Bad Roof Installations: What New Jersey Homeowners Need to Look For
You just got a new roof — it looks fine from the ground, but something feels off. Maybe the lines don’t look even, or you’ve noticed a few shingles curling already. Unfortunately, bad roof installations happen more often than you’d think in New Jersey. The sooner you spot the warning signs, the easier it is to fix them before real damage sets in.
1. Uneven or Wavy Shingles
Shingles should lay flat and form straight, uniform lines. If you see ripples or dips, it’s likely the underlayment wasn’t installed properly or the decking wasn’t prepped correctly. This can cause leaks and shorten your roof’s lifespan.
2. Exposed Nails or Missing Sealant
Visible nail heads or sealant blobs are a dead giveaway of rushed work. Exposed nails corrode over time, allowing water to penetrate and rot the wood underneath.
3. Poorly Installed Flashing
Flashing is the thin metal that seals roof joints and prevents leaks around vents, skylights, and chimneys. When it’s uneven, bent, or sealed with excess caulk instead of properly fastened, water will find its way in — fast.
4. Inconsistent Vent Placement
Roof ventilation isn’t just for airflow — it’s critical to keeping moisture and heat from damaging your attic and shingles. If vents seem oddly spaced or poorly placed, your roofer might’ve skipped proper design planning.
5. Missing Drip Edges
Drip edges are a small but crucial detail that many bad installers skip. They protect your roof’s edge from rot and direct water into your gutters. Without them, expect water damage to fascia boards and siding over time.
6. Early Leaks or Stains
Leaks after a “new” installation are never normal. Water stains in your attic or ceilings mean flashing or shingle alignment issues — both signs of bad workmanship.
7. Messy Cleanup or Leftover Materials
Professional roofers take pride in their cleanup. If nails, shingles, or debris are left behind, chances are the same level of carelessness happened on your roof.
What to Do If You Suspect Poor Installation
Don’t climb up to inspect it yourself — it’s risky and may void your warranty. Instead, contact a licensed roofing contractor like Tetti Roofing for an inspection. We’ll assess your roof’s condition, document any issues, and give you an honest repair or replacement plan.
Why Homeowners Across New Jersey Trust Tetti Roofing
Tetti Roofing has fixed hundreds of bad installations left by cut-rate contractors. Our team is fully licensed, insured, and certified by top manufacturers to ensure every job meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
Call us: (908) 617-1544
Visit us: 350 Grove St Suite 205, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Request a Roof Inspection: Instant Quote
Final Takeaway
A roof is only as good as the hands that install it. If you suspect your roof wasn’t done right, don’t wait — call Tetti Roofing today for a professional inspection and honest solutions you can trust.