The Most Effective Types of Roof Ventilation.
The advantages of roof ventilation.
When a roof becomes substantially damaged, many people put this down to poor materials or poor workmanship and while either might be true it is more often the case that there was inadequate roof ventilation. Not having the correct roof ventilation or the right level of roof ventilation frequently leads to a shortening of the roof’s lifespan. An average home produces four to five pounds of water vapor per day and if the home has poor roof ventilation this means that the vapor has nowhere to go. Instead it forms condensation on the wooden boards of the roof causing them to buckle, twist and contort. In turn, poor ventilation leads to a greater chance of wind damage and increased occurrences of inexplicable falling shingles or tiles.
There are two essential parts to effective roof ventilation.
It is essential that good quality roof ventilation consists of an exhaust as well as an intake. The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the roof can be massive and only through using an intake and an outlet can these temperatures be brought to a consistent level. Only have one type of roof ventilation is the equivalent of having no roof ventilation whatsoever and in some cases it can actually cause more damage to have only one than to have neither.
Types of roof ventilation.
There are a large number of different methods of providing adequate roof ventilation and more is definitely better. Each type of roof ventilation has it’s positives and it’s negatives so consult with your roofing contractor and decide between which is likely to be the better decision for your home in terms of both effectiveness and aesthetics. Having adequate roof ventilation can be the difference between a long lasting roof and having to replace it every ten years or so.
Dormer vents are one of the more commonly used forms of roof ventilation because they are relatively easy to fit and they can be installed at the back of the house where it is easy to keep them hidden. They give the perfect combination of adequate roof ventilation without being an eye soar. Possibly the most effective method is through the use of turbine ventilators, however they can look ugly when placed on your roof and become very difficult to look after once they’ve been installed for any length of time.
Know About the Types of Roofing Warranties
There is an essential need for factually accurate information which can enable home owners to fully understand the roofing warranties offered by most roofing contractors. To accomplish this I will define and describe the most common types of roof warranties available and which warranty provides the most protection for a home owners new roof installation.
It is my ultimate goal that this information helps the consumer who needs a new roof on their home in the Waukesha and Milwaukee metro area to receive the best and most economical roofing installation and workmanship warranty available.
Types Of Warranties:
It is important to note that there are two categories of warranties that apply to roofing; the manufacturer’s warranty on the roofing product, and the roofing contractors workmanship warranty which covers the installation of the roofing product. Although there may be many forms of workmanship warranties offered by roofing contractors, the two common types are prorated and non-prorated.
Prorated Workmanship Warranty:
A Prorated warranty covers the contractors installation and is generally for a longer period of time. However, it dos not cover the full cost of either repair or replacement. Instead the pro-rated warranty just covers a portion of the repair costs and does not replace at all. It covers a smaller percentage as the product gets older.
Non-Prorated Workmanship Warranty:
A Non-prorated warranty covers the contractors installation, but this warranty option is generally for a smaller duration in most cases, it is still considered to be the most valuable form of warranty! Non-prorated warranty means that the manufacturer or seller will replace or repair the item at no cost to the buyer in case of some problem with the product or service. In most cases the warranty is for a period of 5 to ten years, but I have located one contractor who offers a 20 year warranty period. These warranties are almost always less than the manufacturer’s warranty coverage on the roofing product itself, but in the event that the product fails, most times the manufacturer covers costs associated with replacement of the defective product.
Findings:
In my estimation the best workmanship warranty option available is the Non-Prorated warranty because it offers the best protection to the consumer in the long run.
It’s Ice Dam Season
If you reside in the Midwest or anywhere else that receives a lot of snow, you either already know about or have experienced the damaging effects that ice dams can cause to your home. The following is some facts about how ice dams form, as well as one remedial method to help prevent your home from being damaged from the effects of an ice dam.
How An Ice Dam Forms
Ice dams are created when either heat from the sun, or heat loss due to inefficient attic insulation and ventilation causes the snow on your roof to melt and the gutters clog up with ice when water runoff re-freezes. When further runoff from the roof gets trapped, it builds up in the gutter and the ice begins to grow higher as it re-freezes by coming in contact with the existing ice. As the build-up of ice grows thicker it travels up your roof, thereby creating the large ice dam. This dam leaves the water with no place to escape so water runoff backs up the roof behind the ice dam. As the water backs up the roof it seeps under the shingles and ultimately leaks into the house. Even on roofs with no gutter, ice dams will accumulate when runoff hits the colder roof eve directly above the soffit.
The illustration below articulates this process visually.
Is There A Permanent Fix?
While a permanent fix for ice dams may entail any number of measures that include increasing the attic insulation, installing ice and water shield, and improving attic ventilation, these remedial measures are often not feasible until warmer weather conditions return.
Although it is also possible to chip away the ice dam to eliminate the water build-up, not only can this be very dangerous and time consuming, but inevitably the ice dam will return with further melting and water runoff. Further, chipping away ice dams will likely result in damage to the shingles and additional leaking issues in the future. However, there is a simple way to minimize the damage caused by an ice dam — A salt sock.
Implementing A Salt Sock
A salt sock is an effective method to use that will literally melt a channel through the ice dam so water can escape. Although this doesn’t guarantee that any existing leaking will stop, it will aid in diminishing the extent of any leak, including the increase in the size of an ice dam.
What you will need is a pair of panty hose. Either a new or discarded pair will work just fine. You will also need to purchase some calcium chloride pellets from your local hardware or convenience store.
- Cut off one of the legs and fill it with calcium chloride de-icing pellets. *(See end-note)
- Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter or roof edge as shown in the illustration.
How To Install The Ice Sock
To install the salt sock there are many methods you can use depending upon the style of your home.
Single Story Homes
On single story homes you may use a long-handled garden rake or shovel to push the salt sock into position.
Multi-Story Homes
On a multi-story home where only a ladder makes this task possible I strongly recommend that you call a professional roofer to perform the installation of the salt sock. However, even on multi-story homes some times it’s possible for a home owner to drape the salt-sock over the ice dam from a bedroom window, but extreme caution should be used and I would recommend against it due to the risk of falling out the window! A small investment to a local roofing company will eliminate the risk of great bodily harm or even death.
How The Ice Sock Works
Once you have strategically placed the salt-sock over the ice dam, the calcium chloride will begin to melt through the ice dam and create a channel for water to flow down and off of the roof. Again, this salt sock is only a temporary fix and it is recommended that you contact a local roofing contractor to remedy the problem permanently.
*Calcium or magnesium chloride pellets are less harsh on shingles and stain less than sodium chloride.
Anatomy of Cobra Snow Country
Cobra ® Snow Country ™
Recently there have been many questions asked about proper roof ventilation; specifically ridge ventilation. The role of roof ventilation and conflicting opinions as to which application best serves your roof is often debated among local roofing contractors.
Today we will visit the anatomy of Cobra Snow Country ridge ventilation and exactly how it enhances the life of the structure of your roof, as well as the shingles.
There are many features of Cobra Snow Country that make it one of the best roofing ventilation options. It is visibly appealing because it is integrated into the ridge of your roof and does not stick out like conventional “hat” or “mushroom” style vents, it can be installed on roof pitches from 3:12 to 16:12, and it provides 18 sq. inches per linear foot of net free ventilating area, just to name a few. However, one question that arises over and over is whether it will leak through the venting perforation? The answer is no.
As shown in the illustration, the perforation of Cobra Snow Country is protected by a vertical lip or edge which eliminates the possibility of water infiltration. Moreover, this lip or edge aids in the ventilation of your roof when air passes over it; drawing air and heat out of your attic. Unlike other conventional vents, Snow Country is designed to use the increased air velocity created by the slope or pitch of your roof as wind travels upward, and converting that force into useful ventilation, even on days when wind velocity is minimal.
Despite varying opinions, Cobra Snow Country is a reliable and efficient roof ventilation application that any homeowner should consider when having your roof replaced or repaired.
Roofing Contractors
How to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor
Choosing the best roofing contractor can be a challenge, to say the least. Let’s face it, installing or replacing a new roof is a large investment, and choosing the right company is very important for many reasons.
The roof of your home protects all of your assets and everything else under it. The average shingle life is 20 to 30 years and therefore installation and workmanship should stand up to that same time frame. If there is failure in the workmanship of your new roof, including shingle installation or metal flashing’s, the integrity of the entire roofing system is put in jeopardy. Stated simply, the character and integrity of the roofing contractor is essential to the the longevity of your roof.
Roofing contractors will all try to say that they offer the best deal including workmanship and price. Obviously they can’t all be the best and somewhere along the line you have to make a choice. This begs the question: How do you choose the best company when there are so many roofing contractors to choose from? It could be said that each and every person judges character and integrity on different criteria, however when it comes to choosing from so many roofing contractors it not only could be a challenge, but somewhere along the line there has to be away to gauge who would be the best for your new roof. Unfortunately if you make the wrong choice you are the one who loses. There was one instance of a customer choosing a roofing contractor who had been in business in the Waukesha Metro area for over 20 years. They were established, and had good character and integrity. They also offered a very affordable price. Unfortunately the installation was less than acceptable and shingles began to blow off the house. When the customer tried contacting the roofing contractor they discovered that the business had become insolvent. The company was non-existent and therefore so was the warranty. This customer did not have any recourse.
Helpful Tips in Assessing Roofing Contractors
There are many ways to start your search for the contractor who meets your individual needs. Referrals are obviously the best source for names of credible companies. Ask friends and family members who they have used in the past.
Contact your local Chamber of Commerce about roofing contractors who are active in the community. The Better Business Bureau, state and local licensing authorities, local trade associations and your local yellow page directory are also excellent sources of information. Local suppliers of roofing products are an excellent source as well.
After you have compiled a list of possible contractors, take time to evaluate each one carefully. Professional roofing contractors will be happy to provide all of the information you may require.
Contacting the Roofing Contractor
One tip that helps to get a contractor to respond to your call is to tell him you are shopping around, but are only interviewing three contractors, not ten.
Roofing contractors shop for good jobs that will make a fair profit and bring future referrals . Many contractors have had experiences with unreasonable or dishonest homeowners and look for warning signs of customer problems during the initial job interview.
Set up a meeting to discuss your needs and their qualifications, and be sure to pay close attention to the attitude of the company representative. Good contractors take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of helping you with your problems. If your feeling confident that the roofing contractor is interested in your project, ask for the company’s business information which will help you make your final decision.
Things To Consider Asking For:
- Business Name and Address: A good, professional contractor will provide the telephone number. These are essential when checking on the company’s previous business dealings.
- Ask for business license numbers and information on the company which bonds the contractor. Then check with local authorities to see that the company compiles with regulations.
- Insurance Coverage: A contractor should carry worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. Request the name and address of the insurance carrier, along with a copy of the company’s insurance certificate. Beware of low bids which are a result of incomplete insurance coverage and workman’s compensation.
- Experience: The training and experience of a contractor, as well as the age of his or her company, will help you determine their ability to successfully complete your project.
- Licensing/Bonding: Some states require special licensing for contractors.
- Professional References: Your contractor’s past can help determine your future.
- Ask for credit references, banking information and a list of completed projects including the names and telephone numbers of previous clients.
- Company Philosophy: Discuss application techniques and workmanship guarantees.
- Workmanship Warranty: Does the contractor stand behind his work? If so, how long is the warranty coverage, and what type of warranty is it — prorated or non-prorated?
The Importance of Proper Attic Ventilation
There are many services that roofing contractors can provide to maintain your roof and protect your home throughout the harshest summer and winter seasons. Attic ventilation services is one of the most important jobs that a roof repair contractor can offer.
During the summer months in the Midwest, an improperly ventilated attic can cause heat to build to temperatures in excess of 160°F! This excessive heat creates downward pressures which penetrate the ceiling insulation and migrate into your living area below. Moreover, You also cannot have a valid manufacturer’s warranty on your shingles without proper ventilation. As such, not only will improper ventilation reduce the lifespan of your roof, it will also void your manufacturer’s warranty, and rest assured that shingle manufacturer’s will send an inspector to determine this should your roof need replacement under a warranty claim.
A correct attic ventilation system provides for a steady flow of outside air from the lowest part of the attic through the upper most part of the attic. As shown in the illustration, proper attic ventilation allows the attic insulation to perform at peak efficiency and help maintain constant temperatures in your home.
There are many roof ventilation styles available on the market. Choosing the right style for your home is critical to providing optimum air flow and function.
It is estimated that 9 out of 10 homes in North America do not have proper attic ventilation. Because most people are unaware that attic ventilation significantly impacts the longevity of their entire home, many roofs continue to become degraded and damaged. Some of the common types of damage caused by improper attic ventilation include:
- Premature aging of your roofing system
- Roof deck warping and rotting of the wood frame
- Buckling of shingles and felt
- Mildew growth
- Higher energy costs
At Waukesha Roof Repair we offer FREE inspections to determine whether your home has proper attic ventilation, as well as FREE estimates should your home need an attic ventilation upgrade?
Your Roof Leak Experts
Finding the source of a roof leak can sometimes be easy. On other occasions the leak will require detective work and possibly a garden hose and an inside spotter to determine the origin of the roof leak. If you don’t feel comfortable on a roof, you will have to find an honest roof repair expert to assist you. Sometimes this can be just as hard as finding the smallest leak because some roofing company’s are just out to make money.
For your safety it is highly recommended that an experienced and qualified roofing expert should inspect your roof. Like any credible roofing contractor, Waukesha Roof Repair provides free inspections — with the exception of our emergency service.
For information purposes, here are some of the common roof leak areas:
The Field of Shingles
If you have an older roof it is possible that the roof leak is within the roof field. What this means is that the leak is somewhere within the expanse of shingles, slate, shakes, or whatever type of material your roof consists of. If your roof is asphalt, then you can often times inspect the shingle field with ease; unless of course the roof pitch is very steep. When this is the case, finding the roof leak will require other methods such as using a hook-ladder or a combination of jacks and ladders. Other materials such as slate or steel roofs may not be so easily inspected either as you can crack the roofing if you walk on it, or it is too slippery to walk on. In most cases, however, it is as simple as looking at the roof from the ground and noticing that a shingle or tab is simply missing and allowing water to migrate through and into your home.
Valleys
A valley is a line where two roof planes intersect. Here in Wisconsin metal flashing in the valleys is most common. However, some roofers use rolled roofing or they will lace the shingles together to form what is referred to as a California valley. Valleys can be big problems if you do not trim the shingles correctly. When you trim a shingle for a valley you end up with a chisel point on the end of the shingle. If a second cut is not made to make this point blunt, then water can travel along the top of the shingle and find its way inside your house.
Head Wall Flashing’s
Some roofs stop at a vertical wall where there is a dormer or other structural protrusion such as a chimney. In these cases a metal flashing must be in place to direct water streaming down the wall away from the stopping point of the shingles. This flashing is often behind the siding or in front of a brick wall.
These flashings extend over the shingles at least three inches. If the wall is brick or other masonry there is an additional counter-flashing which bends and extends one into a mortar joint or a cut joint. Generally tar, caulk or roofing cement will be used in conjunction with the exposed seam where the metal flashing intersects the brick or stone and it has simply decayed or cracked. Other times the metal itself is corroded and must be replaced in its entirety.
Chimneys
Chimneys are the number one source of most roof leaks. Chimneys contain four different types of flashing. Each and every one must be right or you will have a roof leak at the point where the chimney enters the house. Moreover, the counter-flashing that goes into the brick or mortar joint must be right. A hairline crack above the flashing can allow vast amounts of water to run behind the flashing’s and leak into your house.
Wall Step Flashing
Some roof leaks happen at step flashings. Step-flashings are used where a roof climbs alongside a vertical wall. As each row of shingles is laid, a step flashing is installed over the shingle next to the wall. Part of the flashing turns up on the wall and the other portion gets covered by the next row of shinglesand often times cannot be seen. Some times these metal flashing corrode and need replacement, while other times they simply were installed incorrectly or simply are missing.
Plumbing Vent Flashing’s
Newer vent flashings that seal PVC vent tubes incorporate a rubber seal with an aluminum flashing. The rubber can fail in as little as 10 to 15 years.
You’ll recognize this flashing because it dives up and under the shingles that extend up your roof from the middle of the plumbing vent. The bottom half of the flashing will be exposed and actually covers the shingles below the pipe.
Furnace or B-Vent Flashing
These flashings are basically identical to plumbing vent flashings. However, they sometimes have a metal storm collar. These simply fit tightly around the vertical pipe that exits the roof. If the storm collar becomes loose it can cause leaks. Otherwise, and on rare occasion the metal flashing itself will corrode and fail.
Ice Dam Leak
Ice dam leaks plague us Wisconsinites here in the snow belt. These leaks can happen even if everything on your roof is just fine!
Ice dams block the natural flow of water down a roof. The water begins to back up under flashings, shingles, tar paper, etc. Once water begins to flow into the house, it can drip for days. The only means of preventing this problem is to install an ice and water shield membrane under the roofing.
The membrane itself won’t stop the ice, but it will stop water leaks if installed properly.
Wind Blown Rain Leak
Wind driven rain can also be a major problem. Once again, you could actually have a good roof and wind will drive water up and under your roofing materials or flashings. The only lines of defense are tar paper and the ice and water shield membrane.
Non-Roof Leak !
Sometimes you think you have a roof leak when in fact the roof is fine. Attic condensation is a prime example. High humidity can cause condensation and “rain” to fall in your attic. It can also make the underside of the roof sheathing look wet. In these cases you may think you have a roof leak, but instead its just condensation.
Waukesha Roof Repair
Waukesha Roof Repair is a service provided by highly skilled, professional roofers and roofing contractors conveniently located in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
We Are Here to Serve You
Welcome to Waukesha Roof Repair!
Servicing the Waukesha and Milwaukee metro area, “Waukesha Roof Repair” is here to serve you whenever you have any roof-related problem. Whether your roof is leaking, some shingles were blown off in a recent storm, or you simply wish to have your roof system inspected to ensure that it is operating at 100%, we are here to serve you.
Any roof repair can quickly turn into a very expensive endeavor if the repair is attempted by an unskilled or inexperienced person. It is strongly recommended that all repair work be performed by a qualified roof repair technician.