leading to sloppy work that results in leaks and other issues.
Using subpar materials to cut costs: Some companies use cheaper materials to save money. But this can lead to a roof that wears out and requires frequent repairs.
Poor communication: Lack of communication between the installer and the client will lead to mistakes. Most mistakes can be avoided with good communication. Examples of How Bad Roof Installations Happen
  1. An inexperienced installer might forget to secure the flashing around a chimney. This could cause leaks and water damage. 
  2. If the installer rushes, they might not install ventilation correctly. This can lead to inadequate airflow and mold growth. 
  3. A roofer using subpar materials may lead to shingles that quickly crack and blow off in high winds. 
  4. Poor communication may result in the installer overlooking a specific installation detail, leading to an incomplete or poorly done job.


These are just a few examples of why bad roof installs happen. By understanding these reasons you can help protect yourself and your home from a bad installation, In the next section, we'll explore some steps you can take to avoid these issues altogether.

Image call to action, read the homeowners guide to roof replacement

The High Cost of Poor Installations: Consequences You Can't Afford

 

The consequences of a poor installation can be severe and costly. Besides the headaches and frustration, a poorly installed roof can lead to:

  1. Leaks and water damage: If a roof is not properly installed, it may not be able to keep out water and moisture. Leading to leaks and costly water damage inside the home.
  2. Higher maintenance and repair costs: A poor roof install may need frequent maintenance and repairs. Leading to higher costs over time.
  3. The decreased lifespan of the roof: Your roof may not last as long as it should, leading to the need for premature replacement and extra costs.
  4. Reduced energy efficiency: A poor roof installation may not provide adequate ventilation. this will lead to higher energy bills and reduced energy efficiency.
  5. Safety hazards: A roof that is not installed correctly may pose a safety hazard to those inside the home.

Roof leak causing interior insulation and sheetrock damage

The Aftermath of Poor Roof Installation

  • A badly installed chimney flashing can let water in and damage the inside of a home. Leading to costly wood rot and sheetrock damage.
  • Insufficient roof ventilation leads to higher energy costs and less comfort in the house. 
  • If someone installs and maintains a roof poorly, it can become unsafe due to mold. This can harm people in the house.
  • These are a few examples of the potential consequences of a poor installation. Next, we'll talk about how to get a good installation for your home.

Protect Your Investment: 7 Tips for Avoiding a Poor Roof Installation

 

The good news is that you can take steps to avoid a poor roofing installation. Here are seven tips to help you find a reputable roofing company and ensure a high-quality installation for your home:

  1. Research and choose a reputable roofing company: Look for a company with a long-standing reputation in your area. With positive reviews, and a strong track record of delivering high-quality work.
  2. Ask for proof of training and experience of the installers: Make sure the installers working on your roof are getting training. Continued training is key to getting the highest quality installation. 
  3. Check reputation: Ask for references from previous clients and check online reviews. This will give you a good idea of the company's reputation and quality of work.
    image of the google search bar
  4. Get multiple roof quotes: Make sure you get a few estimates. Getting detailed estimates that break down all costs and descriptions of the work. 
  5. Ask about the materials and tools that will be used: Make sure the company uses high-quality materials and tools that are designed to last.
  6. Ask about the timeline: Find out how long the installation will take and how the company will ensure quality work throughout the process.
  7. Communicate with your point of contact: Communication is key to a successful installation. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions you have with your installer. Keep the lines of communication open throughout the process.

By taking these 7 steps, you can feel more confident that you're getting a high-quality installation for your home. Don't let the fear of a poor installation keep you from making the necessary repairs or replacements to your roof. With a little research and attention to detail, you can protect your home and your investment for years to come.

New call-to-action

What Next? Get Your Roofing Company Hiring Checklist

 

In summary, poor roofing installations can lead to leaks and other safety hazards. By understanding the causes of poor installations, you can take steps to avoid them and protect your home. Do your own research and choose a roofing company with trained installers. Get 2-3 detailed estimates for your roofing project. Remember to check references and online reviews.

Your roof is an important investment in your home's safety and protection. We made a checklist to help you choose the best company for your installation. Don't be afraid of a bad installation when you need to fix or replace something. Take action and be proactive in choosing a roofing company that you can trust.

image call to action, download the top 10 checklist

At RoofCrafters, we've been helping homeowners like you for over 30 years. We know how important it is to have a good installation. It gives you peace of mind. If you need a reliable roofing company, click the button below to schedule an inspection.

Schedule an Inspection

Mitch Owens

My name is Mitch, and I have over 10 years of roofing experience. I enjoy my career in the service industry because I love helping others take care of their homes and businesses. With over 10 years in the roofing industry, my success comes from my honesty and integrity during my roof inspections. I do my best to listen to the needs of my clients and strive to provide an awesome client experience.