What to Check After Having a New Roof Installed

Are you wondering what to check after having a new roof installed? If so, you're in the right place. A new roof is a significant investment, and ensuring everything is installed properly will give you peace of mind and help protect your home for years to come.

In this article, we'll walk you through the top five things to check after a roof replacement, from checking for hidden damage to making sure your roof looks as good as it performs. Let's dive in and make sure your new roof is in perfect shape!

Ventilation

Checking your attic for signs of moisture, mold, or mildew is a great way to determine whether your home has proper ventilation installed or not. If you spot any of the signs or are unsure, we recommend consulting with your local roofing contractor.

Additionally, consider these tips:

• Inspect Your Vents Regularly: Make it a routine to check your attic vents for any obstructions, such as leaves, twigs, or nests.
• Maintain Proper Attic Insulation: Ensure that your attic insulation is installed correctly and isn't blocking the vents.
• Consider a Ventilation System: If your attic is particularly prone to moisture or heat buildup, consider installing a whole-house ventilation system. You can also consider installing a ridge vent if you don't currently have one.

By taking these steps, you can help maintain optimal ventilation in your home, protect your roof, and improve indoor air quality.

Cleanliness of Your Property

After your roofing project is completed, a good roofing contractor will perform a thorough post-cleanup. During the post-cleaning process, roofers collect debris and, more importantly, nails so that your property is safe to walk on. However, this isn't always the case, which is why it's important to check your property for cleanliness.

If you spot debris or nails, we recommend that you contact your roofer and ask them to perform a more thorough cleanup.

Underlayment & Ice and Water Shield

While it's challenging to visually inspect underlayment and ice and water shield without significant roof removal, the easiest way to check is to request documentation of the roofing company's materials used. Your contractor should also be able to provide you with photos of the work performed as well.

You can also consider hiring a professional third-party roof inspector to conduct a thorough examination of your roof. A qualified inspector can assess the quality of the underlayment and ice and water shield installation.

Shingles

Once your roof replacement is complete, it's important to inspect your roof's shingles to ensure everything has been installed correctly. A quality roofing contractor will carefully install and secure each shingle, but mistakes and errors can happen.

Here's how to perform a simple DYI inspection of your shingles to make sure your new roof is in top shape:

• Inspect for Uniformity: Your shingles should have a consistent pattern. If you notice areas that seem off, it may indicate an improper installation. You can also check for any visible gaps between the shingles, as these could allow water to seep through and cause damage.
• Check Flashing: Flashing is usually installed around chimneys, skylights, and walls to deter water away from your home. Ensure that your flashing is properly sealed.
• Check for Exposed Nails: Check your roof for any exposed nails sticking up on your shingles. The nails should be flush with the shingles to keep them secure. Loose or exposed nails can lead to shingle damage or even cause shingles to blow off in strong winds.
• Check for Leaks in Attic: Another effective way to verify the integrity of your new roof is to check your attic for leaks after a rain storm. Look for signs of water damage, such as water stains, mold, or mildew.

Performing these simple checks can give you peace of mind that your new roof is in excellent condition. While you can handle this inspection yourself, hiring a reputable roofing contractor is the best way to go. Professionals have the experience and expertise to identify potential issues that may not be obvious to the untrained eye, ensuring your roof will continue to protect your home for years to come.

Cosmetic Damage

Roofers may leave behind cosmetic damage after completing a roof replacement. While these issues might not immediately affect your roof's performance, they can impact the overall appearance and value of your home.

Here are some key areas to inspect:

• Gutters: Check your gutters for any dents, scratches, or signs of bending. Roofers working with heavy materials or equipment can sometimes accidentally damage gutters during the installation process. Ensure your gutters are still properly aligned and securely fastened, as even minor damage can affect water drainage.
• Shingle Granules After a roof replacement, it's normal for some shingle granules to collect in your gutters. However, an excessive amount of granules can be a sign of rough handling or defective/poor-quality shingles. Check the area around your home for granule buildup, and make sure the shingles on your roof still have an even, protective layer.
• Vents and Flashing: If your roofing contractor reused existing vents or flashing, inspect these areas for any visible scratches, dents, or signs of wear. Reused materials should be in good condition and securely sealed to prevent leaks.

By checking for these types of cosmetic damage, you can ensure your roof looks as good as it functions. If you notice any issues, it's best to address them with your contractor.

What to Do if You Notice Issues

If you spot any issues after your roof replacement, whether it's a roof leak, improper installation, cosmetic damage, or if something just doesn't look quite right, the best thing to do is contact your contractor right away.

A trustworthy roofing company that takes pride in great customer service will be more than willing to address your concerns and ensure everything is done properly. Don't hesitate to reach out, as your satisfaction and your home's protection should be their top priority.

If you're in Illinois, feel free to reach out to our roofing team. With over 14 years of experience, we're dedicated to serving our community and ensuring your home gets the quality care it deserves.