It had some signs that pointed to multiple layers such as some buckling of the shingles as well as some raised areas. What are your thoughts? Does it seem like multiple layers to you?
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Yep, it looks like two layers, but I am not there. I can see the first layer reflecting through the second layer in the second pic.
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Looks like two to me as well.
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Can’t argue with the guys above. 
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Layers? That’s the least of the problems… terrible install and performance - missing flashings at penetrations and siding/roof junctions, raised/lifted/uneven shingles, likely damaged or incomplete roof deck… and yes, possibly multiple layers of shingles. “Further evaluation of all aspects of the roof, its installation and related items (decking, framing, etc.) is recommended”.
Go general at first and list supporting evidence. Picking out individual rotten fish in an ocean will just get you in trouble when they find the other rotten fish that you didn’t mention.
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Talk about fishmouthing!
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Looks like bond failure, but failure to bond alone will not cause that. Multiple layers alone will not cause that. It almost looks like bundles were laid across something so that shingles were damaged before they were installed, except that you wouldn’t expect to see it across the entire roof.
Notice all the missing granules with the white mat showing through? Damage from foot traffic shows up first at the lower edges of tabs, but this shows up in other places too (rake edges and vertical joints). I suspect manufacturing defect. Recommend a manufacturer’s rep.
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A few months ago I was contracted by a shingle manufacturer to remove a couple shingles off of new construction that looked very similar. The lab called it a manufacturing defect.
I’m thinking a manufacturer’s rep won’t have even stopped his truck before he has enough ammo to void the warranty.
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@kshepard @mcagle2
Shingles are 15 years old installed in 2007 according to sellers. Would you still call it out as manufacturing defect or just say they are at the end of life expectancy?
Realistically, nobody is going to get a dime for that roof from the manufacturer. At 15 years old and poorly installed I’d probably just write it up as, “numerous installation and performance problems.” That leaves it open to whatever the next guy says. If you say it’s a manufacturing problem the rep will blame the installation. If (and this is a BIG if) they can get the installer back he’ll blame the product… or maintenance, or cleaning, etc., etc. It’s sad but over the years I find I write my report in ways that will make my phone ring the least 
Any agents, angry buyers, hungry lawyers… whatever. Just leave me alone!
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Agreed and that’s the rout I went.
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Appears to be fasteners protruding causing fish mouthing. Not age or manufacturing bitumen felt saturation related issue. I do not see wide slots from shrinkage.
If this/that is the case, the shank of the fasteners did not fully pernitrate the wood decking due to the roof covering secondary courses below. The fasteners needed to be longer.
Roof displays signs of edge cupping and appears to be at the end of its useful life. Verify insurability with your insurance company prior to the end of your inspection period.
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Morning, David.
Hope this post finds you well.
Don’t box yourself in! That is a very contemptuous/hypothetical condition assessment. You state; "
Hard recommendation. “the end of its useful life” I disagree. As well I suspect an unbiased roofing professional might do the same.
Nearing end of life expectancy. Maybe organic shingles but they are no longer manufactured.
“A typical asphalt shingle roof will normally last anywhere from 15 to 25 years (and up to 30+ years in some rare cases) before requiring a replacement.”
Just state condition and installation defects. Fish-mouthing, Cupping, Clawing, Curling, Faster uplift, etc.
Recommending an insurance is very unusual. Might get a realtor’s eye, meaning that they would love you, but as a (CPI) certified professional inspector, you should do better if you want to be taken seriously. I would never refer an insurance company for anything. I just competed an building inspection following an insurance evaluation and if I was involved during any related hearing would have them laughed out of a court of law.
Recommend: #1: Further review by a professional-licensed roofing contractor. 2: roof tune-up prior the onset of winter. 3: Act upon any referrals offered.
Those are the 3 typical/usual/normal recommendations I use. More when required and that is usually/typically 80% of the time.
KISS!
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Depending where you are.
In Florida 3 tab shingles have a useful life of about 10-15 years and no more.
I would recommend replacement.
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I recommend checking with their insurance on a long list of items:
Fire rated walls and doors
T-lock shingles
Federal Pacific, Zinsco and Sylvania panels
Edison type fuse panels
What the hell is a roof tune-up?
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I would personally just note what I see. Curling, buckling, loss of adhesion, multiple layers, improper installation, (nail pops? I was not there). I would leave manufacturer and insurability out of the equation.
As far as nearing the end of its life, it makes no difference when the seller said it was installed or the actual age of the roof. What matters is condition. Observed condition dictates if it is nearing, at the end or past its useful life.
There is no real “life expectancy for a roof covering”. Too many variables i.e. manufacturer, ventilation, solar load, tree cover, bio growth, storm damaged, geographical location etc.
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Very biased way of asking something.
In general, a roofing tune-up includes the clearing of debris from the roof and gutters, sealing cracked mortar and damaged caulking on the joints, chimney and roof seams as well as checking for signs of fungus and algae growth on the roof. If needed, the roofing contractor will replace damaged or lost shingles.
Hell, Google it.