How to tell when you need a new roof? (rent, house)

[RVCmom?]

This may be a silly question to some, but how do I tell if water is getting underneath my 10 year old shingle roof? It looks like there may be water dripping from the bottom of my gutters but I can't tell if its simply the rain collecting there or if there is something more serious going on.

I called a roofer in from the Pennysaver and he said that about 30 nails are popping up on the roof and that I need to have the whole roof replaced for $10K-12K. He said he walked the whole roof and there is no wood damage. The second layer was only installed 10 years ago and I don't have any leaks in the house now.

I'd rather not get a new roof if I don't really need one.

The gutter was damaged 2 years ago by a tree falling on it and I had the gutter replaced. After the gutter was replaced, water was clearly pouring through the soffit. The gutter guy cam back and put something under the roof to extend it more to the gutter. The water is not coming through the soffit like before, but it almost, kinda, maybe looks like water is dripping from the bottom of the gutter near the front. It is hard to see.

Any suggestions on how to figure out what I should do to the roof/gutters? Thanks!!!!!

[dman72]

Originally Posted by RVCmom?

This may be a silly question to some, but how do I tell if water is getting underneath my 10 year old shingle roof? It looks like there may be water dripping from the bottom of my gutters but I can't tell if its simply the rain collecting there or if there is something more serious going on.

I called a roofer in from the Pennysaver and he said that about 30 nails are popping up on the roof and that I need to have the whole roof replaced for $10K-12K. He said he walked the whole roof and there is no wood damage. The second layer was only installed 10 years ago and I don't have any leaks in the house now.

I'd rather not get a new roof if I don't really need one.

The gutter was damaged 2 years ago by a tree falling on it and I had the gutter replaced. After the gutter was replaced, water was clearly pouring through the soffit. The gutter guy cam back and put something under the roof to extend it more to the gutter. The water is not coming through the soffit like before, but it almost, kinda, maybe looks like water is dripping from the bottom of the gutter near the front. It is hard to see.

Any suggestions on how to figure out what I should do to the roof/gutters? Thanks!!!!!

Get another estimate..if there is no wood damage why would you have to replace the whole roof?

On a side note, I stated this years ago but it always needs to be said again...at least half of the people you deal with on Long Island are looking to pull a scam on you. The roofer may be telling you the truth, or he may be looking to pay for his new wave runner by ripping you off.

[RVCmom?]

I don't think I need a new roof since I don't really see any leaks. But the nails popping up made me wonder if there was something that I do need to address.

[dman72]

Originally Posted by RVCmom?

I don't think I need a new roof since I don't really see any leaks. But the nails popping up made me wonder if there was something that I do need to address.

New nails? He can't charge you $12K for that so maybe he doesn't want the job.

[kayo_michael]

Originally Posted by dman72

Get another estimate..if there is no wood damage why would you have to replace the whole roof?

On a side note, I stated this years ago but it always needs to be said again...at least half of the people you deal with on Long Island are looking to pull a scam on you. The roofer may be telling you the truth, or he may be looking to pay for his new wave runner by ripping you off.

+1

And ain't that the truth. As much as I hate to suspect the self proclaimed "expert" is trying to pull a fast one, you have to be careful in putting your trust in strangers. Especially if they have an interest in your wallet.

[Chaser199]

I learned that when I had a leaky basement, you don't call someone who specializes in French Drains or sump pumps or anyone else who will profit from your problem. I called an engineer/home inspector who guided me in the right direction and I saved thousands of dollars.

Call a certified home inspector.

[OhBeeHave]

When is the last time your gutters were cleaned? I've seen homes where the water went up and over the sides of the clogged gutters. The 'roof extension' the gutter guy put on is very likely helping the water come back up and in. If you haven't cleaned the gutters this year, do so. If you're still experiencing the leak, bring in a different gutter company. I have a hunch your gutters weren't installed properly and rather than correct this mistake, the gutter guy took the cheap way out.

[sirtiger]

can you inspect it yourself? rent a tall ladder or if you have a attic crawl to inspect it yourself.

One thing I learned is every other people in the business wants to replace...no one wants to fix anything. Its far more profitable for them.

[Crookhaven]

Walk on it.

Soft spots etc.

Moss in summer/Ice dams in winter.

Crooks

[Taz Crazy]

wet spots, mildew, sagging in between the rafters. new york law doesnt allow anymore than 2 layers of roofing on a house.