Thread: New Roof: Did we get screwed?

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Hi All,

We just got our roof replaced-- we had a bad hail storm in April. The roof looks wonky to me, and does not sit flat as much as I'd like. My husband thinks it looks fine, and the roofer said anything would flatten out in 30 days. I've really got my doubts.

We had nails all over our yard, estimate about 150, so I'm thinking just how many actually ended up in the roof?

Any thoughts on this would be incredibly appreciated.

Thank you.

Most of us don't mind giving an opinion to folks that use their real name. That said, the photos do not show much.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

Most of us don't mind giving an opinion to folks that use their real name. That said, the photos do not show much.

Sabrina McKethan, I don't know how to change it. Sorry.

As Scott stated - it's difficult to determine without getting down to closer detail.

Two consideration - textured shingles generally will take time along with a heat to settle. Depending on the textured shingles, generally there's more overlap coverage. This normally makes for a longer lasting roof. The other consideration is if the installer followed the manufacturer's instructions. Occasionally manufacturers will send a rep to review the installation if there's a concern.

In one photo I noticed a light patch, but could not tell if it's a coloration concern, or just a natural lighting condition based on the time the photo was taken.

Another point - did they strip down and remove the old shingles? Non-removal can cause the overlaying shingles to take on an uneven look.

Originally Posted by Claude Lawrenson

As Scott stated - it's difficult to determine without getting down to closer detail.

Two consideration - textured shingles generally will take time along with a heat to settle. Depending on the textured shingles, generally there's more overlap coverage. This normally makes for a longer lasting roof. The other consideration is if the installer followed the manufacturer's instructions. Occasionally manufacturers will send a rep to review the installation if there's a concern.

In one photo I noticed a light patch, but could not tell if it's a coloration concern, or just a natural lighting condition based on the time the photo was taken.

Another point - did they strip down and remove the old shingles? Non-removal can cause the overlaying shingles to take on an uneven look.

This was installed Wednesday, and we have had some 85 degree days and 50 degree nights. The owner of the roofing business said shingles can take up to two months to seal properly. Which sounded really weird. They're Tamko Heritage 30 in Rustic Cedar. I took this photo this morning before I headed out to work-- so the lighting changes are because of the sunrise.

They did a complete tear off. I noticed they used only 3 nails and they may have done them a little high. I only started educating myself after the roof was done.

We get really bad ice storms and heavy rain. I just don't want the headache of dumping all of this money. We don't have enough to replace it that's for sure.

Sabrina

Take a look at the manufacturers installation guide. It appears the 4 nails per shingle is required.

http://www.tamko.com/docs/documents-...a.pdf?sfvrsn=0

I'm not sure where you are in Texas and assume close to one of these locations.

http://www.tamko.com/docs/documents-...s.pdf?sfvrsn=0

Originally Posted by Jane Doe

The roof looks wonky to me.... and the roofer said anything would flatten out in 30 days.....

We had nails all over our yard,.....

Originally Posted by Jane Doe

This was installed Wednesday, and we have had some 85 degree days and 50 degree nights. The owner of the roofing business said shingles can take up to two months to seal properly......... I noticed they used only 3 nails and they may have done them a little high. .......

Hard to tell from picts, but yes a little wonky. Interesting that first you are told 30days then up to 2 months to seal. The first issue is that they are not laying flat not that they are not sealing down. Laying down and sealing are two different issues and yes under some conditions it can take a while to seal. But you are in Tx not Maine. The company owner answered your concern with the answer to a different question, huuuuuummmm is he also a politician???

The issue of 3 nail instead of 4 is a big issue in and of itself. Also placing to high is another big issue.

Lets recap,
1) Laying flat
2) Number of nails per shingle
3) Nailing line to high
4) Nails in yard not in shingle

First 3 are valid concerns the 4th is just a matter of job site clean-up and care.

Get someone in to inspect the roof. Someone that knows what they are looking at and how it is supposed to be done. Qualified and experienced with credentials that will hold up in court. It may pay you to spend a few bucks to now that may reap great dividend later on.


PS, If a shingle is twisted a little when laid it will not flatten out., a hump. That hump will have the potential of cracking over time.

3 nails per shingle is not right. That would be grounds for a full replacement of the roof.
Sometimes the roofer will leave the 4th nail out of the far end until he moves over. The 4th nail goes in while he lays the next shingle adjacent to it.
This is especially true if they are racking the shingles by moving straight up the roof rather than laying a diagonal pattern.
Shingle butted too tight will hump up, especially if they expand a bit in the sun.

You need someone to get up there and check nailing and gaps between shingles.

Originally Posted by John Kogel

This is especially true if they are racking the shingles by moving straight up the roof rather than laying a diagonal pattern.

I always wondered about that install method and if you are giving manufacturers a free pass? I've only installed a couple different brands and they all showed the diagonal method. Seems to me the manufacturer is just going to look at it and say it's installed wrong, call the roofer.

If they only used 3 nails and went too high, removal will be easy via strong winds or by the next roofer:

the worst roofing job in history - YouTube

Originally Posted by Mike Kleisch

the worst roofing job in history - YouTube

Many years ago I found one like that down in Ft. Lauderdale - no nails!

I could do the same thing shown ... lift up entire sections because nothing was nailed down.

If I hadn't found it, no problem, the next 'big wind' (even a tropical storm) would have blown those shingles completely off the house.

Truly amazing what some people do without knowing what they are doing.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Many years ago I found one like that down in Ft. Lauderdale - no nails!

I could do the same thing shown ... lift up entire sections because nothing was nailed down.

If I hadn't found it, no problem, the next 'big wind' (even a tropical storm) would have blown those shingles completely off the house.

Truly amazing what some people do without knowing what they are doing.

Jerry you are making me thankful for finding nails in my yard.

It's supposed to rain this Thursday, so I'll be up in my attic looking for leaks. Say a prayer for me so I don't fall through the ceiling.

Originally Posted by Jane Doe

Jerry you are making me thankful for finding nails in my yard.

It's supposed to rain this Thursday, so I'll be up in my attic looking for leaks. Say a prayer for me so I don't fall through the ceiling.

Remember to always have three points of contact; one hand-two feet: two hands-one foot

If your concerned about the roof installation, I would have a reputable roofing contractor inspect the roof installation.

Originally Posted by Trent Tarter

If your concerned about the roof installation, I would have a reputable roofing contractor inspect the roof installation.

How much does a roof inspection usually cost? It's 1500 sf., medium steep.

Originally Posted by Jane Doe

Jerry you are making me thankful for finding nails in my yard.

Everything can have at least one position thing said about it ... even if the positive thing is saying "That sure is the worst roof ever, no one can beat that!"

(But you can bet there will always be some idiot trying to beat it. )

Originally Posted by Jane Doe

How much does a roof inspection usually cost? It's 1500 sf., medium steep.

You mentioned a hailstorm. Did you file on your homeowners policy?

Originally Posted by Jane Doe

How much does a roof inspection usually cost? It's 1500 sf., medium steep.

It is more about the person than the cost. Cost does not equate to ability. There is no magic number. It will depend on your location.

You need knowledge and experience. Also, you need a detailed and literate written report of the inspection. Further, you need some one that will someone that will communicate with you in the future. This all adds up in time and aggravation which may equate to dollars. A good insightful report may be the first and last contact or not.

The hump that you may be seeing could be the result of stacking the shingle bundles on the ridge of the roof. Meaning that they heat up and bend/stretch. Then when used they do not lay flat. Some times they settle down and sometimes they don't. Which is why in it is bad to stack shingles over the ridge, a crap shoot.

Nails in your yard. Were they new or used? A tear off can have nails popping and flying 30 to 50 feet depending on the height of the roof. Then there is the too full pouch syndrome.

Not sure if this was asked, but were permits obtained in this reroof?

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by John Chung

Not sure if this was asked, but were permits obtained in this reroof?

- - - Updated - - -

Roofing permits are only required in our city if they replace any portion of the decking. Which they didn't.