Frequently Asked Roofing Questions

In rural areas, metal roofing is often considered the most economical choice due to its durability and longevity. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and requires minimal maintenance.

Common roofing problems include leaks, missing or damaged shingles, improper ventilation, poor insulation, and issues with flashing or gutters. Regular inspections can help identify these issues early.

In most cases, it’s recommended to remove the old roof when re-roofing. This ensures that any underlying damage is addressed, and it provides a clean surface for the new roofing material. However, in some situations, a second layer of roofing can be added, but it’s best to consult with a professional.

To reduce a roof’s temperature, you can consider cool roofing materials, proper insulation, and ventilation. Cool roofing materials reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. Adequate insulation and ventilation can help regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing the heat transfer from the roof.

Rolled roofing typically does require a felt underlayment. Felt underlayment provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and helps ensure the roof’s longevity.

Permit requirements for flat roof replacement vary by location, the city in which you reside, and the local building codes. It’s advisable to check with your local authorities or a roofing professional to determine whether a permit is needed.

The answer is ABSOLUTELY! Actually the quality of the shakes today is far superior to what could be purchased 15-20 years ago.

There are two reasons for this:

1. There is a regulatory board known as ICBO. This governing body establishes the quality standard that shakes must be manufactured to. If a mill wants to stay in business they have to comply.
2. The shakes can be pressure treated at the factory. This presses the treatment deep into the shake for long lasting protection. (Topical treatments that are applied after the roof is installed do not last long)

The shake mills in Canada harvest Old Growth Cedar that has fallen in the woods. They cut out the good wood and make shakes from it. Of course there are different grades, and if you want a quality product it will cost more. But if you want that shake look you can still get it, and get a quality roof as well!

Asphalt shingle roofing is the most common roofing material in the United States due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of installation.

Euroslate is a roofing product that in fact is made from the rubber from used tires. It is manufactured by a Canadian company named GEM. In Washington state the product is being distributed by a company called State Roofing. They have exclusive rights to the product.

Benefits of the product are:

• It is light weight and can go on most roofs
• It has a slate tile appearance
• It is impact resistant
• It is impervious to moisture

Issues with the product are:

• The cost. Typically 2-4 times as much as a medium grade asphalt composite
• Fire Rating. Class A fire is not achieved without additional cost in underlayments.
• Warranty – The warranty is loosely written, and favors the manufacturer. Major concern with discoloration. Warranty is vague in this area. Also does not cover labor or removal of defective product. (From what could be determined by reading warranty) *Read warranty for clarification.
• Maintenance – The roof can still grow moss. The issue with these types of products is walking on them to clean them.

Believe it or not, you can actually get a guarantee on Asphalt Shingles that is superior to ANY other roofing product. For more information on any of these topics contact us.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an agency that designs testing and standards for manufactured products of all shapes and sizes.

In regards to roofing products there are 3 classes of Fire Rating. These classes are:

Class A roof coverings are effective against severe fire test exposures. Under such exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.

This is the highest rating attainable. Asphalt roof shingles, Concrete and Clay tile, and Authentic Stone Slate Roofs are in this category. Metal roofs and synthetic products typically require special underlayments to qualify for Class A fire Rating.

Class B roof coverings are effective against moderate fire test exposures. Under such exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a moderate degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.

Class C roof coverings are effective against light fire test exposures. Under such exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a light degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.

Wood shakes are an example of Class C Fire Rated material.

* Consult specific manufacturer literature for exact rating information. The information provided is not manufacturer specific.

Simply put the answer is NO.

Asphalt shingles, unlike wood shakes are manufactured with components that create a roof system.

An asphalt composite shingle starts out as a woven fiberglass sheet nearly 1/8” thick. The fiberglass is saturated on both sides with asphalt. The top layer of asphalt, while still molten is embedded with Ceramic Granules.

Granules have 2 functions:

1. To give the shingle it’s color.
2. To protect the asphalt from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Along with the granules, Asphalt is the waterproof component of the shingle, and the Fiberglass is the chassis that holds the shingle together.

Asphalt is a very volatile product (meaning that it is easily affected by heat causing change in viscosity and increasing expansion and contraction) and when granules are missing and there is more UV exposure the asphalt gets dried out and causes roof failure.

Pressure washing a roof when done improperly minimally removes granules that are so important to the longevity of your roof. Because asphalt composite is a thin product that can be easily torn it is not too difficult to cut the shingles with the pressure wand.

Many pressure washers will assure you that they are experienced and will not cause damage. They may be right, but how can they guarantee it?

The adhesion of granules reduces as the roof ages. The challenge for a pressure washer is how to gauge their pressure. The problem for you is HOW WOULD YOU KNOW IF THEY ARE DOING IT RIGHT?

It is difficult to know. The big question is, why pressure wash anyway? The only reason is that it is a quick fix. Quick fixes typically come with a bill to pay later.

Maybe it would be better to examine where moss comes from, and what can be done from a preventative standpoint to keep your roof healthy and looking clean.

Roofing felt can typically be left exposed for a limited time, usually a few weeks, before the final roofing material is installed. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and protect the felt from UV exposure and moisture during this period.

Rolled roofing typically does require a felt underlayment. Felt underlayment provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and helps ensure the roof’s longevity.

Yes, in some cases, you can install new rolled roofing over old rolled roofing. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the existing roof is in good condition and that the new material adheres properly and you don’t cover up dry rot or structural damage with a second layer.