About Paul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
Question please tell me the manufacturers installation specifications for asphalt shingle
roof installations on roof slopes that are less than 2% in Colorado. Our roofer
did not put ice and water guard down beneath the shingles in an area that is
basically flat and north facing so we incurred water damage before 1 year
passed. They are trying to make a claim now that it is an architectural
"design flaw" because they don't want to incur the cost of fixing the interior
damage. However, during construction NOTHING was ever mentioned t the
architect homeowner or contractor about any concerns whatsoever regarding
any design flaws. (a leak happened for the same reason the day before we
moved in on a separate area of the roof with the same low slope and at that
time they fixed it without any push back) We had a roofing engineer out who
said that ELK roofing and all asphalt roofing require ice and water guard
under low slope roofs or flat roofs of less than 2%. If you can find this
documented somewhere..... you will help us so much. We feel victimized by
the Fuller Custom Remodeling Contractors here in Colorado, and need all the
help we can get. Thank you so much
Answer Hi Suzie:
I am very sorry to hear that you are having this problem. What an unfortunate circumstance, and easily preventable.
The manufacturer's installation specifications are readily available on the manufacturer's website. And, the manufacturer's representative would most certainly be willing to discuss this with you in person if you give them a call - the contact information should also be on the website.
In my experience, I would not specify asphalt shingles on such a low slope roof in any circumstance; even with the best ice and water shield product underneath. My expectation would be that over time, with such a low slope, you would eventually get water penetration around nail holes, even with the ice and water shield.
The contractor, if s/he has any prior roofing experience, certainly should have raised concerns before proceeding. But if the contractor was inexperienced, then it would be understandable for the contractor to proceed without questioning the design.
Also, I am afraid that you have a larger issue here than just fixing the interior damage. The basic roofing system needs to be corrected; as you can expect to continue to have leaks, I believe, if you don't go back and change the installation to something more appropriate.
I hope this was helpful. My thoughts are offerred free as 'friendly advice' in an informal sense, and are not to be used in any legal argument or presented as such. Again, I am very sorry to hear that you have this dissapointing result.
Best of luck in getting the best possible resolution.
Thanks for your question,
P.B.
