NBR: Need Home Engineer Recommendation

J

jeff_c

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Preferably someone with roof/roofing specific knowledge.

The background: During Sandy I understandably heard all manner of noises from the house and trees in the backyard. Then during the more recent windstorm in January (? can't recall the date) I heard weird noise coming from the roof and upon investigation I saw some of the roofing shingles flapping in the wind (not good). So I call the insurance company and tell them that I have a problem with my roof that is storm related. They send out an adjuster that immediately says the roof wasn't put on right...5 years ago I had the whole roof including the sheathing ripped off and replaced...says the nails are too short because now i have significant 'ripples' in the sheathing that are causing the undersides of some of the shingles to be exposed to the elements. Of course he makes this decision without actually taking out a nail. This combination of lose tiles and allows moisture through to the attic side and now I have some sort of mold/algae on parts of the interior of the sheathing (I did an interior home mold test and found nothing). The adjuster also says that the damage looks like it happened 'months' before Sandy...how he can tell that I have no idea so I insist that they send an engineer over to try to ascertain exactly what is going on because the roof looks like it was installed the way every other roof I have seen was installed (the roofer of course insists this is true and says water intrusion from wind driven water soaked the sheathing causing the ripples).

We still haven't gotten that report back so now I think I should get my own engineer over so I can figure out whether or not I have to go after the roofer (he says if it's his team's fault he will make it right) or the insurance company (because it is storm related),

OK, I'll make this boating related...If I have to shell out another $20K to fix my roof again (!) I will be spending a lot of time in Zachs Bay this summer on my new-to-me boat versus cruising up and down the coast.

Does anybody have an engineer that they can recommend?

TIA
Jeff
 
Jeff, I had tony sabitino from sundance home inspections do my home inspection this fall then reinspect post sandy before I closed. I felt he did a top notch and through job.
 
I would consider an independent insurance adjuster. They know both construction and the claims side of the problem. Can't recommend one.
 
Contact the manufacturer of the shingle that was used. They should be able to send out a manufacturers rep, ascertain the situation, and write you a letter with how the roof was assembled. That should suffice and not cost anything.
 
Good luck with everything, hope you don't have to layout anymore money. You may also want to call in some more contractors for quotes, I would assume they will be able to spot what the problem is as well. Hopefully some of the sheathing can still be reused.
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

I am going to try to reach out to Georgia-Pacific. Hopefully they have a rep in the area.

I am also going to call Sundance and see if they have anyone who would be a considered an expert on roofing.

Walter, unfortunately, the issue seems to be pretty widespread but I am hopeful that they don't need to replace all the sheathing.
 
Jeff,

If you go with an inspector please make sure they are actually an engineer. All you need in NYS to be a "licensed inspector" is to sign up with the NY DOS.

If the name does not have PE (professional engineer) at the end do NOT use them.

I've used Federated Consultant Services in the past - as they only employ PE's at minimum. Typically you get a person with a structural engineering dedication as well. They are based out of Huntington. Here is the number
(631) 549-3449

If you were buying a house there is another person I can recommend as they are known for "destroying" a house, even one that is in good condition (basically, unfair and too critical). For your own home, go with a proper engineer and get a valid opinion. If there is anything else you need let me know.
 
What insurance company so we can add them to the "do not use" list?
 
It's actually Merrimack which is supposed to be a good ins company. However they are moving so slowly as they are still knee-deep in early Sandy claims.

More to follow

Jeff
 
Jeff, merrimack in generally an excellent carrier. That's somewhat suprising to hear. Have you had your agent get involved or are you dealing directly with the claims people?
 
My agent is involved...and not very helpful. maybe I should go directly to Merrimack?
 
Jeff, worth a try I'm suprised the agent hasn't been more helpful. The contractor who did the work if still around could also be liable under their completed operations coverage.
 
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