Answers

Hey Michael,

Here's a quick guide to show your the pros and cons of having asphalt roof shingles applied over your existing roof: 

We recommend filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureu in your region.  If the company has any standards, this should make them and other consumers aware of the issue and hopefully they dont make the same mistake twice or no one will use them in the future.  Hope this helps. 

Ventalation is one of the most important parts of your roofing system.  Has proper intake air flow coming in from the eaves of your home, where your gutters are located, and exausting through the ridge of your home.  All roofing manufactors require this as part of there warranty information because it does not only affect the condisation in your attic space but will also weaken your shingles and lower there live span.  If your home already has proper insolation and proper ventatation another option would be to add a power fan unit on your roof near the ridge with a humidistat built it.  This will turn on automatically at whatever tempature you set and also when moisture builds but will turn on.  Moisture in the attic space is common in winter months due to cold tempatures outside and heat from your attic space meeting.  I would have a roofing company come out and inspect your soffits to make sure they are ventalated and also to ensure you have a ridge vent installed on your home to start.  

There are two options available for reroofing installations. One would be to tear off the old roof before applying the new one (tear off). The second would be to lay new shingles over the existing roof (lay over). While the second choice is the less expensive of the two options, it is not necessarily always the best choice.
There are advantages to tearing off the old roof before installing a new one. For example:

• If there are any defects in the roof deck, they will be revealed when the roof is torn off. These defects should be repaired before applying the new roof.

• If condensation problems exist in the attic, they too will be revealed when the roof is torn off.
Properly designed attic ventilation can then be installed in order to help eliminate such problems.

• When the old roof is torn off, waterproofing shingle underlayment can be installed before applying the  new roof. This will help protect against leaks created by cyclical ice damage and wind-driven rain.

• Tearing off the old roof and starting with a clean deck before reroofing may result in a smoother finished roof system. Although there is added cost to these advantages, each lessens the likelihood that the validity of the manufacturer’s shingle warranty will be impaired. If the old roof is torn off, your contractor should be responsible for the cleanup and disposal of the old shingles, but make sure your contract states this clearly.

If you do plan to reroof over existing shingles, first check if your local building codes limit the number of roof layers that can be applied to a residence in your area. Most restrict maximum to 2 layers. Your contractor should know the pertinent code requirements.

File complaint wth the Registar of Contractors in your area. Even if they are not Lsc they should be and can face a fine.

Everyone has a different opinion of what is good and bad service depending what side of the issue they are on.I would also give them one last time to address your complaint.

Give them an acceptable time line to respond and correct the issue one last time. If you have called them, had conversation and a commitment to correct or refusal to do anything then I would notify them in writing that you intend to report them to the BBB, and the local & state regulators. The attorney general is usually the heavy hitter on consumer complaints. Then follow through.

Did you do diligence to see who you were dealing with? Was the roofer licensed or required to be by the state or local unit of governement? ? Was a permit pulled and the job inspected by a building officia/ when completed? If not call your local building official and have them come out to look at the job? The roofer may be in violation of the bullding codes and be subject to disciplinary action by the state. I would check all these things before you proceed with a lawyer. Last if that contractor is not established, he won't have the money to fix it. But if he is insured you may be able to go after his insurance company. So aways ask to see a license, insurance and work comp certificate when dealing with any company and find out how long they have been in business prior to signing any contracts.