Because Even a Brand-New Roof Can Fail If It Wasn’t Done Right
A new roof is a big investment—and it should give you peace of mind for years to come. But what if it doesn’t? What if you start noticing problems only a year or two after installation?
Unfortunately, poor workmanship is one of the leading causes of premature roof failure. At Watertight Roofing, we’ve been called in to fix a lot of “brand new” roofs that were installed by companies cutting corners or rushing through the job.
If your roof isn’t performing the way it should, here are some red flags that it may not have been installed properly—and what you can do about it.
🚩 Common Signs of a Poor Roof Installation
1. Leaks After Only a Few Storms
A good roof should keep your home dry for decades. If you’re seeing water stains, damp spots in the attic, or dripping after just a few storms, something’s not right.
2. Shingles Lifting or Blowing Off
New shingles shouldn’t peel up or fly off in the wind. This could mean:
- They weren’t nailed down correctly
- Too few nails were used
- The wrong shingle type was installed for your area
3. Uneven Shingles or Wavy Rooflines
Look at your roof from the street. Does it look smooth and uniform—or bumpy and uneven? Poor alignment or failure to lay shingles flat can leave your roof vulnerable to water intrusion and wind damage.
4. Exposed Nail Heads
You shouldn’t see shiny nail heads on your shingles—those nails should be covered and sealed. Exposed nails are a shortcut that almost always leads to leaks.
5. Improper Flashing Installation
Flashing protects the most vulnerable areas—chimneys, vents, valleys, and skylights. If it’s loose, missing, or not sealed correctly, your roof is at risk (no matter how new it is).
🔍 Bonus Sign: It’s Already Having Issues—But the Installer Isn’t Calling You Back
If your roofing company isn’t responding to warranty calls or you’re stuck with a problem they won’t fix, that’s a major red flag.
💡 Pro Tip: If your roofer is hard to reach now, imagine how they’ll be when a real emergency hits.
🛠 What to Do If You Suspect Poor Installation
Don’t panic—but don’t wait either. A poorly installed roof will only get worse with time. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule a professional inspection – We’ll evaluate your roof and document any installation issues we find.
- Review your warranty – You may still be within your workmanship or manufacturer warranty window.
- Get a second opinion – Even if another contractor installed the roof, we’re happy to take a look and offer honest guidance.
- Don’t climb on the roof yourself – It’s dangerous and can lead to more damage. Let the pros handle it.
✅ Get a Second Look—For Free
If something doesn’t feel right about your roof—or if you just want peace of mind—we’re here to help. At Watertight Roofing, we’ve been fixing bad installs and protecting homes for over 24 years. We’ll take a look, take photos, and give you a clear, pressure-free assessment.
📞 Call us at 402-870-0255 or schedule your free inspection here.
We’ll help you make it right—even if we didn’t install it in the first place.
Because at Watertight Roofing, it’s not just about getting the job done. It’s about doing it Done Right. Done Tight.