What to Do If You Notice Issues After Your Roof Replacement
# What to Do If You Notice Issues After Your Roof Replacement
You just had your roof replaced. The crew packed up, the dumpster is gone, and everything looks clean. Then it rains — and you notice something that wasn't there before.
Issues after a roof replacement are more common than most homeowners expect. A drip where it shouldn't drip. A gap along the ice shield. Granules in the gutter that seem like a lot. The question isn't always whether something is wrong — it's knowing which things are genuinely worth worrying about and which ones will resolve on their own.
Here's how to think through it.
What's Normal in the First Few Weeks
Not every post-installation observation is a defect. Asphalt shingles are manufactured flat and go through a settling period after installation, especially in warmer weather. Slight waviness or minor lifting at the edges can appear in the first few weeks and often flattens out as the shingles seal down.
Similarly, some granule loss in your gutters is expected after a new roof. Manufacturers intentionally add extra granules during production to protect the shingles during shipping and handling — the excess sheds during the first few rains. A light dusting in the downspout is normal; large, consistent accumulation over weeks is something to flag.
Small gaps between flashing and shingles at the edges can also close as materials settle, particularly when temperatures fluctuate. If a gap appears consistent and doesn't change after a week or two of weather, that's worth documenting.
Signs That Warrant a Call to Your Contractor
Some things shouldn't be brushed off:
**Water intrusion anywhere inside the home.** If you see staining on ceilings, damp drywall near exterior walls, or water around a chimney or skylight — that's a problem. Contact your contractor immediately and document with photos before anything dries or is cleaned up.
**Damaged gutters or trim.** If the crew left bent gutters, cracked drip edge, or damaged fascia, that's workmanship damage that needs to be addressed before it causes further issues.
**Missing or improperly seated shingles.** If shingles are visibly lifted, misaligned, or missing entirely after a storm, document it and reach out. Most reputable contractors offer a workmanship warranty that covers these situations.
**Standing water on flat sections.** If any part of your roof has a low slope, pooling water after rain — especially if it lasts more than 48 hours — can indicate improper drainage or a slope issue from the installation.
How to Handle the Conversation
The most important thing you can do is document before you call. Take photos and short videos with timestamps. Note the weather conditions when you first noticed the issue. If possible, get a video of active dripping during rain.
When you contact the contractor, be specific: where is it, when did you first notice it, what does it look like. A good contractor will want to come out and see it. They should not ask you to wait until the full invoice is paid before scheduling a follow-up walkthrough — in fact, many contractors include a post-job walkthrough as a standard part of their process.
If the contractor is unresponsive or dismissive, check your contract for the warranty terms. Most roofing workmanship warranties cover labor for at least one year, separate from the manufacturer's material warranty.
Working With the Right Contractor Prevents Most of This
The best time to avoid post-job issues is before the job starts. Contractors who communicate clearly during the estimate process — who walk you through the scope, explain what's included, and give you a realistic timeline — tend to have fewer complaints on the back end.
If you're still in the hiring phase, ask specifically about their post-installation process. Do they do a walkthrough? Do they sweep the property for nails? Do they inspect gutters before leaving? The answers tell you a lot about how they run their operation.
Final Thought
Finding a minor issue after a roof job doesn't mean you hired the wrong contractor. How they respond to it does. Document everything, communicate early, and give the contractor a chance to make it right before escalating. Most issues that show up in the first 30 days are resolvable — and a contractor who stands behind their work will show up.