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New roof of 80yr man leaking. Help.

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kpeg

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? NY

Hello,

My father-in-law (80 yr wwII vet) just had a new roof installed last fall. The roof initally leaked when it rained and was fixed. With recent snow it is now leaking much more than the old roof that had one isolated leak is another area of the roof.

I initially thought the problem was an ice dam and that appropriate ice guard material was not added. I just got off of the phone with the contractor. He claims that the entire roof was done with ice guard. I called the local supply store (that the contractor used) and the description of the material does not match what my father-in-law recalled during installation.

The contractor claims that ice in the rain gutters is building up and water is getting in through the soffit and onto the ceiling and thus not his issue. He also claims that this is not an unusual problem but he failed to mention it during the roof instalation and quote. I have called several roofers who say it is improbable but can not rule it out.

The contractor wants to install a heat tape and charge my father-in-law parts and labor. This solution has mixed results per my research.

My questions are:

1) If the water is entering the soffit, is the roofer still liable? Is there a implied contract that water should not drip from your ceiling when you get a brand new roof? The roof has a 30yr guarantee and the problem was not present prior to new roof installation.

2) Should I have an independent roofer inspect it? The local supply store said another local roofer may be hesitant to point blame at another roofer.

3) Should I let the original roofer fix the problem or hire someone else? Will it be more difficult to recoop loses?

4) Can the roofer be held liable for the extensive water damage occurring?

5) Should I ask for his bonding company's name?

Thanks! My father-in-law pays what the contractor asks. He paid top dollar for a shabby job. I hate when someone that risked his life in wwII as a ball turret gunner is taken advantage of. Your help is greatly appreciated!!!

- Craig
 


S

seniorjudge

Guest
"...2) Should I have an independent roofer inspect it?..."

This is the place to start. Find a roofer who will be wiling to come into court; have him inspect the roof and then ask him all these questions. Then, depending on the amount and depending on the small claims limits in your state, sue the first roofer.
 

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