Roof leak and home inspection

[BrianS]

Hi all, I'm a new homeowner who could use some advice. I'm not really very "handy", or experienced in construction, and I paid the price now that I purchased a home. I purchased a home about one year ago, and the seller had put a new roof put on just 3 months prior to my purchase of it.

Well, six months ago, that new roof started leaking, and we were told that it would not be covered under insurance because the pitch was below minimum grade for shingles and therefore the claim was denied as it was "faulty construction".

We were in mediation with the seller because of a lot of other issues about the house including the roof (the seller and their roofer were deemed not at fault because I had no contract with the roofer, and the seller did not willfully deceive me about the roof), but I really feel the home inspector should have been able to discern this problem with the roof. 2 Roofers and 1 builder who gave me estimates have said that, and the inspector was up on the roof.

I'm going to be out at least $6,000, and probably a good deal more, for repairs now. All I've done to the inspector is ask for his help in paying for the roof and threaten to report him to the Better Business Bureau. His lawyer contacted me and reminded me that I signed a waiver in my contracting waiving the inspector from any liability.

Per PA law, there's no legal limit to liability for "gross negligence." Do you feel this is a case of gross negligence? It sure feels like it to me!!

I'm still going to report this guy to the Better Business Bureau, since he still did a crappy job with the inspection.

Thanks for your help.

[mrcaptainbob]

Get a lawyer.

[kactuskid]

What is the pitch of your roof? Asphalt shingle manufacturers allow shingles to be used on a roof that is a 2:12 pitch and up. I can better answer your question knowing the slope of the roof.