Post-Installation Roofing Checklist: How to Know If Your Roofer Did a Good Job
The final nail is in, the crew has left, and your roof looks brand new—but how do you know if it was done right? While a freshly installed roof may appear flawless at first glance, the true quality lies beneath the surface. A roof isn’t just another home improvement—it’s your home’s first line of defense against wind, rain, hail, and heat. Ensuring it was installed properly is crucial to your home’s long-term safety, energy efficiency, and resale value.
Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors follow best practices, and poor workmanship or material shortcuts can take months—or even years—to reveal themselves. That’s why homeowners must take a proactive approach to inspect the completed work. You don’t need to be a contractor to spot the signs of a job well done—you just need to know what to look for. From proper flashing to a spotless cleanup, this guide will walk you through the essential visual cues and behind-the-scenes indicators that signal a professional, durable roofing job.
Armed with the checklist below, you’ll be able to assess the craftsmanship, catch potential red flags early, and hold your contractor accountable—ensuring that your investment was worth every penny.
1. Visual Symmetry and Appearance
At first glance, your roof should look like a professionally executed project. But beyond curb appeal, symmetry and consistency play a critical role in your roof’s ability to shed water and resist wind damage. A sloppy or uneven appearance may signal deeper issues, such as poor alignment or shortcuts taken during installation. A properly finished roof should not only look clean and uniform—it should function seamlessly in all weather conditions.
- Shingles should be aligned neatly in uniform rows with consistent spacing.
- No exposed nails should be visible (except on ridge caps where special sealing methods are used).
- No sagging, warping, or uneven surfaces.
- Valleys and ridges should be well-defined and cleanly installed.
2. Edges, Flashing, and Roof Penetrations
Flashing and edge details are often where roofing systems fail—and where poor workmanship becomes apparent. These areas are particularly vulnerable to water intrusion, so they demand precision and care. When executed correctly, flashing diverts water away from critical intersections and ensures a watertight barrier around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
- Drip edges should be installed along all roof eaves.
- Flashing should lie flat and flush with the roof and walls.
- Vent pipes should be securely booted and sealed.
- Step flashing should be present along sidewalls and chimneys.
3. Attic and Interior Signs
The interior of your home can reveal what’s hidden beneath your shingles. Even with a brand-new roof, attic conditions can uncover potential ventilation issues or early warning signs of moisture infiltration. A quick check inside can help you catch problems before they escalate into expensive repairs or mold growth.
- No daylight should be visible through roof boards.
- Proper intake and exhaust ventilation should be in place.
- No signs of moisture, water stains, or damp insulation.
- Even airflow and temperature in the attic.
4. Roof Debris and Cleanup
A clean job site speaks volumes about a contractor’s professionalism and respect for your home. After a roofing project, your property should be just as tidy—if not cleaner—than before work began. Thorough cleanup isn’t just about aesthetics; leftover nails or debris can be dangerous to pets, children, and vehicles.
- No leftover nails, shingles, or packaging materials should remain.
- Old roofing materials should be properly removed and hauled away.
- Magnetic sweepers should be used to collect metal debris.
- Landscaping should be protected, and gutters should be cleared of granules.
5. Water Management Systems
The job doesn’t stop at shingles. Your roof is part of a broader water management system, and it must work in harmony with gutters, downspouts, and flashing to channel water away from your home effectively. Post-installation, it’s essential to inspect how water is directed off the roof and whether drainage pathways are functioning properly.
- Gutters and downspouts should be securely reattached.
- Water should flow freely without overflow or blockage.
- Gutter guards or diverters should be installed as agreed.
- No pooling or signs of improper runoff should be present.
6. Material Quality and Labels
Verifying the materials used is a simple yet powerful step that ensures you receive what you paid for. Reputable contractors will be transparent about the brands and products installed, and these should match your original contract or estimate. Higher-grade materials often carry better warranties and perform better in extreme conditions.
- Check packaging or leftovers for the correct shingle brand and type.
- Confirm specialty products (e.g., impact-resistant shingles, synthetic underlayment) were used.
- Verify proper ventilation components were installed.
- Request receipts or delivery slips for material verification.
7. Warranty and Documentation
Documentation is your safety net should issues arise later. Reputable contractors provide clear, detailed paperwork outlining your warranty coverage, material specifications, and installation procedures. Having these in hand not only protects your investment but also simplifies resale transactions and insurance claims.
- Receive copies of material and workmanship warranties.
- Ensure the workmanship warranty clearly defines what is covered.
- Ask for before-and-after installation photos.
- Confirm all permits and inspections were handled properly.
8. Rain Test (Optional but Recommended)
If the weather cooperates—or if you simulate it with a garden hose—observing how your roof handles water is an excellent way to test the system. A well-installed roof will shed water evenly, without pooling or leaking. This quick test can offer peace of mind, especially before the next big storm.
- Observe how water flows off the roof and through the gutters.
- Check for leaks, damp spots, or dripping inside the attic.
- Look for signs of overflow, backflow, or pooling.
- Inspect soffits and fascia for water staining.
9. Online Reviews and Reputation Check
Even after the work is complete, it’s helpful to cross-reference your experience with that of others. Contractors with consistently positive feedback and a strong local presence are more likely to honor their warranties and maintain high standards over time. Checking their reputation reinforces your confidence—or alerts you to any red flags.
- Read Google, Yelp, BBB, or Angi reviews.
- Ask neighbors or recent clients for feedback.
- Ensure the contractor has a local, verifiable business address.
- Look for pattern-based praise or complaints—not one-offs.
10. Red Flags After Completion
Some signs of poor workmanship or shady business practices only become obvious after the crew is gone. Being aware of these red flags helps you act quickly and demand corrective action before long-term damage sets in.
- Materials or finishes differ from what was agreed upon.
- Shingles start curling or lifting within days.
- Flashing or vents are loose, missing, or leaking.
- Cleanup was incomplete, or nails were left behind.
- The contractor avoids follow-up or won’t provide documentation.
Let Semper Fi Roofing & Exteriors Give You the Confidence You Deserve
If you’re unsure whether your roof was installed properly—or simply want a second set of expert eyes—Semper Fi Roofing & Exteriors is here to help. We’ve built our reputation in the Greater Milwaukee area on trust, integrity, and results that speak for themselves.
We don’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in doing it right the first time.
When you work with Semper Fi, you’re choosing a team that:
- Treats your home like it’s our own, protecting every square inch with precision and care.
- Uses only top-tier materials backed by industry-leading warranties.
- Employs certified professionals trained in the latest techniques and safety standards.
- Keeps you informed with transparent communication and clear, thorough documentation.
- Stands behind our work with ironclad workmanship guarantees and a reputation built on referrals and five-star reviews.
Whether you’re questioning a recent roofing job done by another contractor or planning a project from scratch, we’re ready to provide the expertise and honesty you need. Our experienced team can evaluate your current roof, explain any concerns in plain language, and recommend the best path forward—without pressure or gimmicks.
Request a Professional Roof Inspection Today
Don’t wait for a leak or storm to expose poor workmanship. Contact Semper Fi Roofing & Exteriors today for a thorough post-installation inspection or to schedule your free roofing consultation. We’ll help you gain peace of mind knowing your roof is solid, secure, and built to last.
Call us or request your inspection online—because your home deserves the kind of quality only a trusted local expert can provide.