Q&A – Was the Valley Between Two Semi-attached Houses Retarped Correctly?

After having a non-licensed contractor work on his roof, this New York homeowner wanted to ensure the job was completed properly. 

Franco, a homeowner in New York, asked the following question about a tarp between two semi-attached houses: 

If a non-licensed contractor retarped the valley between two semi-attached houses, how can you tell if it was done correctly? And… What are the minimum materials and procedures or preparations required to make sure he did an efficient job besides the rolls of rubber? 

RCS Influencer and roofing expert John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group had this to share in response: 

From the photo you supplied, this does not look like a proper repair. On the right side of the valley, it appears that the new membrane has been installed and sealed with roof cement tying into the new roof but sealing correctly to the existing shingles. On the left side of the valley, the membrane is cemented on top of a course of shingles. You can see the cutouts of the shingles through the cement. This will leak if it has not already. 

I recommend having a local professional roofing contractor come out and make a proper valley flashing connection. Unfortunately, it is going to be more difficult this time around because the existing tarp will have to be torn out and completely redone correctly. 

Marty Stout from Go Roof Tune Up agreed, sharing this reply: 

The photo shows that it is not installed correctly. You should never have an unlicensed contractor work on your roof. Have a properly licensed and qualified contractor do the job correctly. Your local roofing supply store can most likely recommend someone. 

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