If you’re getting ready to replace your roof, you probably feel a mix of excitement and dread. It’s a big project, and it affects your whole home. Maybe you’ve dealt with leaks, worn-out shingles, or storm damage. Or maybe your old roof is just past its prime. Either way, you’re finally ready to fix it, but now you’re wondering, what if something goes wrong during the replacement?
That’s a fair question. Roof replacements can go smoothly, but they also come with some risks, especially if you don’t know what to watch out for.
At Ground Up Construction, we’ve replaced hundreds of roofs across San Diego County. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the surprises that pop up when people least expect them. This guide will walk you through common problems with roof replacement, how to spot warning signs, and how to avoid them from the start.
Let’s break it all down—no confusing terms, no over-promising—just the real info you need.
1. Not Knowing What’s Under the Old Roof
When your old roof comes off, anything can be underneath. You might have:
- Rotted wood
- Mold from past leaks
- Poor ventilation
- Hidden structural issues
These things aren’t always visible until the shingles or tiles are gone. If your contractor doesn’t plan for these surprises, your project can stall—or get a lot more expensive.
What to do instead
2. Wrong Materials for the Climate
Look out for these signs
- No water-resistant layer under shingles: A critical component often overlooked is the underlayment, a water-resistant barrier installed directly onto the roof deck before shingles are applied. Without this protective layer, water can easily seep through any gaps or damage in the shingles, leading to leaks, rot, and extensive damage to the roof decking, attic, and interior of your home.
- Poor-quality flashing: Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material, typically metal, installed to prevent water penetration at vulnerable areas of a roof, such as valleys, chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. If the flashing is made of low-grade material, improperly installed, or starts to deteriorate prematurely, it can lead to significant water infiltration.
- Shingles rated for cold climates, not hot ones: Shingles are manufactured with specific climate ratings, designed to withstand varying temperature extremes. Installing shingles designed for cold climates in a hot, sunny environment can lead to accelerated degradation. These shingles may be less resistant to UV radiation and intense heat, causing them to crack, curl, blister, or become brittle much faster than their expected lifespan.
What we do differently
3. Bad Installation Techniques
A beautiful roof doesn’t mean much if it was installed poorly. Some contractors cut corners or rush through jobs to move on to the next one. That’s when you end up with:
- Crooked or lifted shingles
- Exposed nail heads
- Gaps in the flashing
- Uneven ridges or dips
These small things add up to big problems—leaks, poor insulation, and repairs that could’ve been avoided.
Our promise
4. Poor Communication or No Written Plan
You deserve
- A written estimate
- A clear schedule
- Daily updates
- A contract that explains every step
How we handle it
5. Hidden Costs or Add-On Charges
This is a red flag
How we’re different
Our quotes include:
- Material delivery
- Tear-off and disposal
- Labor and safety setup
- Cleanup and haul-away
There are no “surprise” charges—just real prices for real work.
6. Delays That Drag On
Common delay reasons
- Missing materials
- Poor planning
- Overscheduled contractors
- Bad communication
Our process
We don’t overbook our crews. Once we start your project, we stay focused on it. You’ll know exactly when we’re working, what we’re doing, and when we expect to finish.
7. Inadequate Clean-Up
We’ve seen it too often
What we do
8. No Permit or Inspection
Some roof replacements need a building permit—especially if you’re changing materials or adding new structures. If your contractor skips this step, you could get fined or forced to redo the job.
Don’t take their word for it. Ask
- Do we need a permit for this?
- Will there be an inspection?
- Who handles the paperwork?
Ground Up Construction answers all of that.
We handle permits, schedule inspections, and work with local city offices so you don’t have to.
Missing Warranty or Guarantee
If your new roof fails in five years, who pays for it?
Too many homeowners are left on their own because they didn’t get a solid warranty. Or worse, the contractor disappeared.
What to ask for
- Manufacturer warranties on shingles (usually 20–50 years)
- Workmanship warranties (at least 5–10 years)
- A real paper or digital copy—not just a verbal promise
Our warranty policy
Ground Up Construction: Your Roofing Partner
At Ground Up Construction, roofing isn’t just a job—it’s part of the home-building process we’ve perfected. From start to finish, we help San Diego County homeowners build, fix, and upgrade their homes with:
- Professional project planning
- Clean, careful, skilled work
- Clear prices and no hidden fees
- Honest communication
We’ve written helpful blogs like:
- Troubleshooting Leaky Roofs
- Roof Flashing Repair Cost
- Customer Reviews: Roof Replacement Experiences
…and we’re here to help you too.
Ready to Avoid These Problems?
If you’re planning a roof replacement, don’t go in blind. The right contractor makes all the difference, as does knowing what to expect.
We’ll walk you through every step, help you choose the best materials for your home, and make the process easier than you think. No headaches. No nonsense. Just honest work from a team you can count on.
Contact Ground Up Construction to schedule your free roof inspection or bid today.
