Often, homeowners and business owners take the condition of their roof for granted — until it is damaged or time for a re-roofing. A well-designed roof can save money, improve air quality and reduce energy costs.
The material that a roof is made from has a big impact on its lifespan, weather resistance and maintenance. The RC readership continues to show interest in all kinds of roofing, from traditional asphalt shingles to clay tile. Contact Denver Roofing Companies now!
Shingles are the stalwart protectors of our homes from the elements. Despite their rugged build, however, weather damage can take its toll on these crucial roofing components, resulting in a slow but steady deterioration that threatens the structural integrity of our property. Fortunately, homeowners can catch a variety of early warning signs that alert them to the presence of rotted shingles before it’s too late.
While many misconceptions exist regarding shingle colors, installation, and insulation, a local roofer is well versed in these issues and will be able to offer custom advice on selecting the best shingle for their home. For example, it is a common myth that dark-colored shingles absorb more heat than lighter-colored ones, but this is largely inaccurate – in fact, darker shingles reflect heat rather than absorb it, and the difference is negligible in terms of interior temperatures.
Other factors may mimic the creases, cracks, and tears often associated with wind damage, and these should be avoided if at all possible. For instance, a shingle that is unevenly torn or has a crease in the middle indicates that it was improperly sealed during its installation, and this can lead to leaks and further deterioration.
Unsealed shingles are also prone to premature rotting, as moisture seeps into the tiny crevices and gaps between them, gradually degrading the material and leading to the formation of fungi that can break down the organic materials of the shingle itself. Fungi like algae and moss are an especially common problem with shingles, as they thrive in damp environments that provide the ideal conditions for their growth.
Another early warning sign of rot is a shingle that appears to have a bald spot, which is caused by the gradual breakdown of its underlying layers. The shingle’s organic materials break down as they are exposed to sun and air, and the bald spots serve as a visual indicator of this process. In addition, a shingle that is missing one of its tabs can be an indicator of a leak, as these are typically placed in a staggered pattern so that the tabs of the shingles above them cover the seams of the ones below them.
Underlayment
Leaks can ruin a roof and damage the interior of the structure, and underlayment is a critical line of defense against water intrusion. It protects the roofing materials and provides a temporary barrier for water ingress until repairs can be made.
Leak-prone areas of a roof can include eaves, valleys, vents, chimneys, skylights, and other features that are more susceptible to leaks. To minimize the risk of leaks in these areas, a roof contractor will install a waterproof underlayment to prevent the entry of water into these structures and damaging the underlying structure of the home.
Roofing underlayment is typically laid on the roof deck before the installation of the roofing materials, and it can be made from a variety of different materials. The most popular types of underlayment are felt, rubberized asphalt, and non-bitumen synthetic underlayment.
The type of underlayment used can vary according to local building codes, the climate where a roof is located, and the type of roofing material being installed. Felt roof underlayment comes in 15 and 30 lb rolls, and the weight difference means that 30 lb underlayment is thicker and less likely to tear than its lighter counterpart.
There are also several ways that the underlayment can be fastened to the roof deck. Staples are common, but in high-wind areas or with synthetic underlayments, nails that come with plastic caps are a better choice to avoid puncturing the underlayment and allowing moisture to seep through.
In addition to being a vital line of defense against water, roof underlayment also acts as a vapor barrier that helps keep the moisture in your home from rising up through the structure of the roof. This is important to help prevent wood rot, mold growth, and other structural damage that can weaken the integrity of your home.
Although it is often out of sight and mind, your roof’s underlayment is the silent protector that works tirelessly to keep out unwanted intruders. With a quality underlayment and regular roof inspections by a certified roofer, you can be sure that your home is protected from the elements.
Ice and Water Shield
Ice and water shield is an underlayment that creates a barrier between your roof deck and your roofing materials. It also helps prevent damage from ice dams, heavy rains, and other severe weather events. Like other underlayments, ice and water shield is made of a synthetic material that can protect against corrosion and moisture. These products are self-adhesive and provide a tight seal. They’re commonly used in areas of the roof that are prone to water leaks, such as valleys, eaves, and low slopes. They’re also sometimes required in cold climates, as ice dams can form when snow melts and refreezes, pushing water under the shingles.
In addition to protecting the roof’s structure, ice and water shield can help reduce your energy costs by reducing condensation and allowing for proper air flow. It can even protect the insulation and interior walls from mold and mildew. While you can install ice and water shield over the entire roof, it’s usually best to focus on vulnerable areas, such as eaves, valleys, low pitches, and chimneys.
When installing ice and water shield, you don’t have to remove the existing roofing materials, but it is important to clean the surface of the roof to ensure that the adhesive layer will adhere properly. You can also use this opportunity to repair any minor damage to the roof’s decking. The ice and water shield membrane is durable and can last longer than traditional felt underlayments. It’s also non-absorbent, so it won’t cause the roof to rot or absorb moisture.
While felt underlayments are typically a good choice for many homes, ice and water shield is a better option for homeowners living in harsh climates or with high wind speeds. It’s more resistant to water infiltration, and it offers a more resilient seal. It’s also easier to work with than felt and can be used on sloped roofs, under mechanically attached roof coverings, and in a wide range of climate and assembly conditions.
Grace Ice and Water Shield is a premium underlayment that’s self-adhesive and can be easily cut and shaped to fit detailed areas, such as valleys and dormers. It has a rubberized asphalt membrane and is backed with a foldless release paper that provides protection against damaging UV rays. It also has a patented feature called Ripcord, which allows the applicator to split the membrane on demand for faster application in straight-away areas and easier positioning in detailed areas.
Flashing
Flashing is a flat piece of metal used to help protect the edges and protrusions of a roof. Installed on shingled roofs on top of the underlayment and underneath the shingles, it directs water away from seams and joints. It is a major factor in keeping your home free of unwanted moisture and water damage and should be properly installed, maintained and replaced.
Roof flashing is typically made of a durable material like aluminum or galvanized steel and positioned in areas where the roof meets other elements of the house, such as chimneys, pipes, skylights, doors, windows, vents and more. The flashing keeps water from entering these areas, which could otherwise cause rot, mold and mildew or encourage pest infestation.
Standard roof flashings are usually made up of one long, single piece of metal. There are several different types of flashing, which are identified by where they are located or their shape. Chimney flashing is a common standard flashing that prevents water seepage around the intersection of the roof and the chimney. Vent pipe flashing is another standard flashing that seals the area around plumbing vent pipes. It is important to use a high quality flashing with a rubber membrane to ensure it lasts.
Other specialty flashings are available to cover more specific areas of a home, such as kickout flashing. This is a prefabricated piece that covers the gap where a roof plane meets vertical surfaces like walls, dormers and front walls. It is also commonly found along parapet walls and around chimneys.
Often, these specialty flashings are designed to match the color of the roofing or trim for a uniform appearance that will enhance your home’s value and curb appeal. Additionally, there are flashings that are specifically made for solar applications and other unique situations.
When it comes to flashing, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it should never be sealed with tar or other petroleum products. These products can degrade the rubber components of your flashing, which may cause leaks and damage to the roofing system.