Leaking Roof, next steps?

Question

I had my roof replaced in 2020. We just had a heavy rainfall over the past week and my tenant notified me that their is water leaking through the ceiling into their laundry room. I checked the attic and and there is water damage from a 2 year old roof! There is no external damage i.e. tree falling down etc...

Who do I get involved to get the roof repaired? The original contractor who installed the roof? Or someone else to address the issue asap? I was also told at the time of installation that the shingles have a life time warranty, not sure how that comes into play here. Additionally, can I hold the roof installer responsible for the water damage? Has anyone ran into the same issue? Appreciate any insight.

Thanks - Chait

Sergey A. Petrov · Answer

Check your warranty period (on labor) and call the roofer. I’ve lived, owned, and managed in Anchorage. It is not always the shingles that can be the issue. Is your attic properly vented and insulated? The warmth from the attic can melt the bottom layer of the snow on the roof, it then freezes when temperatures drop creating an expanding effect and lifting the shingles just enough for the water to get through. This one is very common and often overlooked in Anchorage from what I recall. Wouldn’t be the roofer’s issue. If your was replaced 2 years ago you went through 2 winters. Penetrations may not have been properly flashed. Did you have a third party inspect the new roof after the install?

Account Closed · Answer

Could you all send some of that extra water to us here in Arizona? It'd be right friendly of you.

First, water has a way of finding entry. It could be something as easy as a missing flashing around a vent pipe or a shingle that got blown off in the storm. Depending on the type of roof and your ability to overcome your vertigo, you might take a hose up on the roof and have someone in the attic watch for drips. Keep in mind that water can travel a distance under the shingles before entering the attic. That way you can determine if it's a big problem or something obvious. I do't think a call to an attorney is going to help much.

Also, if you make an insurance claim, it goes into a database and going forward, both you and the house will see the insurance costs rise regardless of the carrier you change to. So, make sure it's real damage before even calling your insurance agent. (Advice from my insurance agent. ;-)

Sergey A. Petrov · Answer

If you are still under warranty with your original roofer, another roofer going up there and doing repairs will most likely void your original warranty

Chait Borade · Answer

Thank you all for the response.

The roofer who did my job is not answering my calls or messages. I used Alaskan Armor to do the roof.

I have a shingle roof and upon inspection of the attic, the water has penetrated the underlying wood and studs. I have tarped the section of the roof that I believe is leaking. From the roof surface its hard to identify where the water is finding its way through.

I am also having a hard time finding a roofer to come and address this issue. I was going to notify my home owner insurance and go through them. Feeling pretty helpless right now as we are expecting more rain and winter will be here in few months.

@Noah Loveless I will try Anchor Ridge and see if they can squeeze me in their schedule

@Keenan Fitzpatrick, I will dm you since I am considering contacting an attorney.

Keenan Fitzpatrick · Answer

I've had 3 leaks in a roof that's less than a year old. If your roof is a shingle roof then it is probably an easy repair. If it's a flat roof then maybe it's an easy repair. My situation is a complete failure and I'm contacting an attorney to get refunded so I can replace the entire roof. You can DM me if you'd like to talk more about it. I've dealt with various similar issues like this and can help get you pointed in the right direction.

Jerry V. · Answer

Shheeeezzzz ... Get all riled up because of a small roof leak!? lolol  Come on people (Bob), get a grip, and have common sense.  Mistakes DO happen, even to the best of us.

Yes, of course call the Contractor.  They will probably fix things.  As far as any inside repairs, "legally" I'm pretty sure they aren't responsible for that but, see what they'll work out. (being "nice" about things goes a long way!)

As Sergey said above, "Ice and Water" membrane are very important, especially in a place as wet as AL.  That IS the roofers responsibility, and should have been used, along all the perimeter edges, valleys, rakes down the walls, and such areas (if not on the whole roof!).  If they didn't use it, then ... "I" would have them redo things! lol

And the "lifetime" warranty on any brand of shingles... is mis-leading marketing hype from the manufacturers.  Most now claim "limited-lifetime warranty" on the shingles. Which simply means, they warranty their product against manufacturing "defects" for xxx.  That does not include longevity, wear and tear, major storms (usually not winds 60+ mph) etc...

Have more questions?  Simply send a message, happy to help.  ( J's Roofing )

Jerry V. · Answer

@Bruce Woodruff  Well... any initial warranty stated from the manufacturer, like GAF, is only ... their warranty against "defects" from the factory.  It's simply a marketing gimmick, sad to say.  Remember, they used to be called 30, 40, 50yr shingles etc... now most of them state "limited lifetime" warranty!  That does NOT apply to longevity or workmanship etc... Thus is sooo important to find a good Contractor.  Any in OUR area, call us! hahaha  For others, fly us out there, we'll work something out for sure! :D

Kevin Manafi · Answer

@Chait Borade I would definitely call the roofer who did the installation first and have them come back to take a look at it. If you just recently had it installed ~2 years ago, I have to imagine there's a warranty on it both from the roofer and the shingles. Either way, that company should be your first call, and then go from there.

Bruce Lynn · Answer

Chances are my roofer would fix that for free within a day or two.  For sure he would be out to look and put a temporary fix in place, probably same day.

Sometimes a fair charge might be in order depending on what they find....could be any number of things.....

#1 Call your roofer. #2 Call your insurance company depending on Rule #1.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Try and get the original Contr to return and fix his problem. If you involve another Contr, you're just opening up a can of worms..

Something that most homeowners don't know is that wonderful sounding 40 year warranty is on the shingles only. GAF or ? will drop off a box/pallet of shingles and that's your warranty. Right, @Jerry V. ?

Leaking Roof, next steps?

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