What to Check After Roofers Installed A New Roof

Getting a new roof should be a relief, but it also brings responsibility. A post‑installation check confirms that your investment was installed correctly and that your home remains protected. Skipping this step can leave hidden problems unaddressed until a storm hits or a warranty period runs out. In this guide I explain what to check after roofers installed new roof, why each step matters and how to act on your findings. Drawing on years of experience working with homeowners, I’ll offer practical advice that balances professionalism with straightforward language.

Understanding the Importance of a Post‑Installation Check

It’s easy to assume that a new roof is ready for decades of service. However, mistakes, oversights and material defects can occur even when using a reputable Roofing contractor. A post‑installation check verifies structural soundness and ensures your roof is leak‑free. These inspections also safeguard your warranty: insurers and manufacturers often require documentation of an initial inspection. Identifying issues now means they can be corrected while the work is still under warranty, saving time and money later.

What to check after roofers installed new roof: How to inspect properly

Interior inspection

Begin inside, where signs of trouble are often easier to spot. Look for sunlight peeking through the roof, damp spots around chimneys and vents, cracked sheathing or wet insulation. Mold or frost on nails indicates moisture intrusion. Ensure intake and exhaust vents are unobstructed and that the decking doesn’t sag. Document any anomalies and report them to your Roofing Company for evaluation.

What to do after a new roof is installed? Practical next steps

A quality roofing job includes thorough cleanup. Crews should blow off debris and use magnets to collect stray nails. If nails surface later during a rainstorm, ask for a secondary sweep. Schedule a walk‑through with the project manager to confirm straight shingle lines, properly aligned drip edges and clean gutters. This is the time to address questions about materials or workmanship.

Payments should align with your contract. Most roofers request a deposit and then collect the balance after the final inspection. Do not release final funds until you’ve verified that the roof meets all agreed‑upon specifications. Following up with the crew to register manufacturer or enhanced warranties protects you against defects.

How do I know if my roof replacement was done correctly?

Part of knowing what to check after roofers installed new roof is understanding what a properly completed roof looks like. Visual cues provide the first clues. Shingles should be evenly spaced, aligned and secured. Flashing should look new and unblemished, with no gaps or rust. There should be no piles of leftover materials or debris in gutters. A straight, smooth roofline indicates quality work. To gain more confidence, consider hiring an independent inspector or enrolling in a maintenance program. Annual or biannual checks can catch minor issues like nail pops or small leaks before they become costly.

How to tell if a roofer is lying?

Transparency is key. Legitimate roofers readily provide proof of insurance, licensing and certifications. Compare the final invoice with the contract to ensure materials and upgrades match what was promised. If a contractor claims to use a premium shingle or underlayment, ask to see the packaging or manufacturer labels. Pay attention to how questions are answered: clear explanations signify professionalism, while evasiveness is a red flag. Checking reviews and references helps you gauge honesty and reliability.

DIY vs Professional Inspection: What’s right for you?

Inspecting the roof yourself saves money and gives you firsthand knowledge of your home, but it carries risks. Climbing ladders and navigating steep pitches can be dangerous, and untrained eyes may miss subtle signs of damage. A professional inspection costs more but brings expertise and safety. Roofers use specialized tools, know common trouble spots and provide documentation useful for warranty claims. Many homeowners choose to perform simple visual checks from the ground and attic between professional visits and then hire an inspector every couple of years. This combination balances cost, safety and thoroughness.

Post‑Installation Cleanup, Warranties, and Maintenance

Cleanup isn’t just cosmetic; it protects your property and helps verify that work was completed. Crews should remove all debris and sweep lawns and driveways with magnets to collect nails. Ask about shingle recycling programs if environmental impact matters to you. Warranty registration is equally important. Manufacturers typically cover defects in materials and workmanship, and enhanced warranties offered through certified Roofing Services providers may offer additional coverage. Keep copies of invoices and registration forms to support future claims.

Ongoing maintenance ensures your roof’s long life. Twice a year, clean gutters, trim overhanging branches and clear debris. Inspect your attic for moisture or discoloration. If your home is tall or you’re uncomfortable with ladders, hire professionals to perform these tasks. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of leaks and extends the life of your Roof Installation.

For additional context on how gutters interact with roof replacement, see Do gutters have to be removed when replacing a roof?. This article from the same provider explains when gutter removal is necessary and how contractors protect them during a replacement.

When to schedule future inspections: what to check after roofers installed new roof again

Your first post‑installation inspection should happen soon after the roof is finished—ideally within the first few weeks. This ensures that any immediate issues are caught while your contractor is still readily available. After that, plan regular checks. In regions with harsh winters or heavy storms, annual inspections may be necessary to monitor for hail damage, ice dams and wind‑blown shingles. In milder climates, a check every two years might suffice.

Timing matters because small problems can grow quickly. Nail pops can lead to slow leaks that cause hidden water damage, and loose flashing can shift during a storm. Seasonal changes such as freezing and thawing cycles put additional stress on roofing materials, making early detection crucial. If your area experiences extreme weather, schedule inspections after major events like hailstorms or hurricanes. Document any findings with photographs and notes so you have a record should you need warranty service or insurance coverage.

Many contractors offer maintenance programs that include scheduled inspections, gutter cleaning and minor repairs. Enrolling in such a program simplifies timing and ensures that professionals track the health of your roof. Even if you’re diligent about your own checks, a professional perspective provides extra assurance that your Roof Replacement remains in excellent condition.

Common Post‑Installation Issues and When to Call Your Roofing Company

Being proactive about what to check after roofers installed new roof means monitoring for common issues. Loose or missing shingles, leaks around vents or granule buildup in gutters may signal problems. Popped nails and damaged flashing are also common. If you see these signs, contact your contractor promptly. Early intervention prevents minor issues from turning into major repairs.

Pay attention to your energy bills as well. Unexpected increases can indicate ventilation or insulation problems in the attic. Ice dams in winter or excessive heat in summer may suggest inadequate airflow. A roofing professional can recommend solutions like ridge vents or additional exhaust fans. Many contractors offer maintenance programs that include inspections, cleaning and documentation. Enrolling in one ensures you stay ahead of potential problems and makes warranty claims easier. For an external perspective on the value of recurring inspections, read this expert opinion on why regular roof inspection saves money in the long run.

‍