*
I just used a different roofer to do a home for me. This was followed by a wind storm that took about 20 shingles off the roof. I go up there and discovered that none of the shingles had a nail in them on the left side. They only had three nails per tab.
I figured he used the “up the roof” method rather than the “across the roof” method of shingling. As he went up the roof and had to slip the shingle under the shingle to the left, he didn’t bother the lift the one to the left to get a nail in it.
Do you think there’s any validity to my theory, or is there another reason to not nail it other than general sorryness?
Replies
*
Dave B,You are correct,this practice is called 'short nailing' and you must always be on gaurd against it.It is very tempting to short nail when the G.C. insists the roof be hand nailed and you are racking up the roof.Even though "short nailing" is poor practice do not forget your shingles may have blown off because they could not seal down in winter weather.Very difficult to warranty roofs against blow offs when you are roofing out of season but 4 nails would help. Just curious and no offense intended(most of my offenses are un-intended), but did you "get what you paid for" ?
*They call it "wing nailing" in our area. It only takes about a second longer to put that extra nail in. I would seriously think about making the roofer come back to finish the job. From what I understand the manufacturer will not honor the warranty even if the roof had time to seal down.
*
Dave,
Fourth nail is only needed for homes exposed to high winds.....
b like yours!
Where I build many homes are protected by tall trees....not needed.
You wouldn't have had a problem if the shingles sun sealed down before your first big wind event.
Go to the roofers house, and tell him you'll wait while he gets his shoes for his trip back to patch things up. Beware roof "after work" often does major damage to what you now are calling your "new roof." Watch him like a hawk.
Have a good day eventually,
Jack : )
*I posted something similar to this before in reference to shingle manufacturers requiring that their installation instructions be followed for their warranties to be valid. CertainTeed requires four nails per shingle. Whether or not four nails are needed isn't germane if the warranty is at risk.This is also why any roofing contract should have language in it that requires installation in accordance with the manufacturer's specs -- and throw in a copy of these, as well. If it doesn't prevent incorrect installation, it should settle any arguments afterward.
*Here in RI we call that practice "Cheat nailing" and they ( the roofers ) do it to save labor. Not only does it void any warranties, it is also against code here. As Barry Miller said, include a spec in your agreement with the roofer that the roof will be installed according to manufacturers instructions. Most brands I've used print the instructions on the wrap of every bundle so there is no excuse. I still check the instructions every now and then to insure nothing new has been added to the instructions. Also, most brands require 6 nails per shingle in high wind areas. One within an inch on either side of the cutout.It really burns me when one of these guys get caught and their reasoning is, " That's the way I've always done it ".
*
Thanks for all the input.
Stephen, he charged $20/sq plus adders for felt, flashing, etc. This is pretty much the going rate in my area.
It was a bad wind storm - 50 downed trees on the golf course and my port-a-potty landed in the street.
*Dave B,the visual of that port a potty situation is gonna give me nightmares. sorta like that shower scene in Pshyco.Any way,loosing only 20 shingles was pretty lucky considering the way the roof was short nailed. the going rate up here is a little higher but I usually stick with old houses, retailing direct to the homeowner. I hate tear offs but the pay MUCH better. Good Luck
*
I just used a different roofer to do a home for me. This was followed by a wind storm that took about 20 shingles off the roof. I go up there and discovered that none of the shingles had a nail in them on the left side. They only had three nails per tab.
I figured he used the "up the roof" method rather than the "across the roof" method of shingling. As he went up the roof and had to slip the shingle under the shingle to the left, he didn't bother the lift the one to the left to get a nail in it.
Do you think there's any validity to my theory, or is there another reason to not nail it other than general sorryness?