What do you say when there is no tar paper?

[mnahrgang]

This is the first roof I've inspected that didn't look like it had any tar paper installed under the shingles. Roof was original to the home (16 years old).

What do you say when you find this? (Can't really tell from the picture but I pulled it up further and didn't see any. It could be farther up the roof, but not at the first row.)

[James H. Bushart]

Common find in areas of the state with no building codes. House wrap is rarely used, as well. Of course, the clients are paying as if they had all required elements in their new roof....but this is called "profit" and later discoveries are written off as "It's not a defect if there is no code."

You mention that it is missing and the likelihood of leaking and/or damage caused by ice damning, broken/missing shingles, etc. and recommend that a roofing contractor (from an area that licenses them) evaluate the roof to determine if it requires replacement.

Then you ask the real estate salesman for your card back since it is a sure bet that they will not be using it in the future.

[gmoore7]

I am not sure about the States but in Canada eave protection is not required if the overhang is greater than 2'-11". Does not happen often but it is worth knowing if you are inspecting a high end home with massive overhangs.

[Mark Thorman]

Code or no code the manufacturer requires it.


www.MauiHomeInspections.com

[Brian K. Smith]

Originally Posted by Mark Thorman

Code or no code the manufacturer requires it.


www.MauiHomeInspections.com

ditto! I write mine up as a roofing contractor would not a home inspector but I also hold a c39 so this is why.... I would just state what you find and recommend a lic. roof insp to inspect it. some times dum **** installers start there paper up high and not start at the eve....

[Brian K. Smith]

i just seen that your roof is 20yr. this is more common with 20yr that the rest...

[Brian K. Smith]

to add when you were in the attic could you see between the ply wood gaps to see if there was felt or see the back of the shingles? just a thought?

[mnahrgang]

Didn't notice when it attic. Hind sight says I should have looked though, at least around the penetrations.

[Leigh Goodman]

I say "Once the shingles have been applied the paper does not serve much purpose".

[ldapkus]

Originally Posted by lgoodman

I say "Once the shingles have been applied the paper does not serve much purpose".

Tarpaper is a waterproofing material. The shingles simply shed water.

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by bsmith2

I would just state what you find and recommend a lic. roof insp to inspect it.

Curious: Why would you tell them to hire another inspector to tell them what you already know about the roof (i.e., felt paper is either missing or improperly installed)? I don't think I've ever seen anyone do a tear off of a functioning comp roof simply because it didn't have tar paper under it.

As a consumer, I would be wondering why I bothered to hire the first guy.

[Sean Fogarty]

If the roof has a leak, tar paper is not going to stop the water. especially when it has several hundred holes in it. It helps, but stops being a waterproofing when the shingles go on. I have torn off several roof with no tar paper. The builders cut corners here because its not required.

[mnahrgang]

So what do you say in an inspection report when you find it like this?

[Chuck Evans]

Random inspection for proper installation of felt below shingles revealed areas of inadequate coverage and/or improper placement over/under metal drip edge flashing.

With photos. On a resale, I don't make a big deal out of it. Just explain that it's supposed to be there and why it's supposed to be there. On new construction or new install, I make a bigger stink about it not being right.

[Sean Fogarty]

I would explain the advantages of having it, and recommend it be installed when the roof is replaced. I think the possiblity of a leak would overrule the other option, a compleate tear off. If the code required it, and the seller had the warranty and installer info, then you might be able to do somthing about it. In most situations that will be unlikely.