Expert: Dale Rooftime Shoemaker - 11/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: As part of a new roof utilizing Malarkey class-4 Legacy shingles, contractor also installed Lomanco LOR-30 Lo-OmniRoll ridge vent on two ridges. On one ridge the ridge vent's external baffle is flush with shingles on both sides from end to end. On the other ridge the ridge vent's external baffle is flush in some places and as much as 5/8" off the shingles in other places. I believe that having the external baffles hanging 1/4 to 5/8 of an inch above the shingles would allow wind and rain to come in under the elevated baffle and essentially turn the ridge vent into an intake vent.

Contractor contends that this elevation is normal and not an issue.

I'm very frustrated and would appreciate your opinion...

Thanks,

Doug

ANSWER: Hello Doug, from a busy roofing season in Cincinnati, Ohio!

I understand you becoming frustrated, and I am sorry that you are having an issue...with-out seeing the project for myself, but going off of your description: it is apparent that there is an issue with the either the extruded plastic pre-formed vent or (more likely) with the installation.

Here is the installers Internet link, Lomanco provides, that details the EXACT manner their vent has to be installed to earn the manufacturer warranty....it also serves as the warranty document for this product, so it is worth printing off, as i am guessing, that the contractor has not provided this documents= as part of is warranty packet.

http://www.lomanco.com/public.lomanco.com/PDF/Ridgeline/LOR-30tri.pdf

Fortunately, the issue is not major in scope or cost to correct!

After reviewing the Lomanco document, use the 800# to ask the local rep from Lomanco, to come out! This is a service they will provided! Do not even bother to argue at all with the roofer.....have the manufacturer rep come by, and with-in 5 minutes time, you will have your answer! I am betting that the roofer has gotten a little sloppy / lazy, ands now does not want to fool around with pulling the vent back up, installing it correctly and installing NEW shingle caps...NOT re-using the ones there now! But if he finds out you have a rep on the way out to inspect his work, I am also guessing that he will hustle on over to make the corrections and get you satisfied!

I do not know if you are familiar with a service called ANGIES LIST....they are not nationwide at this time...here is the link:

http://www.angieslist.com

If they are in your area, you may consider joining their service and having that report and grade system to use as a tool to ensure satisfaction with ANYONE you spend your hard earned money with!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Not to waste your time but, if you have an interest in seeing what it is I'm concerned about, I posted some pictures at the following url

http://photobucket.com/softailguy/

If you have the time to take a look, I would be interested in your thoughts.

Thanks again,

Doug

Answer
Hey! Def not wasting my time....no problem!

good pics...I think what may be happening is that the HEADLAP shingle is not fitting correctly under the plastic venting...if it was my job, I would remove all the venting...trim the top shingles, and re-attach the vent to LOMANCO specs...then apply NEW shingle tabs to cover the vent..do not let them re-use the old tabs....they will be stressed from the work, seals weakened, nail holes already in the tabs...just will make for a weak point in the roof system and located in a bad place at the peak!

Good Luck!