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Expert: Ron Haynes - 6/22/2009


Question
Hello Ron. I am a field adjuster in property insurance. I went to a loss in Lakeland Florida today where the insured had dimensional shingles layed on top of old shingles seven years ago. I have heard you can do this once and not twice. A storm blew up the shingles on the back slope and folded them over. I estimate that I need to replace 45' by 7' (3.15SQ) of shingle. Can I repair a shingle on shingle roof or are we now obligated to do the whole roof. The repair will be 14.75% of the roof surface area. Roof is 21.35SQ. 45' by 17' 2"slope and a gable extension at the east end for the garage 23' by 12' 10" slope.

Regards

GA

Answer
Gregory,
Building Code will not allow more than two layers of shingles and it is impractical and will be troublesome and likely problematic to attempt to remove the top layer of shingles, or both layers, and attempt to replace them in the 'damaged' area only.  And, there is also the aesthetic issue of differing thickness of shingles with surrounding area.  

Initially attempting to save a few bucks on the claim may actually result in more dollars to fix ongoing leaks and interior damage in the repair area and eventually having to replace the roof anyway because of a low-cost, ineffective repair.  Additionally, I'd expect the potential for a very unhappy customer if they have to continue to deal with a problem the insurance company actually creates.

I hope this information helps.

Ron

Roofing

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Ron Haynes

Expertise

I can answer questions related to all types of steep slope and low-slope commercial and residential roofing, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, built-up roofing (tar and gravel), modified bitumen roofing, single ply roof systems, tile, and slate. Questions may relate to design, installation, problem resolution or repair of the roof system.

Experience

I have over 25 years experience as a roof consultant dealing with various types of roof systems on commercial, industrial, residential and Government facilities. Experience includes new roof and reroof design, roof repair specification, roof construction, maintenance, failure investigations, performance analysis, inspections, moisture intrusion surveys and studies, and storm damage assessments. I am a registered professional engineer and a Registered Roof Consultant with the Roof Consultants Institute.

Organizations
Roof Consultants Institute

Education/Credentials
Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering
Registered Professional Engineer
Registered Roof Consultant, Roof Consultants Institute
Certified Infrared Thermographer

Awards and Honors
Award Winner, Large Roof Replacement Design Document Competition at the 1999 Roof Consultants Institute International Convention.
Dept of Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal.

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