School me on roofing

[Popeye the Sailor]

So, my roof leaks like a sieve. This is unacceptable with the approaching rainy season.

It is currently asphalt shingle, supposedly redone in 2005. Originally it was tar and gravel.

I spoke to a roofer who was insistent due to the low slope of the roof, the asphalt shingle is no good for water flow, hence my leakage issues. He suggested a heat welded PVC roll, for more than I'd like to spend.

I suppose this makes me a roofer, if so, what are my options?

Roof slope is 2:12 IIRC

Here's some photos for helping to visualize that:

[rgramjet]

What's your budget?  How long do you plan on living there?

If you don't like the torch down stuff, you probably won't like my standing seam suggestion......

[Popeye the Sailor]

What's your budget?  How long do you plan on living there?

If you don't like the torch down stuff, you probably won't like my standing seam suggestion......

Less that the 22K they suggested?

I was planning on dying in this house-so....hopefully at least another few decades.

I'm open to any suggestions that would befit such a roof. I basically need to do it cheaper/myself.

[tilt]

not sure where your located but over here in indiana, anything less then a 4/12 pitch is required by code to go with roll roofing.  so the guy that told you that wasnt trying to pull one over on you.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I is in snow free California.

He seemed to know his stuff, I just don't want to pay that kind of money.

[the_Journeyman]

I is in snow free California.

He seemed to know his stuff, I just don't want to pay that kind of money.

I realize that, but 22K seems like A LOT for a roof.

JM

[Popeye the Sailor]

If it matters I have uh, 11 skylights or some such.

[The Architect]

$22k!

The heat welded pvc roof is your best bet.  It's like a pool liner.

http://usa.sarnafil.sika.com/

The lack of snow is helpful. 

Asphalt roofing shingles or metal roof just shed water.  The underlayment is what keeps the water out.  Typically on low slopes an underlayment like Ice & Shield is used. 

You have to look at the whole roof system before you apply something that doesn't breath like a pvc or ice & water shield.


The PVC roof is the way to go.  If done correctly it will outlast the house. 

[rgramjet]

Less that the 22K they suggested?

I was planning on dying in this house-so....hopefully at least another few decades.

I'm open to any suggestions that would befit such a roof. I basically need to do it cheaper/myself.

Here in the DC area?  Hells no.  Not sure what the markets like where you are.

I'm sure, on a pitch that low, the roofer wants to a install self adhesive membrane beneath the top roof layer.  That stuff isn't cheap.   Also he is probably charging you in advance for the headaches involved after installing such a low pitched roof and the risk.  Get a couple more bids!

[hbliam]

So, my roof leaks like a sieve. This is unacceptable with the approaching rainy season.

It is currently asphalt shingle, supposedly redone in 2005. Originally it was tar and gravel.

I spoke to a roofer who was insistent due to the low slope of the roof, the asphalt shingle is no good for water flow, hence my leakage issues. He suggested a heat welded PVC roll, for more than I'd like to spend.

I suppose this makes me a roofer, if so, what are my options?

Roof slope is 2:12 IIRC

Here's some photos for helping to visualize that:

15 years of professional roof sales:

1-If the roof was installed in 2005 and it leaks, it's an installation issue, not a material issue. Did they tear off the old roof down to the sheeting or just scrape the gravel and go over it? That could be the problem.
2-PVC (Sarnafil) if for commercial roofs. Putting it on a residence would be overkill ($$$$) and would look like crap.
3-Water flows off asphalt shingles just fine.
4-You have to have a minimum of a 2:12 pitch for the asphalt manufacturers to honor their warranty.
5-Who told you it was 2:12? Get a cheap protractor and go up and measure it. It looks to be a bit more. Regardless, 2:12 is fine for asphalt shingles.
6-Architect is right. The underlayment is more important then the shingles. The shingles just protect the oil impregnated underlayment from drying out in the sun.
7: From the pics...less then $8K...probably closer to 6K if it's already properly sheeted.
8: Call a reputable supply house and ask for the three most professional roofers. Start here: http://www.alliedbuilding.com/about/alliedbranches.aspx?stateflag=1&id=1&stval=CA

[hbliam]

If it matters I have uh, 11 skylights or some such.

And yes, it does. Figure at least $100 or more to properly flash and seal each one added to the cost of the roof.

[ducatiz]

sounds like an installation problem.

plus, you have a shitload of skylights.  i would eye ball those, some roofers can't flash them worth a shit.  my mother in law has one skylight that leaked and was going to get the roof redone.  i got on her roof with a spray can of truck bed rubber paint and emptied it around the flashing.. voila, no more leaking.

[Popeye the Sailor]

sounds like an installation problem.

plus, you have a shitload of skylights.  i would eye ball those, some roofers can't flash them worth a shit.  my mother in law has one skylight that leaked and was going to get the roof redone.  i got on her roof with a spray can of truck bed rubber paint and emptied it around the flashing.. voila, no more leaking.

I have tried the bandaid on the flesh wound thing. Last light burnt out due to the fixture being full of water. Needs a proper fix.

[ducatiz]

I have tried the bandaid on the flesh wound thing. Last light burnt out due to the fixture being full of water. Needs a proper fix.

I gotcha.. my point was that you have those lights presenting the most likely cause of the leak.  Find someone who can seal them or do it yourself.  I bet the leak disappears.

[somegirl]

I gotcha.. my point was that you have those lights presenting the most likely cause of the leak.  Find someone who can seal them or do it yourself.  I bet the leak disappears.

He's sealed them, multiple times, and so has a professional roofer.  Leak keeps coming back.