What is a potential sign of poor roofing material installation?

Visible seams without overlapping indicate a significant issue in roofing material installation. Properly installed roofing materials should have seams that are staggered or overlapped to prevent water infiltration. Overlapping seams help to create a barrier against leaks, as they channel water away from the joints. If seams are visible and not overlapping, it poses a risk that rain or snow could penetrate through the joints, leading to premature roof failure or damage to the underlying structure.

The presence of uniform gaps, while it might seem concerning, can sometimes occur due to expansion and contraction of materials; however, they should still be managed correctly. Matching material color to the gutter does not reflect the quality of installation; it is more about aesthetic choices. Lastly, unexposed fasteners, while potentially indicating a cleaner look, are not inherently a sign of poor installation if they have been sealed correctly. Therefore, the absence of overlapping seams is a clear indicator that the roofing material has not been installed properly, leading to potential long-term problems.