A roof adds value to the home, protects it from weather elements, and improves its appeal. When not properly installed, it creates more problems for the homeowner in different ways. A key to preventing this problem is to hire experienced roofers like Triple R Roofing for the job. However, if you’ve hired a ‘cowboy roofer,’ there’s a high chance they have done a shoddy job.
A poorly installed roof may take different forms, including;
- Improper nail usage
- Using incorrect flashing
- Incorrect shingle placement
- Incorrect gutter installation
The shoddy installation job can lead to many problems now or in the future. Here are some of the problems caused by a poorly installed roof.
Damages from excessive leaks
One of the most important reasons for having a roof over your head is to protect yourself during inclement weather conditions. A properly installed roof should keep rainwater, ice, and snow away from your property. However, with an improper installation, your home may become susceptible to leaks which can silently damage your home and construction materials.
Water leaks from bad roofing installations may be due to improper placement of nails, improper alignment of roofing shingles, or uninformed underlayment installation. The problem may also be from the corners where the shingles meet the rain gutters.
Depending on the problem, you may be able to detect the leak quickly or much later after it has done a lot of damage to your home. The leak may result in mold and mildew growth, damaged ceilings, and water damage which are all expensive to fix.
Structural Damage
One of the biggest problems of a bad roofing installation is that it comes with many attending issues. While dealing with water damage, you may find that your property has been structurally compromised. One of the commonest areas affected is the roof structure.
Water leaks, over time, can cause roof rot which may cause some areas of the roof to sag or sink. Addressing this problem can be expensive. You may need to reinforce the affected area by removing the damaged shingles and wood and then replacing them with newer and stronger materials.
Mold and Mildew Problems
Mold and mildew thrive in areas with moisture and the right temperature. Improper roofing installations may expose your home to moisture problems, ultimately providing the perfect conditions for molds and mildew to proliferate. The proliferation of these microorganisms further compromises your property’s structural integrity while exposing inhabitants to health problems.
Molds cause allergic reactions, leading to respiratory problems like asthma, wheezing, and runny nose. Mold problems can also cause teary eyes, itching, coughing, headache, and fatigue.
How to Address Poorly Installed Roof Problems
Chances are high that you’re experiencing one or more problems noted above if your roof has been poorly installed. A good way to address the problem is to contact a professional roofer for a fix. Getting a professional roofer after the initial bad experience can be overwhelming. However, you can start by asking family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors for recommendations. You can also do an online search for the top roofers in your local area.
This time, you need to ensure that you’re hiring the right person for the job by checking their credentials extensively. You can start by reviewing the roofer’s reviews, professional memberships, insurance, past projects, and ratings. You should also consider the roofer’s experience or how long they’ve been practicing in your local community.
Hiring a new roofer doesn’t solve all your problems; however, it is a step in the right direction. Ensure that a thorough inspection of your existing roof is done. The new roofer should be able to point out the problem areas and recommend the right solutions based on the extent of the damage detected.
For dry rot and saggy roofs, you may need to remove the entire affected area, lay a new roof structure, and replace the affected shingles in the area. Your roofer would advise on the right solution and how long it’ll take to complete the job.
If you’re cash-strapped and unable to raise the money for the project, ask your roofer about possible financing solutions offered. It is better to finance the repair process to curb further damages than wait for a time when you have the money to fix the problem.
Homes with mold and mildew problems may require thorough mold removal and water damage restoration services. It is best to have mold removal experts work on your property ahead of the roofers to prevent transferring the problem to the new roof.