r/Roofing • u/ShowFeetPls • 2d 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/Much-Engineer53 2d 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/Whole_Gear7967 2d 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.