roofing services
When you look at a roof, you mostly see shingles. But there’s something important hiding underneath them, called underlayment. Think of it like a raincoat for your house. It helps keep water out and protects your home from getting wet inside.
But here’s the problem: some roofing workers don’t put it in correctly or skip parts. That’s a big deal. If your roofing contractor Indianapolis cuts corners and doesn’t do the underlayment right, your house could have leaks, mold, or even rot later.
That’s why knowing the signs and asking the right questions is important. This blog will help you learn to tell if someone’s trying to rush the job or leave something out.
“Most roof problems don’t start on top. They begin underneath, where people don’t look.”
Why the Layer Under the Shingles Is Super Important for Roofing Contractor Indianapolis
Underlayment is like the secret superhero of your roof. You can’t see it when the job is done, but it works hard daily. It also keeps rain and snow from soaking through. It helps during big storms when shingles might blow off. Moreover, it helps protect people from fire in some cases.
There are a few types of underlayment your roofer might use:
- Felt underlayment – It’s the older kind, but still works okay.
- Synthetic underlayment – It’s light and strong, and works better with water.
- Rubberized underlayment sticks to the roof and is best for super rainy areas.
If your contractor picks the wrong one or doesn’t use it, your roof could have big problems later.
Warning Signs That Something’s Not Right
Some roofers try to finish fast or save money by skipping steps. So, here are signs they might be cutting corners:
- No rolls of underlayment show up before shingles. That’s a big red flag.
- The roof gets done in just a few hours. Real work takes time.
- There’s no drip edge. That’s a thin metal strip that helps water run off properly.
- The roofer doesn’t explain much. If they avoid your questions, something’s fishy.
Good roofers will happily show you pictures and explain everything they’re doing. So, that shows they have nothing to hide.
Questions You Should Always Ask
If someone works on your roof, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re also the one paying, and you deserve answers. Ask things like:
- What kind of underlayment will you use?
- How will you seal it around vents and chimneys?
- Can I see pictures of your work while it’s happening?
- Do you follow what the roofing material company recommends?
If they don’t answer clearly or seem annoyed. A real professional will be happy to explain.
Be Careful With Online Searches
Typing “roof installation near me” online gives you lots of options. But just because a company looks good online doesn’t mean they’ll do great work. Some companies have good websites but take shortcuts on the job.
Here’s how to make sure they’re trustworthy:
- Check if they pull the right permits before working. So, that’s a legal rule in most places.
- Ask to visit the site or see pictures before, during, and after the job.
- Look for safety gear and tarps. Good roofers use these to protect your home.
Also, ask if they’re following the rules from the shingle company. Also, if they don’t, the roof warranty might not count.
Fast Jobs Can Mean Bad Work
Some people think that faster is better, but that’s not true for roofs. A proper roof also takes time to build. If a crew finishes everything super quickly, they probably skipped something.
Here are things roofers should never skip:
- Starter strips under the first row of shingles
- Making sure underlayment sheets overlap properly
- Covering nail holes so water can’t sneak in
- Adding protection to the edges and roof valleys
If they rush or miss these, rain can sneak in and cause damage you won’t immediately notice.
Watch Out for Tricky Roof Areas
Even the best shingles can’t help if the underlayment is missing in tough spots. That’s where another kind of worker might help—a concrete contractor Indianapolis. Some homes also have flat parts or walls made of concrete. Those areas must be sealed carefully.
If your roofer and concrete contractor don’t work together, leaks can happen where the roof meets concrete walls, patios, or chimneys. A smart team will seal those places tightly and use special materials that stop water from getting in.
When both workers do their job correctly, your roof will be strong all around, not just in the middle.
Don’t Let Them Use Leftover Stuff
Some roofers also try to save money using old, leftover, or off-brand underlayment. That might seem okay, but it often wears out faster or doesn’t protect well.
Look out for:
- Rolls with no brand name or label
- Packages that don’t match what they install
- No mention of warranty or what brand they’re using
Always ask for a list of materials. Moreover, if they can’t prove what they’re using, it’s okay to say no.
Bad Underlayment Can Cost You More Later
If your roofer skips underlayment or installs it badly, problems won’t immediately appear. But they’ll show up later, and they’ll be expensive.
Here’s what can happen:
- Water can leak in and cause mold
- The wooden parts of your house can rot
- Your insulation can get wet and stop working
- Your heating and cooling bills can go up
Also, insurance might not help if the damage was caused by poor work. Spending more time now on proper underlayment is way better than fixing big problems later.
“Tiny mistakes under the roof can lead to huge problems inside your home.”
How to Feel Confident in Your Roofer
People often ask, “How do I know my roofer did a good job?” The answer is: be involved. You don’t need to climb the roof; ask for updates, pictures, and explanations. A good roofer won’t mind showing their work.
A trustworthy roofing contractor Indianapolis wants to earn your confidence, not just your money. They’ll explain what’s happening step by step and make sure you understand everything.
At Threebrothers Outdoor Services, we never skip the underlayment. We use strong, reliable materials and take time to install everything properly. We believe in clear communication, honest work, and roofing that lasts for years.
