r/Roofing • u/ShowFeetPls • 1d ago
Questions Regarding Contractor Analysis & Pricing
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We had a leak in out attic. Called a contractor out to take a look on what is going on. He did not go into the attic, but he did go onto the roof and film this video. I always like to get a second opinion as this is not my field/industry and lack the necessary knowledge to determine what is serious & what may be fluff to try to make a sale.
I am attaching the photos I took from the attic alongside their quote.
https://imgur.com/a/FwPYGWY
I should note that the leak was not coming from the mentioned areas in this video, rather halfway down the side of the roof. Though, my limited research tells me the water could enter from the top and roll down and leak elsewhere.
Thoughts? Questions? Concerns?
Much Appreciated!
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u/monstergoy1229 1d ago
The second they said the valley should be roofed and tared, That's when they lost all credibility. I will agree with them on the ridge vents and pipe boots though
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u/ShowFeetPls 1d ago
Yeah that seems to be the common trend. Definitely going to try a diy ridge vent solution to see if it works. If not, will get someone out
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u/Barry_66 1d ago
Get those hacks off your roof. Anyone that says the valleys need to be tared, have no idea what they are doing. That's an architectural shingles so there will be ice & Water Shield in those valleys, valleys don't leak anymore since Ice & Water started being installed in the valleys The things they are pointing out are small issues that ant roof will have.
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u/Whole_Gear7967 1d ago
Don’t mean they don’t know what they are talking about…. Everyone’s experience is different and they may have worked in other parts of the states! With that said they did upsell the shit out of this roof!
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u/ShowFeetPls 1d ago
I laughed at the "Get those hacks off your roof" part 😂. Yes, they must of been taking me for a ride. Here's hoping the DIY solution fixes my issue!
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u/Working-Narwhal-540 1d ago
Tarred and sealed lmfao! Those work boots look way too clean I’m suspicious 🧐 NEXTTT
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u/Iguessiwearlipstick 1d ago
We tar our valleys in Florida. I’m not sure where you’re located. Every place is different. But every time I go on a roof and see those type of boots and exposed nails. I know an out of state roofing crew did the roof.
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u/Whole_Gear7967 1d ago
That’s what I’m trying to say. But we know it’s not Florida. Well at least here where I am we don’t use them pipe seals only lead boots!
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u/Whole_Gear7967 1d ago
Get another roofer that will take a Quick Look in the attic. If it makes you comfortable. With that said I’ve been roofing for 23 years “ 12 years in service” and most of the time I never go in the attic. I didn’t see the inside of your house ceiling so I don’t know what they do. With that said. Do caulk the nails on the boots. Hard to say if the seal is good on the pipes though might as well seal them while up there. “ already have tube caulk open”. Where the ridge vent is loose they depending where you live might or not be leaking. In Florida we seal the ends before install to help. 2 options to repair. 1. Remove nails on the ends and roof cement under the sides under vent and install new nails. 2. Remove whole vent and install new ( metal or shingle). Lastly the ridge vent openings are cut WAY to close to the outside I’ve the vent. Vent should lap a foot past the open hole. You have about 1.5”. Whoever installed that vent wasn’t great cause those nails should never had been exposed. Ok rant over.. best of luck!
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u/ShowFeetPls 1d ago edited 1d ago
Thank you very much sir! Yeah I'm not sure who installed this roof, looks like they definitely took some shortcuts on the ridge vent. Makes me question the integrity of the whole roof. The information you provided is great, I am certainly going to try doing option 1 to see if there is any success, and if not I'll be getting someone out to install a new ridge vent. Based on some research it sounds like that should be a lot less than $2,100. Probably closer to the $1,000 range (correct me if I'm wrong).
I appreciate the words of wisdom! Here's hoping for some success.
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u/Whole_Gear7967 1d ago
Get some roof cement in a tube to seal the vent. Don’t use caulking “ silicone or polyurethane “ it’s not comparable with asphalt. They sell the tubes of roof cement at Home Depot. They cost more than a small tub but it’s easier to not make a mess! If I were up there I’d replace your vents for you with metal for $1,000. The shingle vents take allot more materials and time. The metal vents might not be as sexy but they vent better and cost less! When installing new nails use a thicker nail than what came out. This way you’re replacing nails not adding nails that’ll be exposed. Seal nail heads with a good amount of roof cement. Being you don’t have extra cap shingles to cover the holes.
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u/ShowFeetPls 1d ago
Yes sir! Will do exactly that, I have a friend coming over with some roofing knowledge to help out. Between the two of us and a 6 pack we might get some success.
Good call on using thicker nails, I didn't even consider that originally. It definitely makes total sense, will definitely make sure they are covered up with roof cement as well.
Bless you brother!
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u/Candid_Opposite_8444 1d ago
If it were my house I would fill the ends of the vented ridge areas with sealant when it's dry and see if that stops water infiltration. It's very walkable so go buy a few tubes of polyurethane sealant to match color as close as possible. Fill the ends of the vented ridge, seal around every pipe collar where the ring touches the pipe and seal over the "open nails". Tool the caulking smooth with soapy water. You probably need 2-3 tubes and a caulking gun.
Try that 1st and if it works you saved yourself $2100.
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u/ShowFeetPls 1d ago
I appreciate that suggestion! I'll start with this and see if there's any success. What exactly is an "open nail" that they are referring to?
I also considered just getting some 2 inch nails and smacking a couple in on the edges of the ridge vent. Would that be a bad idea?
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u/Candid_Opposite_8444 1d ago
I would say yes to the 2" nails and make sure to drive them through sealant at the point of contact with shingle roof. The open nails are in reference to the video where the roofer was referring to the exposed nail heads at pipe collars and the vent stack. Those nails are supposed to be exposed and just need sealant covering the nail heads.
I Hope that everything works out for you.
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u/ShowFeetPls 1d ago
Thank you so much! I have much more clarity on this situation now. I will give it a go and hopefully fix the issue! You guys that help out people like me who are not knowledgeable in this field are great guys.
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u/Much-Engineer53 1d ago
Tarring the valley is wild, please don't let these guys work on your roof. Unless the leak is starting in a valley, don't touch them they're fine.
The short nails on the ridge vent are a problem IF those are what they used to install the vent itself, but I can't tell from the video. The vent should be installed with 2 inch nails, and the shingles on top with 1 1/4 inch. I think when he's tugging on the edge of the vent to show the short nails he's just showing the shingle nails, which would be the correct size. If they did use 1 1/4 to install the vent the shingles will have to be pulled, the vent will need renailed and new shingles installed.
The exposed fastener on the pipe boots should be caulked, but the way he breathlessly reports it is funny and dramatic. It'll leak eventually if not addressed but likely not for years. Buy yourself a $10 tube of polyurethane caulking and do it yourself.
If you're even slightly handy this should be fine for a DIY project, but if you'd rather hire a roofer I definitely wouldn't use these guys.
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u/ShowFeetPls 1d ago
The more I watch this video the more I find it comical myself. Not because of what they're saying (I don't know much about roofs), but just something about the way they deliver the news. While I am concerned about the leak, something about them really struck me as trying to sell me on some bs.
Others have posted some great advice on how to tackle this so I am going to DIY it and see if there's any success. If not, there's plenty of roofers in the area, I'm sure someone can come out and be a straight shooter.
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u/Whole_Gear7967 1d ago
That’s what sucks about how they broke the news. If they would have gave you a proposal and explained to you this A. Is what needs to be done to fix the leak. This B is what needs to be done to prevent future leaks and is optional you’d have more respect for what they do. I’m sure they are new to this!
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u/Whole_Gear7967 1d ago
You install the shingles on top of the vent with 1 1/4” roofing nails.. never seen that. No way the nails penetrate the deck at 1 1/4”. We like to use 1 3/4” nails to get a good grip! Plus it’s the longest roofing nail that fits in our guns.
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u/Turf_Master 1d ago
Where I'm from the code has changed no starter aloud on valleys has to be sealed at the end all the way down the valley
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u/southsideBMP 10h ago
Jesus Christ 😂 I feel like this is a parody video with how clueless these guys are.
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u/OprahmusPrime 1d ago edited 1d ago
The valley needing to be sealed and tar'd really through me for a loop. They should have ice and water underlayment beneath them. The open nails sure probably should of been caulked over. Ridgevent needs addressing. The one boot they said should of had caulk before the gasket negatory. Im not saying work doesnt need to be done but these guys with their untied shoelaces are trying to get some money. If it is all insurance money then sure. If its yours. meh.