A brand-new roof should give you peace of mind for years. But once the shingles are installed, how do you actually know the job was done right?
From the ground, two new roofs can look almost identical. The bigger differences are often in the details you can’t easily see—how the shingles were fastened, how vulnerable areas were protected, whether flashing was installed correctly, and whether the entire roofing system works together.
At Barringer Brothers Roofing, we install asphalt roofing systems throughout Fairview Heights, IL and the Metro East. Here are some of the things homeowners can look for when evaluating a newly installed roof.
1. The Shingles Should Look Straight and Consistent
One of the easiest things to check is the overall appearance.
Your shingles should create clean, consistent lines across the roof without obvious waves, uneven sections, lifted edges, or shingles that appear out of place.
Keep in mind that newly installed asphalt shingles may need some warm weather and sunlight to fully settle and seal. A roof that was just completed may look slightly different after it has had some time to settle.
2. Flashing Should Protect Vulnerable Areas
Some of the most important parts of your roof aren’t the large open sections covered in shingles.
Areas around chimneys, walls, valleys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations require extra attention because they’re common places for water to find its way into a roofing system.
Proper flashing helps direct water away from these areas instead of allowing it underneath the roofing materials.
3. The Roof Should Have Proper Ventilation
Ventilation isn’t the most exciting part of getting a new roof, but it matters.
A properly designed roofing system needs adequate attic ventilation to help manage heat and moisture. Poor ventilation can contribute to excess heat and moisture buildup and may affect the performance of the roofing system over time.
When replacing a roof, the contractor should evaluate the existing ventilation rather than simply replacing shingles and ignoring everything else.
4. The Materials Under the Shingles Matter Too
You won’t be able to see the underlayment once your roof is finished, but it’s an important part of the system.
Underlayment is installed between the roof decking and asphalt shingles to provide an additional layer of protection.
A quality roof installation isn’t just about making the finished shingles look good. The work performed before the shingles ever go on matters too.
5. The Roof Deck Should Be Checked Before It’s Covered
During a full roof replacement, removing the old roofing materials exposes the decking underneath.
This gives the roofing crew an opportunity to identify damaged or deteriorated decking before installing the new roofing system.
Covering questionable decking without addressing it can leave problems hidden underneath a roof that looks brand new from the outside.
6. The Details Around the Edges Should Look Finished
Take a look at the roof edges, ridges, valleys, and areas where different roof sections meet.
These areas should look clean and intentional rather than patched together or unfinished.
Starter shingles, drip edge, ridge caps, flashing, and other components all play their own roles in the finished roofing system.
7. Your Property Should Be Clean When the Job Is Finished
Installation quality isn’t only about what’s happening on top of the house.
A professional roofing contractor should also leave your property in good condition once the work is complete. Roofing debris, packaging, old shingles, and loose nails shouldn’t be left scattered around your yard and driveway.
A thorough cleanup is part of a professional roof replacement.
8. Your Contractor Should Be Able to Explain What Was Installed
You shouldn’t have to become a roofing expert to know what was put on your home.
Your contractor should be able to explain the shingles, underlayment, ventilation, flashing, warranties, and other major components included in your roofing system.
If you’re building a new home, it’s also worth asking your builder or roofing contractor exactly which roofing products were used rather than assuming every new construction roof is built the same way.
Can a Brand-New Roof Have Problems?
Yes.
A roof doesn’t have to be old to have an issue. Installation mistakes, storm damage, manufacturing issues, or problems with other parts of the home can occur even when the roof itself is relatively new.
That’s why “it’s brand new” shouldn’t be the only measure of roof quality.
How the roof was installed matters just as much as its age.
What If I Didn’t Choose the Roofing Contractor?
This is especially common when buying a newly built home.
You may walk into a finished house without knowing who installed the roof, which shingles were used, or what roofing system is underneath them.
Ask for any available roofing documentation, including information about the contractor, shingle manufacturer, product line, and applicable warranties. Keeping those records can be helpful if you ever have questions about the roof later.
A New Roof Should Be More Than New Shingles
When you’re looking at a newly installed roof, don’t judge it entirely by how nice the shingles look from the driveway.
A quality roof depends on the entire roofing system and how it was installed.
That includes the decking, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, shingles, roof penetrations, edges, ridges, and dozens of smaller installation details that work together to protect your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for straight and consistent shingles, properly finished edges, appropriate flashing, a clean jobsite, and documentation explaining the roofing system that was installed. A professional roof inspection can provide a closer evaluation if you have concerns.
If you’re buying a newly constructed home or have concerns about a recent installation, having the roof evaluated can give you additional information about its condition and installation.
New asphalt shingles can sometimes need heat and sunlight to settle and seal completely. However, significant lifting, irregular installation, or areas that continue to look abnormal may be worth asking your roofing contractor about.
You may be able to notice obvious issues from the ground, but many important roofing components aren’t visible once installation is complete.
Yes. The materials are only one part of a roofing system. Proper installation plays an important role in how well those materials perform over time.
Building or Buying a Home in Fairview Heights?
A new home deserves a roof that’s built to protect it for years—not simply one that looks finished from the street.
Barringer Brothers Roofing provides quality asphalt roofing services throughout Fairview Heights, IL and the surrounding Metro East, including new construction roofing.
Whether you’re building a home or need help with an existing roof, our team can help you understand your roofing options.
Call Barringer Brothers Roofing at (618) 703-3036 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free estimate.
