Expert: Michael J. Owen - 11/9/2009

Question
We are selling our house.  The home inspector for the buyer stated that he saw shingles delaminating, and stated that they should be reviewed by the manufacturer.  The roof is only 7 years old and I don't remember the manufacturers name the contractor used, and the company is no longer in business.  I went on the roof and cannot see any separation of the shingles.  The buyers are now scared.  Who can I call, or what can I do?  Is this a common problem?

Answer
Hi Steve. Who you gonna call? Roofbusters of course.......Seriously though, unless your manufacturer was one of those who are currently going through a class action law suit, my suggestion would be to have another opinion by an independent inspection done on the condition of the roof. I am afraid to say that sometimes the potential buyer and buyers inspector have "an arrangement" to get the selling price down or get a reduction for repairs that may not require being done. I am in no way saying this is the case in your situation.
If there is no evidence of the shingles splitting or curling up at the corners or edges, you should have nothing to worry about apart from the fact that the contractor went out of business. I wonder why? Unfortunately, there is no way of identifying the manufacturer from the shingle unless it is sent to a research lab and that is going to cost plenty.
Another buyers inspector could, and probably should, find nothing to complain about the roof.
Sorry I can't be more help.