Con-Artist Roofer did a number on Mr. Williams roof
After investigating the roof we found the following:
- A Modified Bitumen Torch Down Rubber membrane was used with no ultraviolet protection
- No coating was applied for ultraviolet protection
- Since this material requires the use of a torch to fuse the seams together, most of the seams were not fused properly allowing for water to leak in
- We found numerous patches made by the same person and even the patches were not fused properly to the membrane
- An aluminum coating was painted over a small portion of the roof trying to seal the roof from leaking. After the coating was applied, more patches were made on top of the paint that caused the patches to peel off
- There was no flashing installed on any chimney or skylight – neither was the original flashing that’s embedded in the old tar and gravel roof used.
- The rubber membrane was never fastened to the outer existing copper drip edge
- The existing cast iron drains that are meant for the tar and gravel were still intact and the new membrane could not be attached to them. New drains had to be installed to attach the membrane to the drains
The conclusion of our findings
The person that installed this roof is not a qualified or competent roofer. The very basic of roofing is flashing and none of that was done correctly. Using this Torch Down Roofing system requires someone to know how to operate a propane torch and melt seams together. Most seams were not fused properly. This was very evident that the person did not know what he was doing.
I am willing to testify for you in a court of law if you should need my service.
Please let me know how I can be of any further service to you.
Best Regards
Naas
Ted Williams Residential Roof
This is about a flat roof that was installed in 2016 around April. The roofing contractor did not know what he was doing.
What we did
- We cut open the newly installed rubber membrane
- Pumped most of the water out and dried the roof
- Cleaned and removed the tar on the perimeter of the roof
- Installed new copper flashing
- Removed the old cast iron drains and installed new drains that are meant for the rubber roof membrane
- Reflashed all the skylights, vents and chimneys
- Lowered the drains to avoid water ponding
The list continues of process
- Installed self-adhering base sheet where necessary
- Installed a Modified Bitumen Torch Down Rubber Membrane over the existing rubber membrane
- Prepared and attached the membrane to existing drip edges
- Installed new drains
- Installed vents to air out the roof
Flashing around the vent is only tar. Not properly flashed
Roofing Debris
Notice all the debris that was left on the roof and water pooling. There was more water pooling than allowed by code.
Water found under the roofing membrane
After cutting open the roofing membrane we found that the entire roof was waterlogged
No flashing around chimneys
The rubber membrane was installed over the stone. Then it was cut at the corner where the chimney meets the roof. There was no transition flashing from the roof to the chimney, only tar that was smeared to prevent water from leaking in.
We installed copper flashing around the chimneys
Before installing a rubber membrane flashing has to be prepared around all objects.
Patches, silver coating and water pooling
It is clear from the evidence that this contractor did not know what he was doing. After completing the roof, he had to make many repairs and then added a coat of aluminum paint to try and seal the roof. All these efforts did not keep the roof from leaking.
Water Pooling the entire garage roof
No attempt was made to improve the drainage from all the roofs. Water was pooling everywhere.
Interior Damage due to the roof leak
Slate floor damaged due to the roof leak
Rugs Damaged
All the rugs were damaged that was on top of the slate floor
Paint and wall damage
Stain on the walls and ceilings
Drapes Damaged
Drapes Damaged from the water leaking from the roof
Drains were lowered
Drains were lowered to avoid ponding water.
Garage roof with new drain
Installed a new drain and rubber membrane over the garage roof
New roof, vents, and drains
This is what the new roof looks like with lowered drains and vents to air out the old roof underneath