I am new inspector. Would three layers of shingles be considered a major or minor defect?
How many layers do you see if you were to look at the picture from the side:
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Thank you for the info!
in my opinion that picture does not really indicate how many layers of shingles there are but the answer to your question would also depend on the age and location of the house…
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It is difficult to tell how many layers are there from the picture, but I understand that 2 layers of shingles is an acceptable practice, but a 3rd layer is not.
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Consider 3 tab shingles comprised of (3) three basic components. #1: A tough fiberglass mate base. #2: Waterproofing asphalt. #3: High-performing surface colored granular.
Composition shingles have 2 layers. The image in your post appears to be 3 tab shingles but the course layout is wrong. The rain notches are to closely aligned. Nor does there appear to be drip-edge flashing.
It could be one layer but I need an image further back.
Morning Ryan.
There are defects, deficiencies. I consider this an inappropriate installation process that will likely lead to shortened material longevity and loss of manufacture’s warranty.
Not defects/deficiencies and make recommendations.
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Just indicate what you see and let them know of the consequence. My narrative goes something like: “Multiple shingle layers may cause shingles to be more easily damaged during a hail storm. Additionally there may be additional costs to dispose of additional layers whenever the roof is replaced”
Also, I recommend that you try to stay away from superlatives. Major, minor, very, etc… anything that is YOUR subjective opinion is exactly that. (And that’s my subjective opinion, lol…)
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First, I don’t see three layers in your photo. Max, two, but that could be a starter edge course on bottom and one layer on top.
Here in Denver, until 15 or so years ago, 3 layers were allowed. It was a strip-off, when it came time for new shingles after 3-layers. Today, only one layer is allowed here. Also, edge flashing is required here. Many parts of the country, particularly in the southern states, 3-layers are still allowed. Check with your AHJ although your “good” area roofers know the rules.
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What Lon said. If there were two layers the eave edge would show three. A starter course, the first layer, and the second layer. The rake edge would only show two. Two layers is a defect waiting to happen in my book. Second layer never lasts as long as the first. You are missing a drip edge as well.
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Looks like a single layer of shingles with a starter strip going up the rake to act as a drip edge. You should check the eaves for roof layers, it’s easier to like the single shingle and starter, you should then see the underlayment.
Not having dripedge is the only defect I can see in that single photo.
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They can easily fix that when they replace the rotted Rake/Fascia wood!!
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More than one layer may be allowed locally, but the shingle manufacturer will likely void any warranty.
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Depends… beginning with, are they standard 3-tab or Architectural shingles? (Visually makes a difference).
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3 layers of shingles would be a material defect and should be noted as such in your report. The building code allows for two layers maximum.
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That looks like two layers. I let the client know there are two or more layers that can lead to issues. Many roofs will get rafter sag or that wavy effect over time because the sheathing/rafters have trouble with the extra weight. Around here, it typically does a number on the gable ends (I call it gable end droop). However, the most important thing to check is to see if the flashing was redone properly. And, last but not least, some insurance companies don’t like extra layers of shingles (for the above reasons).
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