How to tell if a new roof was installed correctly
Contractors sometimes take shortcuts that leave visible vulnerabilities, like gaps where moisture can seep in and rot the wood underneath. Homeowners are left guessing whether these flaws are normal settling or bad workmanship that will cause future damage.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Applying roof sealant to fill gaps and holes
- 2Having the roofing company come back out to address missing components
- 3Accepting the installer's verbal assurance that the roof will settle over time.
- 4waiting for the material to settle
- 5asking online forums for feedback
- 6consulting other professionals
- 7asking the roofer to redo the work with a larger bend
- 8frequently sealing the stone and mortar to prevent water from going behind the flashing
- 9Taking photos to inspect details zoomed in
- 10Hesitating to contact the project lead until confirming if it is typical
- 11Asking online forums if the installation is correct
- 12Comparing the new installation to the appearance of the old roof
- 13Inspecting the attic independently after installation
- 14Asking questions of post-install workers and seeking outside opinions on forums
- 15Taking photos or drone pictures
- 16Trusting that the contractor used the correct materials from the quoted vendor
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I don’t know if I’m overthinking this:”source ↗
“The Vented-Ridge Cap seems off to me with the amount of caulk (?) or butyl being used - - the white substance”source ↗
“The metal on the hips don’t seem to be overlapping at all, rather it looks like they are just butting-up-end-to-end”source ↗
“The flashing looks messy, will they keep out water?”source ↗
“The long horizontal “pitch transition” piece to a lower pitch portion of the roof has a gap…”source ↗
“I am concerned diverters will just hold leaves and debris. If there is already a cricket and counterflashing is installed correctly are diverters a positive or negative?”source ↗
“I just had this done, will it perform?”source ↗
“I was/am out of town and have no way to inspect this for at least a month.”source ↗
“I was told it would settle overtime and not to worry but I would like your advice, is this supposed to be like this when new or is it a bad install?”source ↗
“Should I be concerned that the flashing does not always go into the reglet. They cut about 1/4" to 1/2" deep and the bed in the flashing is only about 1/4".”source ↗
“what do I know as a home owner...”source ↗
“I feel like moisture could easily get behind these and just create more rot in a different spot.”source ↗
“I HATE to be that customer that complains, and I know they cut some corners to save me money, but I don't think this would be a difficult fix. Am I wrong?”source ↗
“Does this look correct? Should it be wrinkled like this?”source ↗
“First time dealing with a new roof and don't want to bring up to project lead if this is typical stuff but if it is problematic, I will.”source ↗
“I am wondering how the flashing is here against the house, from afar it doesnt seem like a huge gap but zoomed in it looks pretty open at the peek, will water get in easily?”source ↗
“Is this ok? Roof done today and I'm wondering if this is safe?”source ↗
“Will rain/snow get in? Will wind blow it off? Old roof was flush”source ↗
“I went up in the attic to take a look yesterday and was slightly concerned about a few items.”source ↗
“Without even consulting me, they removed it completely and there is now just OSB over it”source ↗
“In the attic of our extension, the OSB does not meet up in the middle.. i’m assuming this is where a vent is, I can see daylight coming in.”source ↗
“I’m just really concerned that shortcuts were taken.”source ↗
“Is there anything I should look out for before making a final payment?”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
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- 3Roofers left mono roof top exposed without a cap
- 4Is newly finished contractor work actually acceptable?
- 3How to know if a roof replacement quote is fair
- 22How to tell if a damaged roof needs replacing before winter
- 2Is underlayment required under slate, tile, or thatch roofs?