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Roofing Questions:

Tile Roof:

Question:

My husband and I intend to buy a house in the Saratoga area within the next year. Most of the homes on the market have a shingle roof. We however would prefer a tile roof. The house we are going to buy will be between 1 - 5 years old. Is it possible to replace such a roof, what do I need? New supports, new vents, insulation etc?

Answer:

As you know Upstate gets a lot of weather and sometimes a lot of snow, I would consult with a reputable roofing contractor in the area before considering a tile roof, I have only installed them in So. Cal and am not sure that they are practical or even suitable for a colder environment. They are very attractive but they are so heavy that I would be cautious unless the installer with give you a very long warranty. Gordon

Gazebo Roofing:

Question:

We have just built a 25 sq gazebo approx with perimeter decking to house our spa. We were wondering, which was the best type roofing to protect us from the elements. The pitch of the roof is approx 6 in 12.

Answer:

Basically every type of roofing material except rolled would be acceptable, I generally try to have all my out buildings look similar to the main residence, that way it doesn't look a out of place or make shift. It’s a better visual and has a higher  re-sale value later. Gordon

Built up Roof Repair:

Question:

I have a flat roof, and recently coated it with the black material. While on the roof I noticed nobody had this as the completed roof. Is there another material I should have added. The roof was installed 10 years ago, and it used to have gravel rocks on top as well.

Answer:

Flat roofs are a nightmare at best. There are a number of roof patches available on the market today (Silver Dollar, Henrys etc.) all claiming to do the job. Nothing really works for ever, as flat as you can see, has dips and valleys. If possible I would spend the extra money to overlay a sloped roof on top with metal roofing or? The money spent now will bring years of not worrying and patching the old roof. Gordon

New Roof over Old:

Question:

Our contractor is going to put on a new roof on the old part of the house. The addition was roofed two years ago. He says in order to match the shingles and have them lay flat, he will have to put plywood over the old shingles. He says it is easier and less mess than removing all the old shingles. Is this ok?

Answer:

Easy is not a bi word for correct and professional building practices that I have heard in my 36 years of experience. Further more what happens when there is a problem in the roof structure under the original roof, plywood and new shingles? Short cuts are not the best route when dealing with roofs or for a matter of fact any other part of your homes integrity. In short, no is the answer to the question, Gordon

Installing True-vents in a new garage::

Question:

Can you cut the True-vent in two pieces for installing in a new garage construction and make them two feet long instead of four feet long?

Answer:

Good Morning, True-vents are designed to span the compressed area of your insulation near the eaves of the building allowing for circulation of air to the inter roof structure beyond. If the vent doesn't extend far enough it doesn't work properly, you would be better off using a less expensive block vent in that case. Thanks for your question, Gordon

Replacing a roof:

Question:

Home was damaged in Hurricane Katrina. I need to start from scratch. How to rebuild/replace roof when walls are damaged by rain?

Answer:

Hello, Sorry for your loss. It is always advisable to have the strongest base or foundation (walls etc.) when rebuilding roofs and structural members of the house. Without being there to see the extent of the damage to the walls it’s hard to say how far you have to go back before you can put safely with peace of mind the house back together. Vertical wood dries quickest; the plates and sills take the longest. If it looks bad, replace it, it will be better in the long run. Sorry I can't be of more help to you. Gordon

Roofing Leaking at Valley:

Question:

I installed 3-tab shingles two years ago. Part of roof has a12/2 pitch and has a valley on it. My problem is that it started too leak in several areas by the valley. I did the water hose on roof, though I found leaks and tarred the areas. It was too much and it did not stop leaks. So I ripped roof off down to tar paper. Part of other roof where valley connects is 3-tab shingles and a good pitch. I want to use rolled roofing, when I come to valley should I go under 3-tab shingles at least 12 inches and how would you reconnect 3-tab shingles to meet valley with rolled roofing..

Answer:

Good Morning, If I understand your situation correctly I would continue on the course you have embarked, using a good quality roofing adhesive at your valley is advised and roofing nails to secure your angle cut 3 tabs at the lap as your have planned, this should insure a waterproof lap. Make sure your adhesive is stored indoors until use and apply as directed to insure proper bonding. Gordon

Leaking Roof :

Question:

We have a leak in our roof somewhere and the water comes in through a light fixture in front on our fireplace. It is on the main floor of a 2 storey with no way of getting into to take a peak other than cutting a hole in the ceiling. We have had it supposedly fixed 3 times now by insurance contractors but they say it could be coming in anywhere and just running along until it gets to a place to leak through. When it dries the stipple has no marks but the light fixture is starting to rust badly now and I'm scared my ceiling and roof must be rotting up inside somewhere. It happens when we have bad wind and rain. Is there some kind of moisture gauge the can sense where extreme moisture comes from? Help

Answer:

Good Evening, Not that I know of (moisture gauge) I would venture to guess that the leak is originating from your fire place and running down the chimney stack. Chimneys are hard to flash even by the most skilled roofers; I would check there and caulk the stuffing around the roof penetration for starters. Be conscious of a fire hazard with the light fixture, as they rust the wires fray and even though they look bad they still carry a current. Hope this will help, Gordon