The view in this photo is so very common, but I always hate to see it. When a roofer takes an old wood shingle or shake roof off, it seems that about eight times out of ten the wood debris ends up inside the attic. Just what a homeowner wants is a bunch of old wood shingles in the attic. What makes better kindling than old, dry wood shingles? The answer to that I do not know because old, dry, wood shingles work pretty good for me. In my own house, and a rental I own, I had to go up there myself, after the roofers, and I got bags and bags of this stuff. My mistake was I did it in the summer and it was one hot job. A home inspector is obligated to call out this kind of mess. Who cleans up? Sometimes the seller from what I have seen and sometimes the buyer accepts it as is.

 

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections

 

        

        

Check out "This Day In History" -- music and vintage television from the 1950's through the 1980's.  I enjoy writing these articles because they take me back to my days in radio broadcasting. Click on Elvis' gold record, below, to revisit those golden hits of yesteryear.

           

 

16 Comments on Common and a Real Mess!

APR
16
2008
532,041 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Steven,

Thanks for the heads up on this one, I had absolutely no idea how often this occurs.

11:38pm • #1
1,150,580 Points 53 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Lynda,

That is my estimate around here. Your area might be different but sure something to look for that surprises.
11:45pm • #2
200,847 Points 11 Featured Posts
My goodness that's just a disaster waiting to happen.
11:47pm • #3
1,150,580 Points 53 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Well, it sure could lead to a serious problem if a spark gets up there.
11:58pm • #4
APR
17
2008

I'm with Steve.  If it works well as kindling in your fireplace, it will do the same in your attic...

I wonder how many roofers have been taken to task for this sloppy work?  Not many I'd bet..

 

"A Quick Note"
12:32am • #5
916,968 Points 178 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I have an obvious question---aren't all wood roofs kindling?  Some very high fire risk areas no longer allow them for that reason.
1:33am • #6
406,115 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Definitely lazy roofers. The roofing company should have to come back out and clean up the mess, but I'm sure that is unlikely.

Sean Allen
8:15am • #7
1,150,580 Points 53 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Once again we see why the cantankerous Charlie B has no friends. Of course, he would be defensive since that is his attic. I would counter Charlie B's sharp barb by stating that even though crawl space lumber is possible insect food, we do not want to entice them by tossing our wood scraps inside the crawl.
9:04am • #8
644,974 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
That is one big mess.  And the support doesn't look very strong. But you didn't mention it so I guess it is okay?  Charlie B. has one friend....me....but I don't know him very well!  He has a good point.  I have heard that your hazard insurance is higher if you have a wood shingle roof. 
10:30pm • #9
1,150,580 Points 53 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Barbara,

The only good point that Charlie B has is the point on his pointy little head.
10:45pm • #10
APR
18
2008
916,968 Points 178 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Barbara, this is Steve's theme song, speaking of pointed little heads.
12:43am • #11
644,974 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Charlie and Steven, I am so glad you've decided to compliment each other.  Charles, the youtube song was such a great compliment to Steve because you said he's great even with a pointed little head.  Steve you said Charles has a pointy little head so that means he's okay also. 

You are both too much fun!!  Charles, I really did like that little song.  It is a great little song for kids! 

8:05am • #12
1,150,580 Points 53 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Barbara,

Now that Charlie went nuclear here, I will post his favorite tune.

 

 
8:55am • #13
1,150,580 Points 53 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Barbara,

Now that Charlie went nuclear here, I will reveal that one of the most popular songs from the late 1960's was written with Charlie in mind as the theme. Here is a puppet, who looks much like Charlie's little friend Paul, doing my favorite tune about Charlie.

 

 
8:55am • #14
644,974 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

You've sent me off on a search again.  I watched that puppet and then since I was at Youtube I watched other versions of it.  I must admit I'd never heard of that song.....but it was very interesting.....

I'm learning so much from you two guys!! LOL

 
10:25am • #15
644,974 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

sad smileyDon't you guys gang up on me.......I can only take so much....

And so far you've found nothing wrong with my water heater.

1:22pm • #16

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Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector

Bellingham, WA

More about me…

King of the House Home Inspection, Inc

Address: Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Sumas, Nooksack, Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish, Anacortes, Mount Vernon, Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA, 98225

Office Phone: (360) 676-6908

Cell Phone: (360) 319-0038

Email Me

Steven L. Smith, King of the House Home Inspection, provides information for real estate buyers, sellers and real estate industry professionals. Blog posts emphasize issues commonly found in Bellingham, WA and Whatcom County. Smith is Washington State Licensed Home inspector #207, a state licensed structural pest inspector and one of the most experienced inspectors in the northwest corner of the Pacific Northwest. Steven L. Smith is lead instructor of home inspection at Bellingham Technical College and teaches classes for Washington State University and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Steve was a two-term member of the state licensing board.


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