How Can You Tell If a Roofer Did a Bad Job in the Treasure Valley?
The fastest way to tell if a roofer did a bad job is to look at the edges and the penetrations. Wavy shingle lines, exposed nail heads, missing drip edge, reused flashing around the chimney and vents, and no permit on file are the most common signs of poor work on Treasure Valley homes. Dodd Roofing and Exteriors inspects many roofs in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Eagle that were installed only a few years ago and already leak, and the cause is usually shortcuts on installation day.
What does a bad shingle job look like from the ground?
Stand at the curb and sight down each course of shingles. Courses should run in straight, evenly spaced lines across the slope. Wavy lines mean the crew never snapped chalk lines. Shingles that stop short of the rake edge or hang more than an inch past the eave were cut carelessly. Lumpy areas where old roofing was left underneath also show from the street.
What should you check at the roof edges?
Idaho code requires metal drip edge at eaves and rakes, and missing drip edge is the most common defect we find on newer installs. Look under the first course of shingles at the eave. You should see a metal lip that directs water into the gutter rather than behind it. Our post on drip edge requirements in the Treasure Valley shows what it looks like. If the first row of shingles lifts easily by hand, the starter course was likely skipped.
Why do exposed nails and reused flashing matter?
Every nail head sitting above the shingle surface is a future leak, since nails should be flush and covered by the course above. High nails, angled nails, and nails placed above the nail line let shingles slide and tear in our spring wind. A quality replacement includes new step flashing along walls, new pipe boots, and resealed counterflashing at the chimney. Rusty flashing, tar smeared over old metal, or a cracked pipe boot that was painted over means the roofer reused parts that should have been replaced. Our post on roof leaks around the chimney explains what correct flashing looks like.
Is a missing permit a sign of bad work?
Usually yes. Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and Ada County all require a permit for a full roof replacement, and the permit brings an inspection. A roofer who skipped the permit avoided that inspection for a reason. Your city building department can confirm whether a permit was pulled at your address, and a buyer's inspector will ask for it at resale.
What can you do if your roof was installed poorly?
Start with a written inspection from a different contractor. Dodd Roofing and Exteriors offers free roof inspections across the Treasure Valley and documents defects with photos you can send to the original installer. Many problems, including missing drip edge, exposed nails, and bad pipe boots, can be corrected with a roof repair rather than a second replacement. If the underlayment or decking was done wrong, replacement may be the honest answer, and financing is available. Call (208) 295-9421 to schedule.
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