What Does a Good Roof Installation Look Like? A Homeowner’s Guide to Quality Roofing and Getting Your Money’s Worth

A new roof is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make for your home. It protects your property, enhances curb appeal, improves energy efficiency, and boosts resale value. But how can you be sure that your roof is installed correctly? More importantly, how do you know if you’re getting the full value of what you paid for?

Hiring an experienced roofer is essential to ensure a proper roof installation, as their expertise guarantees the job is done right and your roof will last for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What a proper roof installation looks like
• Common shortcuts that shady contractors take
• How to verify quality even as a non-expert
• What your contractor means by “roofing squares”
• How to count squares and verify value
• Why working with a trusted company like Reimagine Roofing makes all the difference

Let’s get into it.

What Does a Good Roof Installation Look Like?

Not all roofing jobs are created equal. A professionally installed roof isn’t just about slapping on shingles. It requires attention to detail, proper ventilation, water barriers, flashing, and cleanup. A quality roof system is the combination of all essential roofing components—such as the roof covering, underlayment, roof deck, flashing, and ventilation—working together to ensure durability and protection for your house.

A good roof installation should exhibit these key signs:

1. Uniform Shingle Lines

A high-quality shingle roof will have even rows of shingles with consistent spacing, which is crucial for durability and weather resistance. There should be no waviness or misalignment. The edges should be clean, straight, and flush with flashing where appropriate.

Three tab shingles are a common type of asphalt shingle, featuring a basic design with three separate rectangular tabs. Proper alignment of three tab shingles is especially important to maintain the roof’s appearance and performance.

The adhesive strip on starter shingles helps secure the first row in place and prevents wind uplift, ensuring a watertight seal and proper installation.

2. Proper Flashing Installation

Flashing—usually made of metal—is installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and along valleys to prevent leaks. Look for:

• Neat, sealed metal edges
• No gaps or raised corners
• Integration under shingles, not over

Complex roofs with multiple valleys and features require extra attention to flashing installation, as these areas are more prone to leaks and need specialized waterproofing techniques.

3. Drip Edge and Starter Strip

These critical components protect the edge of your roof from water infiltration. If they’re missing, it’s a red flag. A proper install will include:

• Drip edge installed at eaves and rakes
• Starter strip shingles under the first row of shingles, with an adhesive strip that helps create a waterproof seal at the roof edges

Proper installation of drip edge and starter strip is essential for protecting the sides and roof edges from water intrusion.

4. Proper Ventilation

Good airflow prevents ice dams, mold, and premature shingle failure. Ventilation features should include:

• Ridge vent as a primary option for attic ventilation, or box vents at the top
• Soffit or intake vents near the eaves

5. Clean Valleys

Roof valleys carry a lot of water runoff, making proper valley design critical for managing water flow and preventing leaks. Look for:

• Straight, open valleys (or properly woven if designed that way)
• No bunching of shingles
• Proper underlayment and ice/water shield beneath
• Installation of an ice barrier under the shingles in valleys to prevent water intrusion from ice dams

6. Sealed Nail Heads

Nails should not be exposed, except where absolutely necessary (like ridge caps). Exposed nails should always be sealed to prevent leaks and improve roof durability. If visible, they should be:

• Flush with the shingle
• Covered with roofing sealant

7. Proper Overhang

Shingles should extend ½” to ¾” past the edge of the roof to ensure proper overhang, which helps protect roof edges and sides from water damage. Anything more risks wind uplift. Anything less invites water damage.

Common Corners Cut in Roof Installations

Sadly, not all roofing contractors follow best practices. Some may cut corners to save money, but this can lead to problems down the line. For example, inadequate clean up after a roofing project can leave a big mess, causing damage to your landscaping or home exterior. Here are the most common:

1. Skipping Ice and Water Shield

In colder climates or in valleys and edges, this protective barrier (ice and water shield, also known as an ice barrier) is critical. Cheap contractors may skip it entirely.

2. No Starter Strip

Some roofers forego starter strip shingles to save time or money, but the adhesive strip on starter shingles is essential for securing the first row and preventing wind damage, leaving your roof vulnerable if omitted.

3. Reusing Old Flashing

Instead of replacing old flashing, some contractors bend and reuse it—leading to weak spots and leaks.

4. Under-Nailing or Over-Nailing Shingles

Proper nail placement and depth are essential. Overdriven nails can rip through shingles. Under-driven ones can lift over time.

5. Using Low-Quality Materials

Some roofers bid low and substitute inferior roofing material, which can significantly impact overall roof performance due to the quality of the material used.

Using inferior roofing materials affects the lifespan, warranty, and energy efficiency of the roof.

6. Poor Cleanup and Leftover Debris

A good contractor will leave your yard spotless by performing a thorough clean up after installation. Failing to clean up can leave a big mess, with loose nails, old shingles, and trash posing safety hazards and risking damage to your property.

At Reimagine Roofing, we follow manufacturer specs, local codes, and industry-leading standards on every job. We believe homeowners deserve quality work—no shortcuts.

Does It Take a Professional to Spot a Good Roof?

Yes and no.

You don’t need to be a roofer to spot glaring issues—but subtle defects often require a trained eye. An experienced roofer or roofing contractor can identify these subtle problems and ensure your roof is properly installed and up to code. Here’s a breakdown of what a homeowner can inspect and when to call in the pros.

What Homeowners Can Check:

• Are the shingle lines straight?
• Do any shingles look lifted, buckled, or missing?
• Is flashing visible and neatly installed?
• Are there any exposed nail heads?
• Are there any signs of roof leaks, such as water stains or damp spots in the attic?
• Is the cleanup thorough?
• Is water flowing properly from gutters and downspouts?

What Requires Professional Inspection:

• Proper attic ventilation and insulation
• Hidden moisture barriers and underlayment
• Nail patterns and installation technique
• Decking integrity under the shingles, including a thorough inspection of the deck, roof deck, and roof decking for any signs of damage or weakness. Ensuring the roof deck is solid and free from rot or water damage is essential for a stable foundation for new roofing materials.

💡 Tip: Even after a new installation, get an independent inspection or use a roofing company that provides photo documentation at each stage—like Reimagine Roofing.

What Does “Squares” Mean in Roofing?

One of the most misunderstood terms in roofing is the “square.” Understanding roofing squares is essential for planning any roofing project, as it helps accurately estimate materials and costs.

What is a Roofing Square?

A roofing square is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof surface.

So:

• 10 squares = 1,000 sq. ft.
• 25 squares = 2,500 sq. ft.
• 30 squares = 3,000 sq. ft.

When your contractor gives you a price per square, they’re essentially quoting the cost of covering 100 sq. ft. of your roof—including materials, labor, flashing, and often tear-off and disposal.

How Do I Count Roofing Squares on My Home?

You don’t need to climb your roof to get an idea of how many squares it includes. Before you start estimating materials, it’s important to assess the condition of your existing roof. Check the sheathing, decking, and overall structure to determine if any repairs or removal are needed before proceeding.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for a rough estimate.

For example, if your roof is 2,000 square feet, you’ll need about 20 squares of roofing material. Keep in mind that roof replacement costs can vary significantly depending on the materials you choose, labor rates, and the condition of your existing roof.

Step 1: Measure the Footprint of Your Home

Use a tape measure or a tool like Google Earth to measure the footprint of your house. Let’s say your home is 40 feet long by 30 feet wide.

40 ft x 30 ft = 1,200 sq. ft.

Step 2: Account for Roof Pitch

Roofs are not flat. The steeper the pitch, the more surface area. Use the following multipliers:

Let’s say your roof pitch is 6/12:
1,200 sq. ft. x 1.12 = 1,344 sq. ft.

Step 3: Convert to Squares

Divide the total by 100: 1,344 ÷ 100 = 13.44 squares

Most contractors round up, so you’d be quoted for 14 squares. Most homeowners are quoted for the next whole square to ensure full coverage.

Step 4: Add Overages

Roofers typically add 10%–15% overage for cuts, waste, and starter shingles. If you are installing an extra layer of shingles, especially at roof edges or over existing shingles, you may need to account for additional materials to cover the extra layer.

14 x 1.10 = 15.4 squares billed

So, if your contractor quotes $500 per square, you can expect the total to be around:

15.4 x $500 = $7,700

💡 Pro Tip: Use our Fast Quote Tool at Reimagine Roofing to get a more accurate, fast, and detailed breakdown—delivered in under 24 hours!

How to Ensure You’re Getting Value for Money

Here’s what every smart homeowner should do:

First, always ask for proof of insurance and references. Next, verify that the contractor holds the necessary local and state licenses, and ensure they comply with all local regulations before any work begins. This helps protect you from liability and ensures the roofer is operating legally and up to code.

When it comes to warranties, don’t just take the contractor’s word for it. Carefully review the manufacturer’s warranty to understand what it covers, how long it lasts, and how it differs from workmanship warranties. Pay attention to what manufacturers offer in terms of warranty options and product quality, as this can impact your long-term satisfaction and protection.

1. Get a Detailed Scope of Work

Your contract should include:

• Square footage
• Material types and brands
• Roof covering type and installation method
• Flashing and underlayment details
• Cleanup protocols
• Warranties

2. Demand Transparency

Ask your roofer for:

• Photos of decking before and after
• Documentation of materials used
• Daily updates

3. Verify Material Delivery

Check for brands like GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed. Confirm the quantity of bundles matches the estimated squares. Also, verify that other materials such as underlayment, flashing, and ventilation components are included in the delivery.

4. Use a Licensed, Insured, and Certified Roofer

Many states require contractors to carry liability and workers’ comp insurance. Reimagine Roofing exceeds all licensing and coverage requirements in every state we serve, and it is important to choose a roofing contractor with proper licensing and insurance for your protection.

Why Reimagine Roofing Is the Right Choice

We know that roofing can be confusing. That’s why we’ve built our reputation around employing experienced roofers and professional roofing contractors to ensure every project is completed with the highest quality and expertise.

• Free Roof Inspections
• Estimates in Under 24 Hours
• Detailed Fast Quote Tool 
• Dedicated Project Manager
• Photo Documentation at Every Stage
• No Corners Cut—Ever

Homeowners choose Reimagine Roofing for integrity, transparency, and peace of mind.

Trust, Transparency, and True Value

Roof replacements don’t have to be stressful. When you understand how squares are calculated, what quality looks like, and how to check for shortcuts, you can confidently protect your investment.

The key? Choose a contractor who values your trust and does things the right way, the first time.

Get a Free Roof Inspection and Fast Estimate Today

Thinking about a new roof? Not sure if you’re getting what you paid for?

Reimagine Roofing offers:

✅ FREE Roof Inspections
✅ FAST Quotes Delivered in Less Than 24 Hours
✅ Easy-to-Use Fast Quote Tool
✅ Transparent Square Count Breakdown
✅ No-Pressure Consultations

👉 Schedule Your Free Inspection Now
or
👉 Use Our Fast Quote Tool for a less than 24 hrs detailed estimate!

Let’s Reimagine Your Roof—Together

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners make confident, informed decisions about their roofing projects.

From our streamlined inspections to clean, professional installations, Reimagine Roofing is redefining what homeowners expect from a contractor.

Don’t settle for guesswork. Get clarity, craftsmanship, and confidence—backed by fast service and quality pricing.

Reimagine your roof. Reimagine your peace of mind.

FAQs

How can I verify that my contractor didn’t overestimate the number of squares?

Ask for aerial imagery reports (from drones or satellite tools) and compare measurements. Request to see the bundles delivered on-site.

Is it bad if my shingles don’t line up perfectly?

Small variations are okay. But waves, misalignments, or inconsistent spacing are red flags for rushed or unprofessional installation.

How long should a properly installed roof last?

• Asphalt shingles: 20–30 years
• Architectural shingles: 30–50 years
• Metal: 40–70 years
• Tile/slate: 50+ years

Manufacturer warranty and contractor workmanship warranties are key.

Can I get a second opinion after installation?

Absolutely. Reimagine Roofing provides post-installation inspections—even if we didn’t install your roof.