4 layers of shingles

[CANative]

The home my brother and I inspected today for an FHA assignment has at least 4 layers of composition tab shingles. It's easy to count the 4 distinct layers on top but it gets kind of "oozy" or "mashed" at the bottom and I couldn't count more than 4 for sure.

The top layers looks kind of like good condition although here was a little curling. The roof also had a few areas which looked like they were sagging. I'm wondering if it's the weight of all those layers of shingles?

Does this call for a roof inspection or an actual roof repair since I'm pretty sure more than 3 layers of shingles is a code violation.

 

[Mountain Man]

Greg, years ago the rule was no more than 3 layers. But that was also before trussed roof systems were so popular. None the less, if sagging I'd disclose and defer to a pro.

BTW, are you sure it wasn't 2 layers? When laying a roof, it's common for the first row at the fascia to get two layers to create a drip ledge.

 

[Blueprint]

Does this call for a roof inspection or an actual roof repair since I'm pretty sure more than 3 layers of shingles is a code violation.

Require the inspection and explain your face 2 roof(s) experience in detail. Let them determine the final output.

 

[Chris Colston]

I agree with Evan. CB4 a roof inspection. I do believe even HUD only allows for 3 layers. You are not the roofing expert or the code compliance officer (at least I don't think you are ), leave the determination to the experts.

 

[Blueprint]

You are not the roofing expert or the code compliance officer

Exactly. It is your job to report your experiences, not to be the local roof inspector.

 

[Greg Bell]

No more than 3 layers...

 

[Mr Rex]

Most roofs are designed for no more than 2 layers of shingles aka dead load. Leggett is correct though, sometims its hard to tell, even from a laddeer at the roof edge, as some roofers use a shingle upside down not only along the bottom starter course, but along the rakes as a straight edge, makes a better looking job than the slight zig zag of individually cut shingles.

 

[RSW]

This is how I understand it. Say there are three layers present and the roof needs to be replaced. All three layers have to be removed before a new roof can be installed. Now, say there are four layers of shingles present as stated in the OP. Does this meet local code? Is there any code to meet? Or, was there any code when the last layer of the roof was installed?

I would CB4 for an inspection of the roof for two reasons. 1) it may affect the structural soundness of the dwelling. 2) does it meet local code?

I am not a code expert and the weight of the extra shingles may effect the structural soundness of the dwelling.

 

[Marcia Langley]

The curling and sagging may warrant the CB4 box on it's own. Once there, the inspector will need to determine the number of layers.

I don't think they'd have to replace the shingles unless work is otherwise required. If repairs are required, even three layers would mean replacement.

 

[Mr Rex]

[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]C. Re-Roofing: FHA will accept a maximum of 3 layers of existing roofing. If more than 2 layers exist and repair is necessary, then all old roofing must be removed as part of the re-roofing. (4905.1 REV-1, 2-12)[/FONT]