What To Look For After Roof Replacement

When you’ve invested in a roof replacement, it’s vital to know what to look for afterwards to ensure the project was completed to high standards. 

A properly installed new roof should protect your home for years to come, but minor issues can turn into significant problems if not identified and corrected early. 

Key Aspects to Inspect Following a Roof Replacement

Below are key aspects you should pay attention to after a roof replacement

Quality of Materials

The quality of the materials used in your roof replacement is paramount in determining the durability and longevity of your new roof. This factor begins with the verification of the materials outlined in your contract. 

Be sure that your roofing contractor has employed the agreed-upon materials, and these should not be substituted without your knowledge or consent. In the spectrum of roofing materials, there are various grades of shingles, underlayment, flashing, and sealants, each with their distinct levels of performance. 

High-quality shingles, for example, tend to have better granule adhesion and are typically more resistant to wind and weather damage, thereby offering a longer lifespan. Similarly, top-grade underlayment provides a robust second line of defense against moisture penetration, while premium flashing materials reduce the risk of leaks around roof protrusions. 

Quality sealants, meanwhile, help to maintain the integrity of your roof in harsh weather conditions. Therefore, confirming the use of high-quality materials in your roof replacement is a crucial step towards ensuring you reap the maximum benefits from this substantial investment.

Shingle Installation

You’ll want to make sure the shingles on your new roof look right. They should be straight and flat, without any bulges, bends or curls sticking up. If they’re not, that could mean they weren’t put on correctly. 

You also want to see that the rough, sandy bits (we call these granules) on the shingles are evenly spread out. If some are missing or there are bare patches, it might mean the shingles got banged up during installation. This isn’t great because those granules help protect your roof, so if they’re missing, your roof might not last as long as it should. So, give those shingles a good lookover to make sure everything is as it should be.

Flashing

Flashing is like the superhero of your roof, keeping water from sneaking in where it’s not supposed to. You’ll find it around places like your chimney, skylights, and the valleys where roof sections meet. 

It’s important to take a look at this flashing to make sure it’s sealed tightly, lined up right, and fastened securely. If it’s not, water might find a way in and cause a leak. And trust us, leaks can lead to some pretty serious damage, so we want to avoid those. So don’t forget to give your flashing a good check – it plays a major part in keeping your home dry and damage-free.

Gutters and Downspouts

You know those gutters and downspouts that help steer rainwater away from your house? You want to make sure they’re still in good shape after getting your roof done. They should be tightly attached and clear of stuff like leaves or twigs. 

You also want to make sure the seams, where different parts of the gutter join together, aren’t leaking. Leaky gutters can cause water to spill in the wrong places and that could lead to problems down the line. So take a few minutes to check your gutters and downspouts – they’re a vital part of your roofing system too. 

Ventilation

Good ventilation in your attic is like having the right amount of fresh air coming into your house. It helps keep things cool, stops moisture from building up, and makes sure the heat from the sun doesn’t get trapped. 

You’ll find intake vents down near the bottom of your roof (those are the eaves) and exhaust vents up at or near the top. Give these a quick check to make sure they’re not blocked by anything. This can help you avoid problems like mold or a super hot attic, which can damage your roof from the inside.

Cleanup

A top-notch roofer should treat your home like their own, which means leaving things clean and tidy when the job’s done. After they finish, take a look around to make sure they didn’t leave anything behind, like nails, staples or other stuff that could hurt you or damage your car’s tires. 

Pay special attention to your driveway and yard, but don’t forget to look over your garden and outdoor hangout spots too. Nobody wants to find a nail in their lawn or a piece of old shingle in their flowerbed.

Attic Inspection

Remember, your roof’s job is to protect your whole house, and that includes the inside. So, pop up into your attic and look around after your roof’s been replaced. You’re checking to make sure your insulation is still in good shape and doing its job. But also look for signs that water might be getting in, like stains, mold, or a smell that reminds you of a damp basement. 

Sometimes a leaky roof shows up inside before you can spot it from the outside. By catching it early, you can nip that problem in the bud. So don’t skip this important step in checking out your new roof!

Paperwork

After all the roof work’s done, your contractor should hand over a few important papers. You should get a final invoice that lists all the work done and what it cost. You should also get information about any warranties that cover the materials used on your roof and the work the contractor did. 

Sometimes there’s also a lien release, which is a legal document that says all the bills for your roof have been paid. These papers are super important and can help you out down the line if there are any issues with your roof, so keep them in a safe place. And don’t be shy about asking the contractor any questions you have about them – it’s their job to make sure you understand everything.

Remember, keeping your home in top shape is a team effort. If you’re in the Houston area and need some help checking out your new roof or with any of your roofing needs, reach out to A Affordable Roofing. We’re experts in our field and dedicated to giving you peace of mind, knowing your home is protected. So don’t hesitate, give us a call today and let’s ensure your roof is doing its job perfectly!