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Did your Inspector (??) calculate the effects of live loading from snow in your area? If not maybe you should ask your Inspector (??) to do that for you!
I would seriously consider a roof rebuild way before "a few years down the line"! Even though it may have survived previous years are you familiar with "Murphy's Law"??
Inspectors don't do structural calculations for roof loading. That a structural engineer's job.
Inspectors don't do structural calculations for roof loading. That a structural engineer's job.
Gee no kidding? That was certainly a rhetorical question to the OP!
I think you missed my obvious point that the Inspector has possibly failed to take this into consideration and instead is fawning over the efficacy of the ice and water shield install!
Obviously the incorrect choice of roofing materials since conventional three tab shingles should be a 4 on 12 pitch, while architectural shingles you could go with a 3.5 on 12.
Personally, I would change out the roofing material with a product of your choice that works with the current roof pitch of the cottage.
The lone post addressing the real issue. Even without the settling, shingles are not designed for a 2 on 12 pitch. Repair the structure and then reroof with appropriate roofing which is not shingles.
The lone post addressing the real issue. Even without the settling, shingles are not designed for a 2 on 12 pitch. Repair the structure and then reroof with appropriate roofing which is not shingles.
The 4:12 required roof slope concept is a very old one. Today manufacturers allow (unless otherwise stated) application on 2:12 slopes with additional precautions such as the supposed "ice & water shield" installed on the entire decked surface. These are just some of the common shingle install instructions these days. Each will describe what additional steps must be taken for slopes from 2:12 to 4:12 applications.
The 4:12 required roof slope concept is a very old one. Today manufacturers allow (unless otherwise stated) application on 2:12 slopes with additional precautions such as the supposed "ice & water shield" installed on the entire decked surface. These are just some of the common shingle install instructions these days. Each will describe what additional steps must be taken for slopes from 2:12 to 4:12 applications.
I'd be concerned, except that the house appears to be old enough that any snow loads that would have crushed it would have done so already. If it were me I'd still want a higher pitch, just to feel better, but to each their own.
It doesn't matter what roofing you put on that cottage, the snow is not going to slide off of its own accord. People in the north have to shovel snow off their roofs, just like they have to have their driveways plowed. You can hire someone to do it. I do whenever the snow on the roof gets much over 18-20". What you need to know is the strength and integrity of the actual roof, trusses, etc. If they're intact and sturdy, just get the roof shoveled when it needs it. If you've got rot due to previous leaks, you've got a big problem. Did they lay the water and ice shield due to previous leaks? Another question is the amount of insulation under the roof...if you plan to heat it and the insulation is inadequate, not only will you have a big heating bill but you'll end up with ice jams.
It doesn't matter what roofing you put on that cottage, the snow is not going to slide off of its own accord. People in the north have to shovel snow off their roofs, just like they have to have their driveways plowed. You can hire someone to do it. I do whenever the snow on the roof gets much over 18-20". What you need to know is the strength and integrity of the actual roof, trusses, etc. If they're intact and sturdy, just get the roof shoveled when it needs it. If you've got rot due to previous leaks, you've got a big problem. Did they lay the water and ice shield due to previous leaks? Another question is the amount of insulation under the roof...if you plan to heat it and the insulation is inadequate, not only will you have a big heating bill but you'll end up with ice jams.
This is a primary concern. The roof trusses need special attention to make sure that they are structurally sound. It's possible that a newly-shingled roof is just be a cover-up.
Many older cottages in Michigan were built for summertime use and don't have any insulation at all.
According to google snow weights around 20lbs a cubic foot. So figure out the footprint of the house, decide if you'll ever see 2'+ of snow fall and make a judgement call I guess.
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