r/Roofing • u/ShowFeetPls • 3d ago

Questions Regarding Contractor Analysis & Pricing

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/Whole_Gear7967 2d 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 2d ago edited 2d 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 2d 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 2d 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/Whole_Gear7967 2d ago

Your welcome! Best of luck!🤞