New roof install question.

[96Pirate]

So I just had a new roof installed and actually watched them do part of it. After going back and researching the proper techniques I realized they installed it using a racking method (up first and then laterally). Per the Timberline GAF recommended install methods they recommend laterally first and then up for the architectural shingles we used. I need to go back and listen to the videos again because I know they talked about voiding any warranty but I do not remember if that was with regards to the racking. I plan to raise the ladder later today to look at other areas as well (nailing pattern, alignment, exposed nails, etc)

? - What is your take on the racking method? Will it more likely cause leakage down the road?

Thanks
Mike

 

[Gym]

I've done a couple of roofs myself and have had several roofs done by contractors. I have seen this process done before on someone elses's roof. Architectural shingles will not look right if not installed properly so the first issue is does it look good? Look closely, does the pattern follow properly? I had a contractor mess up part of my roof so I made him rip it out and replace it. The second issue is does it leak? It is not imperative to run laterally as many contractors will use, what looks like, a stepped method going vertically as in the link below. This way they are working with mostly full shingles rather than making a lot of cuts. They will have a helper or two filling in with cut shingles. Did you get any pictures of their progress showing the method they used? It may be a good idea to call the Timberline GAF customer support line or go to the place they were bought to ask.

https://www.google.com/search?q=pic...ei=K7EgV_C9FsTQePrCv7AO#imgrc=C728TIGgl1mgCM:

 

[BigN8]

On a separate note, for all those in the DFW area that got hit with hail I strongly recommend waiting to have the work done if you get a claim. There is too much work and not enough labor. The labor and shingles will cost more and you will get a rushed and shitty job. GAF estimates that there is around 300,000,000 sqft of damaged shingles that are to be replaced in DFW.

 

[96Pirate]

I've done a couple of roofs myself and have had several roofs done by contractors. I have seen this process done before on someone elses's roof. Architectural shingles will not look right if not installed properly so the first issue is does it look good? Look closely, does the pattern follow properly? I had a contractor mess up part of my roof so I made him rip it out and replace it. The second issue is does it leak? It is not imperative to run laterally as many contractors will use, what looks like, a stepped method going vertically as in the link below. This way they are working with mostly full shingles rather than making a lot of cuts. They will have a helper or two filling in with cut shingles. Did you get any pictures of their progress showing the method they used? It may be a good idea to call the Timberline GAF customer support line or go to the place they were bought to ask.

https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+roof+shingle+installation&espv=2&biw=1242&bih=585&tbm=isch&imgil=C728TIGgl1mgCM%3A%3B5uVfV83etIfB6M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hammerzone.com%252Farchives%252Froof%252Fmaintenance%252Freshingle%252Finstall_1%252Fasphalt_1.htm&source=iu&pf=m&fir=C728TIGgl1mgCM%3A%2C5uVfV83etIfB6M%2C_&usg=___W0kID5fZHfNa5iXRp77UuQpzvw=&ved=0ahUKEwiw_4-76a7MAhVEKB4KHXrhD-YQyjcIOw&ei=K7EgV_C9FsTQePrCv7AO#imgrc=C728TIGgl1mgCM:

Thanks @Gym

I did get pictures and short clip of the install. It clearly shows the racking method. They went clear up where they had to lift the shingle to slide the next under. NOT a stepped method. Is the pattern supposed to be random? I initially thought it should not but then I looked at the Timberline site and it is random. This is how mine appears.

Photo from Timberline site


My roof

 

[96Pirate]

On a separate note, for all those in the DFW area that got hit with hail I strongly recommend waiting to have the work done if you get a claim. There is too much work and not enough labor. The labor and shingles will cost more and you will get a rushed and shitty job. GAF estimates that there is around 300,000,000 sqft of damaged shingles that are to be replaced in DFW.

Yep, that is why mine is being replaced...hail damage back in Feb. I urge my fellow friends in NC to get their roofs checked out...
@Julian , @justason , @bronze_10 , @waterboy

 

[justason]

my good friend with a 30 year old roof covered in a 25 year shingle just got his replaced from hail damage to the tune of $15,000. I don't understand how that gets past the adjuster !!

 

[Gym]

Thanks @Gym

I did get pictures and short clip of the install. It clearly shows the racking method. They went clear up where they had to lift the shingle to slide the next under. NOT a stepped method. Is the pattern supposed to be random? I initially thought it should not but then I looked at the Timberline site and it is random. This is how mine appears.

Photo from Timberline site
View attachment 36290

My roof
View attachment 36292

View attachment 36291

@96Pirate. The pattern with architectural shingles should appear random but the process of laying them down is anything but. A random installation would allow some seams to be placed over other seams allowing for potential leaks. When I did my architectural shingles a the first row would start with a full shingle, the second row would start with a 2/3 piece of shingle, third row with a 1/3 piece of shingle and so on. That would prevent any seams from being too close to each other.

I understand from your last post this was an insurance job. Did they recommend this installer? Some companies stand behind installers they recommend. You could also ask the GAF rep for your area to stop by to evaluate the job. If a building permit was required you could ask the building inspector to look it over. If he agrees with you he may put pressure on the contractor to fix it or prevent him from doing anymore work.

Have you had a significant rain storm since the install was complete? Check the attic for signs of water or check during or after the next storm. A new roof should give your house protection from the elements and and curb appeal.

 

[Julian]

Yep, that is why mine is being replaced...hail damage back in Feb. I urge my fellow friends in NC to get their roofs checked out...

Who did you have check your roof? We had some serious hail here too.

 

[waterboy]

@96Pirate Thanks for the shout out to us. Down our way in Holly Springs, we did not have any hail. It did appear though some others areas got nailed pretty good. Good luck with your stuff.

We have the same shingles on our house, I will admit to never having installed myself so thanks for the education!!

 

[bronze_10]

The hail missed us too.. but if any of my raleigh area people need a good trust worthy roof guy hit me up.

 

[96Pirate]

Who did you have check your roof? We had some serious hail here too.

I am having Rescue Roofing Specialists handle the work. I will say I have had excellent communication with Miguel so far. He handled everything. Pleasure to work with. I was just questioning if the install was done properly just from watching. I helped replace a roof a long time ago but that was with the 3-tab so I was not sure if the architectural shingles could/should be installed the same. I hope to get the ladder out later today and go for a look. I am not getting on it because of the pitch but will look as far up as I can. I know the offset is critical as is nail placement. So I will be looking at those things. It has yet to be inspected until they finish the metal roofing and some siding and shutters.

Friends had their roof done and recommended them and they are a certified installer for GAF.

I will let you know how it works out. Thanks all for the info.

 

[96Pirate]

@96Pirate. The pattern with architectural shingles should appear random but the process of laying them down is anything but. A random installation would allow some seams to be placed over other seams allowing for potential leaks. When I did my architectural shingles a the first row would start with a full shingle, the second row would start with a 2/3 piece of shingle, third row with a 1/3 piece of shingle and so on. That would prevent any seams from being too close to each other.

I understand from your last post this was an insurance job. Did they recommend this installer? Some companies stand behind installers they recommend. You could also ask the GAF rep for your area to stop by to evaluate the job. If a building permit was required you could ask the building inspector to look it over. If he agrees with you he may put pressure on the contractor to fix it or prevent him from doing anymore work.

Have you had a significant rain storm since the install was complete? Check the attic for signs of water or check during or after the next storm. A new roof should give your house protection from the elements and and curb appeal.

Yep, totally agree @Gym At least that is what I was thinking per my experience with 3-tab shingles. I forgot to mention above I actually did my shed roof 5 years back. Totally agree with the stepped method or the side to side. Just wasn't sure of the straight up method if that would cause issues. I know some potential risks with doing that are bending shingles to slide the next under and potentially breaking one, missing nails and potential lack of color variation.

The company was recommended by a friend so they got in touch with me through them. The rep has a great working relationship with the Nationwide (my insurance) adjuster. Not sure if Nationwide would have recommended them or not. Depending on what I see later I might reach out to the GAF rep. I still need to review the GAF videos. My biggest concern is if the warranty is void with the racking install method. I have lifetime warranty on this so I don't want to lose that. Still to be inspected and praying for rain soon so I can check for leaks...huh...did I just say let it rain??? I have a lot of boat work to do.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Mike