When it comes to protecting your home, few investments matter more than your roof.
Your roof is supposed to keep the elements out, stop water from causing mold and mildew, and prevent animals from finding their way into your home. A high-quality roof installation will do just that.
But even the best roofing materials can fail if they’re not installed correctly. A solid roof you can trust isn’t just about premium shingles, it’s the craftsmanship and attention to detail that make it high quality.
After all, one misplaced nail can cause a world of issues. Getting a high-quality roof from the start can prevent headaches down the road.
Let’s talk about why quality matters, materials, and how to know if you’re going to get a high quality roof replacement.
Why Does Roof Installation Quality Matter?
The quality of your roof installation can determine how long your roof will last. A poorly installed roof might look fine at first, but even a small mistake, like a single improperly placed nail, can be quite unforgiving.
So much so that over half of the homeowners that call us with roofing issues, have nailing issues on their roof.
Common Roof Nailing Issues
- Overdriven nails: Nails that are driven so deeply into the shingle, they cut or break through the shingle surface, not effectively holding the shingle to your roof decking. This is problematic because it can reduce the shingle’s holding power, making it susceptible to flying off your roof with a good wind gust.
- Underdriven nails: Nails that aren’t driven into the shingle far enough, leaving the nail head raised and not flush with the shingle. Underdriven nails prevent shingles from laying flat, which can damage the overlaid shingle. It can also allow wind and water to get into places it shouldn’t be, leading to potential leaks.
- Overshot nails: Shingle manufacturers have placed a designated nailing zone on their shingles. When a nail is placed higher up than the nailing zone, it’s considered an overshot nail. This small mistake can prevent overlapping shingle layers from being secured properly to your roof. Making it much easier for strong winds to pull your shingles off.
- Undershot nails: Nails that are placed too low on the shingle, often below the nailing line or even through the exposed portion of the shingle. Undershot nails can penetrate only one layer of the shingle instead of both, or even pierce through the visible portion, leading to exposed nail heads and potential leaks.
While nailing issues are common, they are not the only installation errors that can cause major problems.
We’ve also seen issues caused by:
- Skipping manufacturer-specified starter shingles: Starter shingles are a required first layer along the edges of your roof. They are designed with an adhesive strip that protects the first course of shingles against wind uplift. This is a vulnerable area for wind damage, which is why its crucial to install starter shingles and install them properly.
- Skipping manufacturer-specified hip and ridge cap shingles: Hip and ridge shingles are engineered to bend and seal properly over a roof’s peaks. Manufacturers require their own matching hip and ridge caps to maintain proper wind ratings and warranty coverage. At times, inexperienced roofers may use regular shingles on these areas, which cause shingles to crack, blow off, or fail prematurely.
- Failing to use six nails per shingle: Most manufacturers require roofers to install each shingle with six nails to meet their tested wind-resistance rating. Using less nails can reduce the roof’s ability to stay intact during storms. This can be a reason a warranty claim is denied, because the installation didn’t meet required specs.
Not ensuring the roof deck is properly open at the ridge vent: A ridge vent only works if the decking underneath has a continuous slot cut out on both sides of the ridge. If a roofer installs a ridge vent, but fails to open a slot, air cannot escape from the attic. Trapped air can cause your energy bill to skyrocket and cause interior moisture damage to your home.
These issues can cause ventilation problems and void your roof warranty. To learn more about what can void a roof warranty, check out this article: What Voids a Roof Warranty?
When installation isn’t completed properly, you could find yourself paying for roof repairs on damage that could have been prevented. This is why high-quality craftsmanship is so important throughout the roofing process.
What Does Craftsmanship Mean in Roofing?
Quality craftsmanship in roofing means precision from the start of the job through to the final inspection. True craftsmanship is much more than just finishing the job. Poor quality craftsmanship is discovered throughout the life of your roof, which is why vetting your roofer properly before signing a contract is crucial.
This can set you up for a roof that lasts its entire lifespan with little need for repairs.
The typical signs of quality craftsmanship are:
- No leaks after installation: Roof leak repairs can cost you a pretty penny over the lifespan of your roof.
- Compliance with all local code requirements: Your roofer should always follow code requirements. To familiarize yourself with the code requirements of Horry County roofers, check out the 2021 International Residential Codes: 2021 IRC Requirements.
- Adherence to manufacturer installation guidelines: A great example of adherence to installation guidelines is nailing within the zone designated on a shingle. However, there are a number of requirements roofers should always follow.
- On-site supervision: There should be someone overseeing and checking the work throughout the project. This helps catch any issues so they can be fixed right away.
If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may be wondering how you can hire someone who will give you a high quality roof installation, particularly because a lot of craftsmanship errors can only be discovered once the project is complete.
To help you choose the right roofer for your project, check out our Comparing Contractors Quiz. You can use this quiz to narrow down your search and find the best roofer in Myrtle Beach:
How Do Roofing Materials Affect Installation Quality?
High-quality roofing materials play a big role in the final result, but they only perform as well as they’re installed. You can typically trust the big names like:
These brands continually improve their products to provide better protection, durability, and aesthetics year after year.
However, not all shingles are suited for every environment. For example, we wouldn’t recommend (or install) 3-tab shingles in the Myrtle Beach area. Although they were popular decades ago, 3-tab shingles aren’t designed for the wind, humidity, and storm conditions we face on the Grand Strand.
Here’s why they’re a poor choice for coastal homes:
- Lower wind ratings: 3-tab shingles can struggle to withstand wind speeds higher than 60 mph, which is important to note in areas like Myrtle Beach, where we’re prone to hurricanes. Most roofers will not install 3-tab shingles on a roof in the Myrtle Beach area for this reason. For an affordable, yet durable option, most roofers offer architectural shingles, which have layers that make them more wind resistant.
- Thinner, lighter construction. A 3-tab shingle has only one layer of asphalt, making it easier for strong winds to lift, crease, or tear off. The lightweight design that once made them affordable is the same reason they don’t hold up well in coastal conditions.
- Shorter lifespan. Because they’re thinner, 3-tabs tend to wear out faster, especially in hot, humid climates like Myrtle Beach, where UV exposure and heat accelerate aging.
- Limited aesthetic appeal. Homeowners today usually prefer the dimensional look of architectural shingles, which mimic wood shakes and add curb appeal. 3-tabs lie flat and can make a home look dated.
All of these drawbacks are why many reputable roofers no longer offer 3-tab shingles as an option. They simply aren’t engineered for our weather, and installing them would set homeowners up for premature shingle failure and potential warranty issues.
How Do You Choose the Right Roofing Company?
The right roofing company should have a proven track record, excellent customer reviews, and a history of doing business in your community. You will also want to look for a roofer that is licensed and insured who back their work with manufacturer and workmanship warranties.
While we at Linta Roofing check all these boxes, we know we’re not always the right fit for every homeowner. To help you choose the best roofer for your project, we made a list of the 9 best roofing companies in the area, you can check it out here: 9 Best Roofing Companies in Myrtle Beach
Beyond these things, you should also ask around. Your friends, family, and neighbors have no stake in the game to misguide you. All roofing companies in our area would consider themselves the best, but it means nothing unless the community agrees.
If you’d like us to inspect your roof, follow this link to book your roof inspection: Book a Roof Inspection with Linta Roofing
FAQs About Roof Installation Quality
How long should a high-quality roof installation take?
Most residential projects take 1–3 days depending on size and complexity. Rushed work often means corners were cut.
How can I tell if my roofer did a bad job?
Look for uneven shingles, visible nails, or leaks within 2 years after installation. We do not recommend you getting on your roof yourself. If you are concerned with the quality of work you received, it’s best to schedule an inspection and have an expert come out to take a look.
Do better materials always mean a better roof?
Not always. Even the best shingles will fail if installed improperly. The installer’s skill and attention to detail is most important.
What’s the difference between a workmanship warranty and a manufacturer warranty?
Manufacturer warranties cover defects in materials; workmanship warranties cover installation errors.
How much more does a quality roof installation cost?
Typically 10–20% more upfront, but it can double your roof’s lifespan and save thousands in repairs.
Should I inspect my roof after installation?
If you choose the right contractor, you shouldn’t have to. At Linta Roofing, we provide before, during, and after photos for complete project visibility.
The True Value of a High-Quality Roof Installation
It can be really overwhelming to choose a contractor for your roofing project. After all, there are 172 roofers servicing Myrtle Beach alone, making it difficult to narrow it down to just one.
But it’s important to remember that who you choose can have a lasting impact on you, your family, and your home. And the last thing you want to do is shell out money for repeat roof repairs.
To learn more about how to choose the right roofing company for your project, check out this article: How to Choose a Roofer. Here, you’ll find actionable steps to help you find the right roofer for you.
And if you like us, thank you! We’re happy to inspect your roof and provide you with solutions that will give you peace of mind for years to come. That’s what's really on the line here, your peace of mind.
To get an idea of our pricing for your unique home, check out our Instant Estimator below or give us a call. It’s our pleasure to fix your roofing issues once and for all.
