So, my roof leaks like a sieve. This is unacceptable with the approaching rainy season.
It is currently asphalt shingle, supposedly redone in 2005. Originally it was tar and gravel.
I spoke to a roofer who was insistent due to the low slope of the roof, the asphalt shingle is no good for water flow, hence my leakage issues. He suggested a heat welded PVC roll, for more than I'd like to spend.
I suppose this makes me a roofer, if so, what are my options?
Roof slope is 2:12 IIRC
Here's some photos for helping to visualize that:
(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/normal_weathervane1.JPG)
(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/normal_house20.png)
What's your budget? How long do you plan on living there?
If you don't like the torch down stuff, you probably won't like my standing seam suggestion......
Quote from: rgramjet on October 24, 2011, 04:59:45 PM
What's your budget? How long do you plan on living there?
If you don't like the torch down stuff, you probably won't like my standing seam suggestion......
Less that the 22K they suggested?
I was planning on dying in this house-so....hopefully at least another few decades.
I'm open to any suggestions that would befit such a roof. I basically need to do it cheaper/myself.
not sure where your located but over here in indiana, anything less then a 4/12 pitch is required by code to go with roll roofing. so the guy that told you that wasnt trying to pull one over on you.
I is in snow free California.
He seemed to know his stuff, I just don't want to pay that kind of money.
Quote from: peeny on October 24, 2011, 06:17:20 PM
I is in snow free California.
He seemed to know his stuff, I just don't want to pay that kind of money.
I realize that, but 22K seems like A LOT for a roof.
JM
If it matters I have uh, 11 skylights or some such.
$22k!
The heat welded pvc roof is your best bet. It's like a pool liner.
http://usa.sarnafil.sika.com/ (http://usa.sarnafil.sika.com/)
The lack of snow is helpful.
Asphalt roofing shingles or metal roof just shed water. The underlayment is what keeps the water out. Typically on low slopes an underlayment like Ice & Shield is used.
You have to look at the whole roof system before you apply something that doesn't breath like a pvc or ice & water shield.
The PVC roof is the way to go. If done correctly it will outlast the house.
Quote from: peeny on October 24, 2011, 05:04:47 PM
Less that the 22K they suggested?
I was planning on dying in this house-so....hopefully at least another few decades.
I'm open to any suggestions that would befit such a roof. I basically need to do it cheaper/myself.
Here in the DC area? Hells no. Not sure what the markets like where you are.
I'm sure, on a pitch that low, the roofer wants to a install self adhesive membrane beneath the top roof layer. That stuff isn't cheap. Also he is probably charging you in advance for the headaches involved after installing such a low pitched roof and the risk. Get a couple more bids!
Quote from: peeny on October 24, 2011, 04:34:19 PM
So, my roof leaks like a sieve. This is unacceptable with the approaching rainy season.
It is currently asphalt shingle, supposedly redone in 2005. Originally it was tar and gravel.
I spoke to a roofer who was insistent due to the low slope of the roof, the asphalt shingle is no good for water flow, hence my leakage issues. He suggested a heat welded PVC roll, for more than I'd like to spend.
I suppose this makes me a roofer, if so, what are my options?
Roof slope is 2:12 IIRC
Here's some photos for helping to visualize that:
(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/normal_weathervane1.JPG)
(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/normal_house20.png)
15 years of professional roof sales:
1-If the roof was installed in 2005 and it leaks, it's an installation issue, not a material issue. Did they tear off the old roof down to the sheeting or just scrape the gravel and go over it? That could be the problem.
2-PVC (Sarnafil) if for commercial roofs. Putting it on a residence would be overkill ($$$$) and would look like crap.
3-Water flows off asphalt shingles just fine.
4-You have to have a minimum of a 2:12 pitch for the asphalt manufacturers to honor their warranty.
5-Who told you it was 2:12? Get a cheap protractor and go up and measure it. It looks to be a bit more. Regardless, 2:12 is fine for asphalt shingles.
6-Architect is right. The underlayment is more important then the shingles. The shingles just protect the oil impregnated underlayment from drying out in the sun.
7: From the pics...less then $8K...probably closer to 6K if it's already properly sheeted.
8: Call a reputable supply house and ask for the three most professional roofers. Start here: http://www.alliedbuilding.com/about/alliedbranches.aspx?stateflag=1&id=1&stval=CA (http://www.alliedbuilding.com/about/alliedbranches.aspx?stateflag=1&id=1&stval=CA)
Quote from: peeny on October 24, 2011, 06:34:41 PM
If it matters I have uh, 11 skylights or some such.
And yes, it does. Figure at least $100 or more to properly flash and seal each one added to the cost of the roof.
sounds like an installation problem.
plus, you have a shitload of skylights. i would eye ball those, some roofers can't flash them worth a shit. my mother in law has one skylight that leaked and was going to get the roof redone. i got on her roof with a spray can of truck bed rubber paint and emptied it around the flashing.. voila, no more leaking.
Quote from: ducatiz on October 24, 2011, 09:46:01 PM
sounds like an installation problem.
plus, you have a shitload of skylights. i would eye ball those, some roofers can't flash them worth a shit. my mother in law has one skylight that leaked and was going to get the roof redone. i got on her roof with a spray can of truck bed rubber paint and emptied it around the flashing.. voila, no more leaking.
I have tried the bandaid on the flesh wound thing. Last light burnt out due to the fixture being full of water. Needs a proper fix.
Quote from: peeny on October 24, 2011, 09:58:00 PM
I have tried the bandaid on the flesh wound thing. Last light burnt out due to the fixture being full of water. Needs a proper fix.
I gotcha.. my point was that you have those lights presenting the most likely cause of the leak. Find someone who can seal them or do it yourself. I bet the leak disappears.
Quote from: ducatiz on October 24, 2011, 10:12:59 PM
I gotcha.. my point was that you have those lights presenting the most likely cause of the leak. Find someone who can seal them or do it yourself. I bet the leak disappears.
He's sealed them, multiple times, and so has a professional roofer. Leak keeps coming back.
You could *make* asphalt shingle work but you won't get the life expectancy they're rated for. The cheapest decent option would be double coverage rolled roofing, basically a 3' wide roll of asphalt shingle glued down in overlapping layers. It'll be a pregnant dog around the skylights but 5 gallon pails of blind nailing cement makes for a fun day. You'd probably get 20 yrs. out of it. EPDM rubber roof is pretty bullet-proof, easy to work with and should last as long as you need to worry about it. That would be my choice.
Roofing sucks. :)
Quote from: Speedbag on October 25, 2011, 04:22:57 AM
Roofing sucks. :)
[thumbsup]
These days you can get a good looking pvc roof. The come in all colors and they can add ribs to make it look like a standings seam metal roof.
Quote from: somegirl on October 24, 2011, 10:24:32 PM
He's sealed them, multiple times, and so has a professional roofer. Leak keeps coming back.
Do these leaks come back when the weather turns cold?
Quote from: somegirl on October 24, 2011, 10:24:32 PM
He's sealed them, multiple times, and so has a professional roofer. Leak keeps coming back.
Someone is missing something then.
Temperature can cause sealant to shrink and expand. If they aren't doing it right or aren't prepping the flashing correctly, then it can open. Flashing can be done wrong and when they put sealant over the huge gaps they've left, it works for a while and then nothing.
Do you have an attic or crawlspace?
One of the local places here pours UV dye on the roof (water soluble) and after a few rains, you go inside and shine the light to see where the leak traces are.
Quote from: Speedbag on October 25, 2011, 04:22:57 AM
Roofing sucks. :)
+11tybillion
I hate to say it but there is NO reason to be a roofer. Ive installed countless copper, shingle and slate roofs working with my dad growing up. It took me a little while but I learned early not to be a roofer.
We might see massive temperature swings ranging from 80 in the summer to high 30s in the winter.
Quote from: peeny on October 25, 2011, 07:00:40 AM
We might see massive temperature swings ranging from 80 in the summer to high 30s in the winter.
Man you Californians like to exaggerate.
It was a big mouse, not a rat, and a 50 degree temp swing is by no means "massive".
Quote from: peeny on October 25, 2011, 07:00:40 AM
We might see massive temperature swings ranging from 80 in the summer to high 30s in the winter.
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Try -30 in the winter to low 100s in the summer....
Quote from: rgramjet on October 25, 2011, 07:05:10 AM
Man you Californians like to exaggerate.
It was a big mouse, not a rat, and a 50 degree temp swing is by no means "massive".
Sort of my point-I don't think it's a temp thing-we don't see a lot of variance.
Quote from: rgramjet on October 25, 2011, 06:16:11 AM
I hate to say it but there is NO reason to be a roofer. Ive installed countless copper, shingle and slate roofs working with my dad growing up. It took me a little while but I learned early not to be a roofer.
Agreed. Very hard job. That's why I went the sales route years ago and the government route a few years ago.
Roof Rats?
The reason I asked about the temp: if the skylights or other parts of the roof aren't insulated correctly, you will get condensation on the cold parts. Enough to make you think you have roof leaks.
Quote from: The Architect on October 26, 2011, 03:54:46 AM
The reason I asked about the temp: if the skylights or other parts of the roof aren't insulated correctly, you will get condensation on the cold parts. Enough to make you think you have roof leaks.
Roof LEAKS. Fills up buckets. Drill a hole in your boat, experience my roof. If Noah lived under my roof, he would start loading his Ark.
C'mon man-give me some credit here.
Like you'd be the first rocket scientist to be an idiot when it comes to common sense things? [laugh]
Quote from: Dan on October 26, 2011, 08:41:26 AM
Like you'd be the first rocket scientist to be an idiot when it comes to common sense things? [laugh]
all he ever tells me is pointy end up... [roll]
Quote from: ducpainter on October 26, 2011, 10:15:15 AM
all he ever tells me is pointy end up... [roll]
... and you're trying to drive a well point. ;D
rocket-scientists... :P
Quote from: ducpainter on October 26, 2011, 10:15:15 AM
all he ever tells me is pointy end up... [roll]
He should make his roof more pointy!
Quote from: rgramjet on October 26, 2011, 10:48:46 AM
He should make his roof more pointy!
That would solve most of the problem. ;D
that's the answer....an Alpine lodge style roof which would give him signifigant living space/storage space expansion that he can stand in and whatnot.....