What to Check After Roofers Installed Your New Roof

Why a Post-Installation Roof Inspection is Critical

When your roofing contractor finishes installing your new roof, it’s important to get a full inspection afterward. This check helps you know if everything was done the right way and meets local building code rules. A roof inspection looks at important parts like your attic ventilation system, wooden roof boards, and flashing seals. Even though your roof looks finished, hidden problems like roof leaks or bad pipe boots can still be missed. That’s why a professional needs to check areas like the attic space and around your plumbing vent pipe. If something wasn’t done correctly, this is the best time to find it. Getting a full inspection protects your home and helps your new roof last a long time.

What to Check Immediately After a New Roof Installation

After the roofing job is finished, you should walk around and look at your home’s roof from the ground. Look for cracked shingles, blistering, or shingles that are loose or missing. Check metal roof flashing near chimneys, valleys, and walls for signs of rust, damage, or bad sealing. Make sure roof vents are placed right and that there are enough to keep your attic cool and dry. Look at your gutters and downspouts to see if water flows out or if it’s blocked. If you see water pooling, it could cause rot on the roof edge or soffits. Chimney caps and flashing should be tightly sealed to keep out rain. These simple checks help stop small issues from turning into big problems.

Interior Areas to Inspect for Leaks or Ventilation Problems

It’s just as important to check inside your home after the roof is done. Go up to your attic and look for signs of damp spots, mold, or rotted wooden roof boards. If you see sunlight coming through gaps or cracks, your roof decking may not be sealed properly. Also, check that your attic space has good airflow and is not holding too much heat or moisture. Bad ventilation can lead to mold growth and damage to the insulation over time. Around your plumbing vent pipe and pipe boot, look for signs of water stains or leaks. Catching small roof leaks early helps avoid major repairs later. A good attic check keeps your whole roof system working right.

Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor After Completion

When your new roof is finished, it’s smart to ask your roofing contractor a few clear questions. Ask if they checked for bad plank decking and replaced any boards that had rot or big gaps. Also, ask if the attic ventilation system was inspected or upgraded during the job. You’ll want to know if the flashing around chimneys, walls, and valleys was repaired or replaced to stop leaks. Find out if they followed all building code rules during the tear-off process and new installation. Ask for a complete roof replacement estimate that includes all roofing labor costs. It’s also smart to ask about warranties on both the shingles and the work. A trusted roofing contractor will give you answers and show you what they did.

How to Evaluate Roof Work Without Climbing Up

You don’t have to climb up on your roof to check if it was done right. Ask your roofing contractor for clear before-and-after pictures of the work they completed. These should show things like new flashing, shingle layers, and clean tear-off areas. You can also hire a roof inspection company that uses drones or cameras to give you a full view from the ground. Walk around your yard and check for leftover roofing nails, trash, or broken shingles that were not cleaned up. Look at the gutters to make sure they are working and not bent or clogged. Water should flow out through the downspouts without pooling or backing up. All these checks help confirm the roofers did a safe and clean job.

When Roofers Should Be Allowed Inside the Home

Most roofing work happens outside, but sometimes roofers need to come inside your home. If you have a hard-to-find roof leak, the contractor may need to look at your ceiling, bathroom, or attic space to find the problem. When you get a roof replacement, roofers often check the attic to see if your ventilation is working right. They also inspect the roof decking from underneath to spot any damage. This helps stop mold, wood rot, or water from getting into your walls. If they need to come in, the roofing contractor should use floor coverings and be careful with your things. A good contractor will respect your home, keep it clean, and do the job right.

How to Hire a Contractor for Final Roof Inspection

After your new roof is done, hiring a contractor for a final roof inspection makes sure everything was done properly. Look for a roofing contractor with good reviews, a valid license, and full insurance coverage. Ask for their full roof inspection checklist, and make sure they will check flashing, ventilation, shingles, and decking. A good contractor will look at both the outside roof and the inside attic space to find any issues. They should also make sure your roof meets local building code and installation requirements. Don’t forget to ask for clear info about roofing labor costs and what’s covered in the job. A final inspection helps you feel confident in the work and keeps your roof strong.

Final Tips for Long-Term Roof Protection

Once your roof inspection is finished, taking care of your roof will help it last many years. Clean your gutters and downspouts often so water doesn’t back up and cause soffit rot or roof edge rot. Remove any leaves, sticks, or dirt that cause blocked gutters or standing water. Watch for signs of moss growth, roof leaks, or loose shingles after storms. Keep an eye on the attic to check that ventilation stays strong and your insulation is dry. Schedule a routine roof inspection at least once a year to catch early problems. If anything seems wrong, contact a roofing contractor right away for help. A little regular care keeps your home safe and your roof in top shape.