new roof / dormers
#1
01-25-16, 10:14 AM
new roof / dormers
Hi, My 24 year old Cape Cod style house has 3 dormers on the SW side. The dormers had cedar siding originally, but it didn't weather very well with the splash from the main roof and we had the dormers re-sided about 12 years ago with vinyl.
The lower edge of the vinyl was installed with J-channel right on top of the roof. Now the main roof shingles need to be replaced. One contractor tells me that they need to strip off some of the vinyl to make room for the thickness of the new architectural shingles. Another contractor says no problem, the step flashing extends out far enough that they will just cut the new shingles to butt against the J channel. I'm waiting for a 3rd contractor to look at the job, but I thought I'd ask the experts here for an opinion. If you need more info, just ask. I can take pics if necessary when it's light out tomorrow. Thanks in advance- Steve
The lower edge of the vinyl was installed with J-channel right on top of the roof. Now the main roof shingles need to be replaced. One contractor tells me that they need to strip off some of the vinyl to make room for the thickness of the new architectural shingles. Another contractor says no problem, the step flashing extends out far enough that they will just cut the new shingles to butt against the J channel. I'm waiting for a 3rd contractor to look at the job, but I thought I'd ask the experts here for an opinion. If you need more info, just ask. I can take pics if necessary when it's light out tomorrow. Thanks in advance- Steve
#2
01-25-16, 10:22 AM
Group Moderator
The correct thing to do is remove the siding and j channel. You cannot properly flash the new shingles any other way. Relying on the original step flashing and butting up to the j channel is half-assed and would dam up water where that j channel needs to dump out water on the bottom end.
#3
01-25-16, 11:26 AM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
Posts: 16,321
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Remove the vinyl and do it correctly. Proper flashing is the most important part of a roof job and it is just plain foolish to not do it the correct way. Leaks from improper flashing are hard to find and hard to correct after the fact. Don't let anyone talk you into making do with a gob of tar.
#4
01-25-16, 04:42 PM
Member
The J should never have been installed tight to the roofing!. There needed to be at least a 1" gap.
The so called roofer that suggested it's not an issue should not even be concidered.
The so called roofer that suggested it's not an issue should not even be concidered.
#5
01-26-16, 07:24 AM
roof
Hi, thanks for confirming what I already suspected. I'm surprised that the contractor that suggested the half-assed option is a well regarded roofer in the area. I do have a contractor that I've worked with before who wants to do things the right way. And I'm waiting for a visit from a 3rd roofer. Thanks again for the great advice! Steve
