Dealing with a leak in a brand-new roof can be frustrating, but it's essential to approach the situation calmly and methodically. Most roof leaks occur around the flashing or seals around roof protrusions, like chimneys, skylights, stack vents, or valleys. Fortunately, these issues are often easy to fix and may not require extensive repairs.
A roof leak is not always indicative of poor workmanship. Even newly installed roofs can experience errors or unforeseen circumstances that lead to leaks. It's crucial to address the problem promptly, but don't jump to conclusions about the quality of the installation.
Join All Elements, Inc. as we cover what you should do in this predicament.
How to Handle a Brand New Roof Leaking
Experiencing a leak in a new roof can be concerning, but it's important to approach the situation calmly and systematically. Leaks often arise around areas such as flashing or seals around roof protrusions like chimneys and skylights. Here's a step-by-step guide to managing a leak in your new roof effectively.
Assess the Leaking New Roof
Gather as much information about the roof leak before calling a new contractor to fix it. Do your best to find where the leak is coming from. You don't necessarily have to climb onto the roof to do this—first, scan the roof from the ground to see what you can observe, then check the underside of your roof deck from within the attic.
It may also be helpful to note the time it started raining, how hard it was raining, and how long it had been raining when the roof leak started to appear. This information can help a new roofer determine how serious the issue is and how best to fix it.
Review Your New Leaking Roof’s Documentation
Do you have photos of the tear-off or underlayment from when your roof was replaced? This could help your new contractor identify the issue. Knowing the scope of the work will also help a new roofer determine whether the previous contractor followed specifications or what was being covered up.
Both of these things will help a new contractor figure out what needs to be done more quickly, so collect as much of this information as you can.
Check With the Manufacturer of Your Roof
Check with the roofing product manufacturer to see if a warranty was registered at the time of the original installation. If so, the problem could be covered under the roof manufacturer's warranty.
The manufacturer's warranty on the product and the contractor's warranty on the installation are separate, so depending on the problem, the manufacturer's warranty may or may not cover it—but it's always worth checking.
It's important to remember that while warranties can provide some level of protection, they often do not cover every issue that may arise. As such, having a reliable and skilled roofing contractor on your side is crucial for addressing any immediate concerns and ensuring the long-term integrity of your roof.
Do Your Due Diligence to Find a Reputable Roofer
When faced with a leaky roof, it's natural to feel panicked and want a quick solution. However, it's crucial not to rush into hiring the first roofer you find. Conducting thorough research will help ensure you select a qualified and reputable contractor, ultimately saving you from future headaches. Here's how to go about it:
- Research and Reviews: Look for feedback on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Angi to gauge the quality of a roofer's work. Reach out to friends, family, or neighbors who have had similar work done. Personal recommendations can lead you to reliable contractors.
- Evaluate Experience: Choose a roofing contractor who has been established in the community for a significant period. A long-standing business typically signifies reliability and a good reputation.
- Interview Multiple Contractors: Speak to at least three roofers to gauge their expertise and approach to your specific needs. Obtain detailed estimates from each contractor.
- Watch for Red Flags: If a contractor quickly suggests that you need to reroof your entire house to fix a minor leak, consider it a warning sign. Seek a second opinion before committing to such extensive work. Also, be cautious of any contractor offering a price significantly lower than the competition, as it may indicate subpar workmanship or hidden issues.
- Ensure Warranty Coverage: Look for a contractor who offers a warranty on their work. Ideally, this warranty should extend to the entire roof, providing added peace of mind against future problems. While this may involve some extra cost, the reassurance of having someone to call for future issues makes it worthwhile.
By selecting a roofing contractor carefully, you can invest wisely in your home and ensure a quality repair.
Need Your Leaking New Roof Repaired?
If you have a new roof that is leaking and your contractor has gone out of business, all is not lost. Any experienced roofing contractor can fix your roof leak. Make sure that in the future, you have a contractor by your side who will stand by their work, should future issues arise.
All Elements offers Minnesota's best residential roofing and commercial roofing inspection and repair services. We're an established business with a solid reputation for high-quality workmanship and customer service, and we always stand by our work. If you've found yourself without a roofing contractor, we'd be happy to take care of your roof. Contact us today for an estimate. We look forward to serving you!
