I am purchasing a house in Piscataway NJ and the house has 3 layers on the roof, I am wondering if there are any drawbacks to leaving the roof with the 3 layers or should i have it replaced.. any information would be helpful thank you
2006-12-26 17:13:19 · 5 answers · asked by steve d 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Im A contractor And as far as I Know You CANT have 3 layers on any roof.
I Have done work from ohio to Califorina And 3 Layers is a Big no no.
The reason is the roof was never ment to support that much weight and Next if there was ever a Fire It will not take much to burn before the weight of the roof comes down on you.
And I Know here and in Ohio and other states insuriance companies will not insure your house with 3 layers.
I Hope this helps you out.
I Have been in the field 20yrs and I Never would put 3 layers up and I know many people who have had problems with insuriance on there homes for that reason alone.
Goodluck
2006-12-26 18:39:56 · answer #1 · answered by Kos 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I doubt that it is illegal, but I've always been told that two is the most layers of shingles you should have on a roof, otherwise you've got too much weight for the sheathing and framework to support, especially in the winter with a load of snow and ice on top of all those shingles.
The real answer may also depend on the pitch (steepness) of the roof, and how the house was framed and sheathed. Since every part of the country has different weather conditions, you really need to talk to a local roofing contractor, someone familiar with local code and residential construction practices in your area.
I would recommend you hire a home inspection service before you buy this house. In fact, being allowed to bring in an independent inspection service of your choosing should be a condition of your offer to purchase. The inspection report would tell you what work, if any, the roof needed.
The last time I did that here in Ohio it cost me around $150. It was money well spent, as I knew going in what the problems were, and didn't run into any surprises.
2006-12-30 16:06:38 · answer #2 · answered by displacedyankee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple answer: Would you buy a house with a third layer added or would you rather have a new properly installed roof to go with your 30 year mortgage? A new roof is a good selling point to a buyer. Tearing the roof off will help to see if there is any other damage that cant be seen. Step up to an archetectual style shingle which have better wind ratings but also a better selling point when you sell your home.
2016-03-13 22:23:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not illegal. Standard roofing practices allow for three layers of roofing shingles. Usually shingles are replaced every 15 to 20 years. If the third layer is new, you should not have to do anything for the next 15 to 20 years. However, if it is now time for a new roof, building code requires that all three layers have to be removed. The main reason being weight. This is pretty much standard practice nationwide. On new homes where they used 2x4 trusses on 24 inch centers and 1/2" thick OSB sheathing, code does not allow for a second roof, let alone three. You have to strip off the first roof. I know, this was how our house was built.
2006-12-26 18:39:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Contact the local building inspector for a firm answer on this.
It is common practice, today, to strip a roof, after three layers. Some areas require a tear off for each installation.
Not too long ago, the practice was 5 layers, in many states, and a lot of homes are "grandfathered" under this. (meaning they do not have to tear off those 5 layers, just because there are 5 layers. It can wait until the next installation.)
Again... contact your local housing inspector for a firm answer.
2006-12-26 20:37:35 · answer #5 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have any trouble I'd leave it, some places have four or five but that's pushing it. Three is my limit.
2006-12-26 21:30:21 · answer #6 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋