How to spot a quality roof installation

There are lots of things that determine how long a roof lasts. While modern roofing materials often have impressive durability, there are lots of factors involved when it comes to their longevity. This includes weather conditions faced, accidental damage and the quality of workmanship. Even if you’ve invested in high-performance roofing, a qualified contractor must install the roof to a high standard.

Here are some of the ways you can spot a quality roof installation.

Uniform roof tiles

If you’ve had old or broken roof tiles replaced, there are several ways you can tell if this has been done to a good standard. Always check your roof to see if it looks uniform. Are there any patches that don’t look like the rest?

Signs of a poorly installed roof include popped nails and slipped tiles that haven’t been fixed properly for the angle of the pitch. Unfortunately, this can leave your tiles at risk of falling, causing property damage or injury to anyone nearby. Any missing roof tiles can also lead to leaks and water damage within your home.

Good roof flashing

Flashing is a material used to help waterproof areas on your roof that may be vulnerable to water ingress, such as where two sides meet. This includes the area around chimney stacks, dormer windows, vents and skylights. The aim is to ensure the roof joints remain as watertight as possible while directing water away from the roof and into the guttering.

Flashing that’s been improperly applied may pull up from the roof, leaving gaps for water to get through. However, it’s always good to be aware that flashing will deteriorate over the years, so rusty metal or peeling flashing may just need replacing if it’s old.

Adequate loft ventilation

An experienced contractor will always consider the implications for your loft or attic ventilation when installing a new roof. During routine inspections, you should be looking out for issues such as condensation build-ups, damp spots and rotten timber, indicating poor ventilation throughout the roofing area.

If you have a new roof scheduled for installation, always discuss ventilation with your contractor. They may have already planned measures to improve the ventilation, such as vents in the roof soffits, tiles or ridges. How many vents you require will depend on a number of factors, including property location (and the type of weather conditions) and whether the affected space is used as a general attic or converted living space (e.g., a loft conversion).

Choose an approved roofing contractor – Contact us now for a free quote

Are you looking for a local roofing company to perform quality roof installations? Contact South Thames Roofing. We work on projects throughout South London and Surrey, including Carshalton, Cobham and West Molesey.

To get in touch, call now on 0208 397 2900 or [email protected].