TOPIC: Do you think there is a problem???

I inspected this year old home for a builders warranty. The roof was unique. It was very steep pitch at the top and sloped to what I think was supposed to be a low pitch, but ended up fairly flat for the last 2 or 3 feet. It was architectural shingles the entire way.

When I was on top of the roof I was wishing for some snow, it would have made a nice ski ramp.

Anyone want to guess what happens when you have a shingles on a flat roof. You wonder why the roofer and contractor didn't.

Was there an ice/water shield installed, or couldn't you tell? I see a lot of roofs like that, and the biggest problem with them here is ice damming. The ice/water shiled barrier helps quite a bit. But, I still don't like them for the low pitch, but what you gonna do? Write your report, and move on.

Didn't look like there was. Just the normal underlayment.

Something they could have done was run the rows of shingles closer together, giving less reveal, longer distance for water/ice to back up underneath.  Not a great solution as it's still likely to get behind them at some point, but it would have helped. 
Like Ian said, write it up, move along...

I love that detail.  It is very pretty and an eye catcher.

But I think Davin's concerns are valid.  When I see that detail around here either the roof is metal or it transitions to metal where the incline flattens.  That is the indication of a smart roofer, thinking ahead.  Who knows how long it will take for a problem to manifest.  I don't think a shield at the bottom would be enough to protect it, architectural shingles or not.

The problem I see with that last picture, despite the water wicking already into the wood, is that there is no venting.  Ice dams will happen there, won't they?  And they are insidious.  They cause real damage and quickly.

What did you say on the report Davin?  What did they say in response to you?

Contact Tinner666 (Frank) at Albert's Roofing in Richmond VA    www.albertsroofing.com/     These are the best roofers I know.  Show them these photos and they will have a field day.  Invite them to this site.  I would love to have Frank post here.

Very true Jay, a different material for the transition would be  best, but it just doesn't happen. And yes, Frank is very knowledgeable about this sort of thing. I'm sure he would have a field day with some of the roofs we run across.