Any Roofers Out There?

[PJmomrunner]

Ugh!!!

I am having my roof replaced. The roofer has completed the biggest section of the house that faces the street and the bottom half of it just looks wrong. The shingles are "architectural", not the three-tab type, and they are supposed to be arranged at random to show no pattern. In order to accomplish this they are supposed to be placed on the roof in a certain way (line the first sheet up on the left edge of the roof, remove 5 5/8" from the second sheet and line it up on the left edge for the second course, remove 11 1/4" from the third sheet and line it up, use the removed 11 1/4" piece on the next course, the removed 5 5/8" to start the fifth course and repeat).

Well, my shingles form vertical stripes on the lower half of my roof. The colors line up to form these stripes. I talked to my roofer and he says they installed them the right way--they just happen to line up that way. I've talked to the manufacturer and they say the only way it could have happened is that the roofer "racked" the shingles (which means he laid the first course against the left edge, cut 5" off the second course, laid the third course against the left edge, and repeated--this is the proper way to install three-tab shingles, not architectural like mine).

I hate to have to mess with this, but it just doesn't look good. These guys have families to feed and I really don't want to see them lose money on the job.... I have a rep from the supply company coming out to assess the situation and see if maybe there's a color defect (which is not likely).

Does anybody have any words of wisdom for me?

 

[Nancy]

This is going to be a sticky situation no matter what. It sounds like a contractor error. You will need the support of the shingle manufacturer, I would think.

Most contractors have errors and omissions insurance to cover themselves.

 

[PJmomrunner]

"Errors and Omissions Insurance" would be nice. He's definitely insured, but I don't know how.

I knew the valvers would come up with things I didn't think of. Keep those ideas coming...

 

[PJmomrunner]

Well, the contractor's son demonstrated to me how they laid the shingles (racked) and how that results in the same pattern as the method the manufacturer recommends. I can't dispute what he showed me because it does look the same to me. BUT he said it does look funny and they want to make it right so they will move some shingles around until it's acceptable and pay closer attention on the other visible surfaces of the roof (much of the roof is not visible from the ground). So...hooray! Maybe not so sticky afterall...we'll see.

 

[Nancy]

Sounds like a good contractor.

 

[Marguerite53]

PJ. Sounds like things may well work themselves out. Sometimes just the newness of things is visually startling. Sometimes you can look at something too long and it can't make itself right. HOWEVER. If I were you, I would not pay them in full until you are completely sure that you have gotten what you want. Once these guys are paid in full, it is hard to get them back to make things right. My guess is that this is costing quite abit, too.

Do not let them talk you into their song and dance. Make sure that you got what you expected. It's a roof!! It's not something you're going to go out and change again, or replace. It affects the value of your house. Be sure!

Hang in there! Marguerite

 

[Georgia]

PJ, just wanted to let you know that I commiserate with you. I thought I'd go nuts when we had our roof replaced - the hammering and general racket was awful. And I hated the roof when it was finished - I wanted a solid color & didn't have a clue that I'd purchased a speckled one. ARGH. Still don't like it, but too bad. It works (except where the tree went through it during our March tornado).

Good luck. I just think house remodeling is the pits.

 

[Mb]

PJ:

I own/operate a construction company. Frankly, it does sound like the roofer is trying to make it right by you.

One generally chooses an architechtural roof if there is a lot of "roof" that shows from the street. It enhances the cosmetic appearance from the street. Color is important. Shading is important. It is a more expensive shingle as well.

I have one full time, and one part time roofing crews. If the color came out like that on one of our jobs, I would have the men correct it immediately. It does sound like they are doing right by you, and frankly it will not take a lot of work to make it right. The contractor I am sure would rather fix the problem, than have you contact their insurnace company. First and foremost, it truly isn't that big of a deal to fix. Secondly, I am sure they want you to be happy with the end result. Sounds like you did a good job in hiring these people.

Good luck.-Marybeth

 

[PJmomrunner]

As usual, I can count on my VR-buds for support and commiseration!

THE ROOF IS FIXED! And it didn't take that long either! I most definitely DID choose my contractor well!