How to Check If Your Roof Was Installed Properly

A new roof should bring peace of mind—not new problems. But many homeowners don’t realize something’s wrong until leaks, drafts, or sagging show up months later. Before things escalate, it helps to know the signs of proper (and improper) installation from the start.

This guide walks you through the most important details to check so you can spot issues early, get problems fixed fast, and feel confident in the work done, whether you hired a "roofing contractor near me in Oneonta AL" or another local pro. We'll also touch on why working with a trusted team like Royal Roof Contractors LLC matters, especially when you need an Alabama roofing specialist who understands local weather challenges.

1. Look at the Shingle Alignment and Pattern

One of the fastest ways to tell if your roof was installed correctly is by simply stepping back and looking at the shingle layout. A well-installed roof has:

• Straight, even shingle lines
• Clean edges
• No “stair-step” or wavy patterns
• No visible gaps

Crooked, inconsistent shingles usually point to rushed labor or poor craftsmanship. Even minor misalignment can shorten the roof’s lifespan by exposing areas to wind uplift and water intrusion.

Quick check: Stand on the sidewalk or opposite end of your yard and look for wavy lines. If you see unevenness, document it with photos.

2. Inspect the Flashing Around Vulnerable Areas

Flashing is the thin metal material placed around chimneys, vents, skylights, dormers, and valleys. This is one area where inexperienced roofers cut corners, and it’s also where most leaks begin.

Make sure your flashing:

• Is secured tightly
• Overlaps correctly
• Has no gaps, dents, or lifted sections
• Is not sealed entirely with caulk (a sign of poor workmanship)

Proper flashing should channel water away—not rely on caulk as the main defense. If anything looks sloppy, ask the roofer to revisit that section immediately.

3. Check the Roof Ventilation System

A good roof does more than keep water out—it must also allow air to move through the attic. Without proper ventilation, you’ll see premature shingle curling, mold growth, and higher energy bills.

Your roof should include:

• Intake vents (usually in the soffits)
• Exhaust vents (ridge vents, turbine vents, or box vents)

When these are balanced, your roof stays healthy. If your attic feels overly hot or damp, there’s a good chance the ventilation wasn’t installed properly.

4. Evaluate the Drip Edge Installation

Many homeowners don’t know what a drip edge is, but it’s one of the most important components of a roof system. It’s a metal strip installed along the edges to keep water from running behind the gutters.

A proper drip edge:

• Runs along all eaves and rakes
• Is installed under the underlayment on the eaves
• Is installed over the underlayment on the rakes
• Has no visible gaps or buckling

Missing drip edge is a red flag and can lead to rot, mold, and fascia damage over time.

5. Review the Cleanliness of the Jobsite

Believe it or not, workmanship often shows through how the crew handles cleanup. A responsible roofing company leaves:

• No stray nails in the yard
• No leftover shingle debris
• No damaged landscaping
• No dents in gutters

A tidy site reflects attention to detail—which often means the installation itself was handled with care.

Case Study: A Homeowner Catches a Flashing Issue Early

A homeowner in Alabama noticed that the flashing around their chimney looked uneven after a recent roof replacement. They contacted their roofer, who insisted it was fine. Unsatisfied, they requested a second opinion. The inspector found improperly layered flashing that would have caused leaks within months. Because the issue was caught early, repairs were quick, and the homeowner avoided thousands in interior water damage. The lesson: Even small details matter.

Final Thoughts

A roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your home. Taking time to inspect the installation can save you years of frustration and costly repairs. If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out for a professional assessment.