Shingling over an old roof
 

Hi

I know sqaure eye and inspector D will probably say don't touch this job, but theres a guy who wants to shingle over 3 layers of existing shingles. They are in crappy shape I looked at them. Curled up and crunchy. I've never shingled over existing shingles before, only done it from the decking up which I admit would be preferable.But the guy just doesnt have the dough for that. Would I put felt paper or tar paper down first? Would I flash all valleys? It's a cross gable kind of roof. He wants it fixed because its leaking. It seems to be leaking near a chimney. but I'd rather go over everything because its such bad condition.
Are there any other more "recommended" options anybody can think of in a situation like this if a customer doesn't want to rip off the whole old roof?

Will

Will we do alot what you wouldnt do jobs and if we were asked to put on a forth layer of shingles We Would Not Put Our name on it. That is the most stupid thing you could do. I bet the rafters are allredy saging and a big dip in that roof and ridge. He wana add more weight!?!? I roll my eyes on that thought.
BUT I know a guy that buys houses in Detroit and he will strip off one or two layers leaving the rest and get away with it!!!
You dont realy need valley roll just ice &water guard and shingle your low gable first and let shingle run into and up onto the main roof at least 16" with out cutting and run the main shingle to that valley over and snap a line and cut just a bit high, for not to hold debrey and alow run off.
I would tell this guy tear off and eaven though I aint seen a Pic. I would jack a knew wall in and proulbly sister in rafters.
I been around a bit, and can see what this house roof looks like. LMAO.

Will, have you considered going into another line of work?

People will try to take advantage of an inexperienced contractor and will land you in big-time trouble nearly every time.
Then there is the liability issue.
You will be better off to go to work for another contractor and get some real experience before you get sued.

Build a huge circus tent over the whole house.











:p

Hello Will:
To summarize what the other guys have said, [B]"Don't touch this one; he can't afford you and you can't afford to put your reputation on the line for him".[B] I will gurantee this job will leak more after another layer than it does now.
Glenn

Yeah I'm beginning to think doing the whole roof is the only option. I was just over there and get this, the only decking on the roof seems to be some kind of wood shingles. Ive never seen this before but looking up from the attick you can see them nailed right onto the rafters. No wonder the things leaking like a sonofagun.


Will

New York Building Code
 

New York State Building Code does not allow having more than 2 layers of shingles on any roof.

It would be a code violation to add a 4th layer to this structure and you will not be able to secure permits to do this job.

See section R907.3 of the NY State Residential Code:

You can see for yourself the text of the NY State Residential Code here in Chapter 9:

http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/new_york/NY_Residential/residential_frameset.htm

Appear you have ALL of the above negative conditions present and no way would you be permitted or pass inspection for reroofing if you add another layer.


Should you add another layer, you will find yourself subject to fine, license revocation and damages...and be liable to correct any deficiencies in the roof system at your own expense.

Either convince this customer they need to have the roof done properly or walk away from this job.

Will:
This one will have to be stripped all the way down to the lath (solid wood below the cedar shingles), then start back with plywood or OSB, shingle underlayment (tar paper/15 pound felt), and only then, the new shingles. Its going to be an expensive job and very time consuming; you must also verify a place and cost to dump the old roofing. Not every place will accept that material. Your best bet is to have a 30 cubic yard dumpster placed by a regular service and let them worry about the dumping. Bless you son, you're going to need it on this one.
Glenn

yeah I just got off the phone with them. I told them 6 grand including materials which youll probably all say is too cheap. Ive done roofs before and I sure do know a dumpster is a good idea. I don't know which way this ones gonna go but Ive defintely given up the idea of doing anything but from the rafters up, redecking with plywood and reshingling. I can see for myslef its not a good idea to go over the crud thats up there.

Shingling over an old roof
 

Way to go Will!!! You've got it now hoss. Nothing about this one will be easy so, you gotta get paid for your work and trouble, plus a little for warranty work (just in case). I don't know how many sqrares you are doing but I wouldn't take it for less than $300 per square.
We are all proud of you Will; give 'em h---. You will find there's no-one bidding against you.:D
Glenn