Improperly installed shake roof wears prematurely
Q. When my home was 4 years old, I installed a wood shake roof over the original asphalt shingles. That was about 20 years ago. I was told the shakes would last about 30 years, but many of them are already badly rotted. My contractor says this is because the asphalt shingles should have been removed before installing the shakes. Do you agree with this diagnosis?
A. Installing wood shakes over asphalt shingles was a big mistake. Wood shakes should never be applied over a solid waterproof surface because lack of air circulation under the shakes prevents them from drying out, and water retention can cause wood to rot.
Wood shakes are typically installed over spaced boards that are overlaid with 18-inch tar paper strips. This open spacing under the shakes provides air circulation, and this promotes drying in the aftermath of wet weather.
When shakes are installed on a solid, waterproof underlayment, the roofing cannot breathe. During wet weather, shakes can remain wet for prolonged periods of time. This promotes fungus infection, and fungus causes what is commonly known as dry rot. Once fungus infection begins, damage can spread to the eaves and into the roof framing itself. Before proceeding with roof replacement, you should have the eaves and attic inspected by a licensed pest control operator (commonly known as a termite inspector).
For improved fire safety, your next roof should be a material other that wood shakes. Composition shingles, tile roofing and metal roof panels are all good choices. If you make this change, be sure to report it to your homeowners' insurance company. They'll probably lower your premiums.
Q. I went shopping while the buyers and their home inspector were in my house. When I returned, some of my personal property was damaged. Fortunately, I have security cams in my house. When I reviewed the video, I found something worse than the damage. To my surprise, I saw and heard the home inspector telling the buyers all sorts of bad things about my home and also about the neighborhood. Then he told them he was selling his own home and invited them to look at it after our home inspection. I'm now waiting to see what his report says about my home, and I don't expect it to be objective. In my opinion, he had an ethical duty to perform the service for which he was paid, not to try to sell his own home to my buyers. What do you think about this?
A. If the home inspector did and said the things you observed on the security video, he has a lot to learn about professional ethics, and you are now in a position to deliver that lesson. Since these proceedings were recorded, why not invite the inspector and the Realtors to a private screening?
If the inspector is a member of a professional home inspector association, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors or one of the many state home inspector associations, you can file an ethics complaint. It will certainly be interesting to read the findings of his inspection report.
• To write to Barry Stone, visit him on the web at www.housedetective.com, or write AMG, 1776 Jami Lee Court, Suite 218, San Luis Obispo, CA 94301.
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