Thread: Opinions needed on roof

This house has an inspection report stating "Estimate 5 years remaining to the lifespan of the shingles."

The appraiser has apparently stated something along these lines also but I did not see this in writing.

Before stating my opinion, I am hoping that I can get some others to take a look. If you wouldn't mind sharing your opinions, it would be greatly appreciated.

1. Shingles are not overlapping the rain grooves at most areas.

2. Repaired portions noted.

3. Replaced portions noted.

4. Uneven installation at some areas.

5. Holes in shingles noted.

6. Sliding shingle noted.

7. Worn aggregate noted.

8. Areas of exposed felt noted.

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Re used shingles at ridge, different batch of shingles, one older, one newer, not new new but replaced a different time. Now you have two different aging shingles. Complete shingle replacement. Leakage probability is high.

Two different roofs have been joined, due to addition or partial reconstruction. Left is lower elevation and less slope slightly. Replacement, reinstallation/reuse, or retrofit ridge vents are wrong (esp. first series). See far more than a single "slipped".

Newer shingles are over exposed and shorter. Ex. difference between metric and us standard 3-tabs. Stagger and exposure is wrong for "newer 'work'" ('work' is generous). Suspicious old may be asphaltic imp. felt, newer likely fiberglass mat so no true transiiton or break between dissimilar material compositions makes for more failures both extremes of winter and summer, also.

Second series newer additiion or "connection" structure note moss colonizing at the ridge gable end.

Seems between old and new are incorrect. Multiple 3-tabs are broken, not nailed at Right sides. Cut tabs mid-seam are too short.

Unprofessional DIY type modifications/repair work esp. at transitions both roof covering and roof structures.

SWAG the other "opinion" was based upon limited section of original area shy of the ridge modification(s) and nowhere near the repairs, seams, or transitions of the later "work".

When was the smoke/fire/lightening strike? (cooked course under replaced ridge vent). Looks like there has been more than one damaging "event" in this roofing "system" (use that word loosely)'s history.

This roofing system/covering is failing, multiple loose, broken, and unsecured areas. What did you find in the attic and/or exposed area in the suspected now attached garage or addition?

I wouldn't expect it getting through to next spring without failures if it isn't showing evidence of already. Not cost effective to repair, remove and replace, and when exposed correct transitions to second structure or addition.

If the "appraiser" was for an FHA, HUD, VA loan dispute it.
Tax assessor, dispute it.

In my opinion, you would be sticking your neck out predicting any lifespan for that roof.
Sure it might not leak for a while, but a gust of wind could change that tomorrow. First pic in the second batch shows a shingle slipping down, not nailed properly. There is amateur work at the junction of the to roofs, and they've re-used some old shingles at the ridge. There are damaged shingles.
This roof could develop a leak at any time.

Originally Posted by H.G. Watson, Sr.

What did you find in the attic and/or exposed area in the suspected now attached garage or addition?

The attic inspection is to be done later this week.

IMHo, the roof is toast and needs to be replaced.

A person might get a few more years out of it with some patching but no way I would estimate 5 years (I don't give a life expectancy estimate at all) on that roof!

Originally Posted by Jon mackay

This house has an inspection report stating "Estimate 5 years remaining to the lifespan of the shingles."

The appraiser has apparently stated something along these lines also but I did not see this in writing.

Before stating my opinion, I am hoping that I can get some others to take a look. If you wouldn't mind sharing your opinions, it would be greatly appreciated.

1. Shingles are not overlapping the rain grooves at most areas.

2. Repaired portions noted.

3. Replaced portions noted.

4. Uneven installation at some areas.

5. Holes in shingles noted.

6. Sliding shingle noted.

7. Worn aggregate noted.

8. Areas of exposed felt noted.

I would list the items you noted above and say that the roof is in poor condition and needs to be replaced soon. I would also comment if it was raining or not and if I saw any evidence of leaks or not.

Originally Posted by James Duffin

I would list the items you noted above and say that the roof is in poor condition and needs to be replaced soon. I would also comment if it was raining or not and if I saw any evidence of leaks or not.

All of the issues will be listed.
We have had plenty of rain so once I get into the attic, I will see what I can see as far as that goes. Unfortunately, it is mostly vaulted ceiling so access will be slim to none.

Originally Posted by Jon mackay

All of the issues will be listed.
We have had plenty of rain so once I get into the attic, I will see what I can see as far as that goes. Unfortunately, it is mostly vaulted ceiling so access will be slim to none.

But at least you will have said all you could say based on what you saw. Does the vaulted ceiling look recently painted?

Originally Posted by James Duffin

Does the vaulted ceiling look recently painted?

The interiors still need to be inspected, I will be on the lookout..

Originally Posted by Jon mackay

This house has an inspection report stating "Estimate 5 years remaining to the lifespan of the shingles."

This may be true if the inspection was done 10 years ago.

If the they disagree with you, you would be very safe suggesting a shingle rep come by and give his professional opinion because not only does it need replacing due to its age/wear, it is also installed wrong.

Originally Posted by chris mcintyre

If the they disagree with you, you would be very safe suggesting a shingle rep come by and give his professional opinion because not only does it need replacing due to its age/wear, it is also installed wrong.

Yes, this is true, good point.

IMHO when more than a couple of shingles have been replaced on a roof, the roof is at the end of its useful life. Of course there are exceptions, but in most cases I report a repaired roof as needing replacement.

Darrel Hood
DILIGENT PROPERTY SERVICES

Like everyone else I would be reporting that roof as having reached the end of it's service life and should be replaced....roofs nearing the end of their service life should be replaced prior to the appearance of leaks to prevent damage to the underlying structure....

If you're getting push back suggesting calling in a shingle rep is a great idea....I will remember that option myself.

My report would state, start saving money now, replace as soon as feasible.
The roof is done. Most of the roof looks shot, a few spots look better but not by much. The hump from the house roof to the porch roof? is especially worrisome.

Originally Posted by chris mcintyre

This may be true if the inspection was done 10 years ago.

If the they disagree with you, you would be very safe suggesting a shingle rep come by and give his professional opinion because not only does it need replacing due to its age/wear, it is also installed wrong.

For what it's worth...I had my roof replaced last November and the installer used a nail gun and drive most of the nails all the way through the shingles. He was a sub for another contractor that I already owed about $10k to so when I mentioned it to the contractor I hired he called the Certainteed rep to come out and take a look. All the rep would commit to is that there was nothing wrong with the shingles themselves. He would not commit to the poor installation. So the contractor called another roofer who offers roof inspections and as soon as he got out of his truck he said the new roof needed to be replaced....which it was. My point is that the Certainteed rep who came to my house was not much help. Your experience may differ.

Getting a factory rep out, if he would come to look at someone elses product, will produce little.

There is so much wrong with the roof, but that does not mean it leaking and possible might last 5 years longer. Have seen real bad shingle holding on long past useful life. Its a crap shoot. A lot of variables that could effect the shingle over the next few years. If questioned I might say that it could last 5 years though it may last only 5 days. Risk - reward situation.

A look at the attic area (which is limited to approximately 30% due to vaulted ceilings) revealed very nice looking plywood decking.

Except for directly adjacent to the attic hatch there is a saturated area. No a huge area, but an certain failing roof none the less.

So all of the easy to identify items noted and an easily identified leak but somehow the shingles have approximately 5 years of life left.

Incredible.

That older ridge vent likely dates the roof to a minimum of 15 yrs and easily 20. A 20 year shingle on that pitch rarely gets 20 years. But since the sum of the parts are likely only as good as the weakest part, I'd say budget to replace.
JLMathis

I would not venture an estimate on roof life because of its overall poor condition and various shingles used. I would say buyer should be aware that replacement may be necessary at any time.

List all the defects, show the pictures, summarize:
The roof is past the end of its' useful life and should be replaced. During the replacement I strongly recommend shingle removal so the underlying deck and flashing can be inspected and repaired as needed.

I would also mention that the downspout needs to be extended to the gutter below ,

Originally Posted by Jon mackay

A look at the attic area (which is limited to approximately 30% due to vaulted ceilings) revealed very nice looking plywood decking.

Except for directly adjacent to the attic hatch there is a saturated area. No a huge area, but an certain failing roof none the less.

So all of the easy to identify items noted and an easily identified leak but somehow the shingles have approximately 5 years of life left.

Incredible.

Maybe they were thinking "Dog Years" which is about 8 months in Human Time....

First in my opinion NEVER give estimates on how long anything is goin to last!

I would report the items as you seen in your report and you recommend having a roofing contractor evluate and repair/replace as needed. This will take you of the hook and your are reporting your honest opinion!

Jon,

Who cares what anyone else says? Not your problem.
I would never comment on someone else's opinion. They have a right to their opinion and they own it.

If you have been asked to inspect the roof then I recommend you provide:

1. your observations
2. your opinion on condition
3. your recommendations

If it were me, I would report the following:

1. Observations: (same as your list)
2. Opinion: The roof is fully depreciated, past end of useful life, has been patched to extend life and requires replacement.
3. Recommendation: Contact a licensed roofing contractor for replacement estimates now, prior to purchase.

I would NEVER give an opinion on estimated remaining life - I am not a soothsayer. Very dangerous.

Originally Posted by Ken Amelin

Jon,


I would NEVER give an opinion on estimated remaining life - I am not a soothsayer. Very dangerous.

In this case I would be willing to do so.


"None."

I would probably also make a comment to the effect that roof replacement will likely involve discovery of further issues not visible at this time.

Who would tell someone they could expect 5 years from that roof? I wouldn't expect 5 days.