Roof question

william siegel · 03-10-2012, 05:44 AM

House was redone under the NSP program in Miami Gardens. The city is arguing that the roof passed inspection and the roofing contractor is warranting the roof. My response was:

As originally stated in the report, there appears to be too many layers of shingles at the location shown in the photographs. This leaves an opening that can catch wind and will allow water intrusion into the opening created by the multiple layers. A large opening exist between the roof shingles and the roof deck or base sheet. Driving rain can enter under the shingles.

The eaves and rakes are required to be set in cement, this did not happen as the layers are preventing the shingles to be set in the cememnt. Additionally, the NOA specifies that the shingles be installed per the manufactures specifications with regard to layers and cutting.

1518.7.3.3
Intersections, eaves, rakes, valleys, gable ends, and the starter course of asphaltic shingles shall be set in an 8-inch (203 mm) wide bed of approved cold adhesive or roofing cement. Application of adhesive or cement shall be in compliance with the application instructions of the Product Approval. Shingles shall not extend more than ¼ inch (6.4 mm) beyond the eave drip.

1518.7 Asphaltic shingles.
Asphaltic shingles layout, alignment and placement of mechanical attachment shall be in compliance with the Product Approval, and shall be installed in accordance with RAS 115.

1514.1 General.
Roof decks shall be covered with roof coverings secured to the building or structure in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Roof coverings shall be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with this code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions such that the roof covering shall serve to protect the building or structure. All roof coverings, roof systems and roof assemblies shall be designed and installed to resist the windload requirements of Chapter 16 (High-Velocity Hurricane Zones) of this code.

The AHJ has the power to pass whatever they want. They asked me to change my report. I told them I would not. Thoughts guys.

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**Gunnar Alquist** · 03-10-2012, 10:06 AM

Sorry Bill,

Out of my depth, so I really cannot comment on the specifics. If you have the documentation, then I feel changing the report would be negligent. Does the city own the property? I am trying to understand why they are demanding you change your report.

**Scott Patterson** · 03-10-2012, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by william siegel

House was redone under the NSP program in Miami Gardens. The city is arguing that the roof passed inspection and the roofing contractor is warranting the roof. My response was:

As originally stated in the report, there appears to be too many layers of shingles at the location shown in the photographs. This leaves an opening that can catch wind and will allow water intrusion into the opening created by the multiple layers. A large opening exist between the roof shingles and the roof deck or base sheet. Driving rain can enter under the shingles.

The eaves and rakes are required to be set in cement, this did not happen as the layers are preventing the shingles to be set in the cememnt. Additionally, the NOA specifies that the shingles be installed per the manufactures specifications with regard to layers and cutting.

1518.7.3.3
Intersections, eaves, rakes, valleys, gable ends, and the starter course of asphaltic shingles shall be set in an 8-inch (203 mm) wide bed of approved cold adhesive or roofing cement. Application of adhesive or cement shall be in compliance with the application instructions of the Product Approval. Shingles shall not extend more than ¼ inch (6.4 mm) beyond the eave drip.

1518.7 Asphaltic shingles.
Asphaltic shingles layout, alignment and placement of mechanical attachment shall be in compliance with the Product Approval, and shall be installed in accordance with RAS 115.

1514.1 General.
Roof decks shall be covered with roof coverings secured to the building or structure in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Roof coverings shall be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with this code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions such that the roof covering shall serve to protect the building or structure. All roof coverings, roof systems and roof assemblies shall be designed and installed to resist the windload requirements of Chapter 16 (High-Velocity Hurricane Zones) of this code.

The AHJ has the power to pass whatever they want. They asked me to change my report. I told them I would not. Thoughts guys.

Report what you found! If folks want to dispute what you found and also dispute the photos then they are welcome to do so. All we can do is to report what we find; what we cannot do is make-up what we find! The picture tells it all...

Tell the folks that want you to change your report that they are welcome to write a letter stating that the roof is in perfect condition and they will guarantee it's performance.; I doubt they will do that.... Do not get into a pissing match with them.

**Garry Sorrells** · 03-10-2012, 10:49 AM

You could alter the report if you thought that there was an error or an admission.
You say "they" , meaning the city? If the City is requesting the change is it as a result of loosing the grant money from Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).

What would be your motivation to change your report either yo are right or you are wrong?

william siegel · 03-10-2012, 07:16 PM

I will not be changing my report, except to say that the AHJ has the final authority and if they approve this roof, then so be it. I do however get the feeling that they will be repairing it. I think it is more a matter of they do not like to get caught with an issue like this. Most guys down here would cower and give them what they want.

Thanks for the responses

**Markus Keller** · 03-11-2012, 08:16 AM

I wouldn't change the report in terms of omitting anything. If what you wrote is legit then let them deal with not liking it. Sometimes it is helpful however to change the wording to make it sound less accusatory or less inflammatory. They Muni doesn't want something in writing that provides ammo for someone else to point a finger directly at someone they hired. Its better if it can be interpreted as 'a misunderstanding of standards that has been resolved by mutual cooperation of all agencies involved'.

**Ian Page** · 03-11-2012, 11:17 PM

The original roofing contractor may well 'warranty' the installation and stand by his work. However, if the roof he installed does not meet manufacturers installation instruction/ recommendations he may well void the terms of their warranty. I would rather have a valid and enforceable multiple year manuf. warranty than one from the roofing contractor who may be long gone weeks or months after the job.

**Ray Thornburg** · 03-12-2012, 06:30 AM

This is just what happens when you weave a valley......the overlap hangs over and must be cut off.....no problem.....I guess if it bothers you you can lift up the edges and put some cement there. I caution against excessive use of cement as shingles expand and contract a little and could cause associated problems....

Michael Avis · 03-12-2012, 08:46 AM

Stand by your guns. It is a clear dereliction of your responsibilities to amend the report in a way which compromises the standards you know are correct.