How to Tell if Your Roofer is Cutting Corners During a Roof Replacement - Roelke Roofing in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Why Complete Tear-Offs Matter

When you’re paying for a new roof, the last thing you want is a contractor cutting corners. Unfortunately, in competitive roofing markets like Little Rock and Hot Springs, not every company follows best practices. Homeowners often don’t realize what’s happening above their heads until problems show up years later.


One of the clearest signs of corner-cutting is when a roofer doesn’t perform a complete tear-off. In the video above, you’ll see synthetic underlayment being pulled off a roof — but underneath it, old felt paper is still covering the decking.

At first glance, this may not seem like a big deal. But here’s the risk: if your roofer doesn’t remove everything down to the wood decking, they can’t inspect for hidden rot, soft spots, or damaged plywood. Covering over these issues just hides problems that will resurface down the road.

Risks of Skipping the Full Tear-Off

  • Hidden water damage: Rotten decking continues to spread and weaken your roof structure.
  • Warranty issues: Many manufacturers require a full tear-off for warranty coverage.
  • Reduced lifespan: A roof installed on compromised decking may fail years earlier than expected.
  • Higher costs later: Repairing structural damage costs much more than doing the job right the first time.

How to Protect Yourself as a Homeowner

If you’re hiring a roofer in Hot Springs or Central Arkansas, ask these questions:

  • Do you remove all underlayment and inspect the decking?
  • Will you show me photos of the decking before new material is installed?
  • Do you replace damaged plywood as part of the project?
  • A reputable roofing company won’t hesitate to provide clear answers and documentation.

Choose a Roofer That Does It Right

At Roelke Roofing, we believe in doing things the right way — every time. That means a full tear-off, thorough inspection of your decking, and honest communication about what we find. Cutting corners might save time today, but it costs homeowners thousands tomorrow.



  • 📞 Call us today at 501-625-2535 for a free roof inspection in Little Rock, Hot Springs, or surrounding areas.