A new roof represents a significant financial investment in your home. In some unfortunate situations, however, low-quality materials or labor can result in defects that threaten the structure of the property.
Be aware of these signs of problems with your home’s new roof so you can act quickly to resolve the issue.
Misaligned or uneven shingles
Shingles on a new roof should be flat, even and uniform. Gaps, improper alignment, ridges, bumps, irregular shingles and other issues could indicate that your contractor cut corners. Slightly different colored shingles on different parts of the roof often signify the use of incorrect or inferior materials.
Water damage
Signs of leaking might be apparent if you recently replaced your roof only to run into the same problems with a new roof. You may notice stains or discoloration on the ceiling or on the shingles themselves. Mold or mildew may develop in your attic and walls. Left unchecked, moisture can cause cracks in the ceiling and enter the home’s drywall.
Structural issues
You may need a trained professional to determine whether your roof has structural issues. Even as a layperson, however, you may notice missing nails or shingles, a roofline that appears to sag, or a lack of metal flashing designed to direct moisture away from the home. Structural problems that are less obvious include missing or defective underlayment and missing drip edges.
You may have legal recourse if you detect defects with your new roof. In Florida, you have four years to file a construction defect lawsuit once you notice the problem with your property.