Roofing Information

Is It Time For A New Roof?

As a roof starts to age, you may find you have one or more of the following problems.  This may mean it is time to start the process of finding a local qualified roofer like Nalley Roofing.

9 Signs Of Roof Damage

Ceiling Spots Caused by leaks in roof Check attic or crawlspace for leaks in deck Check chimney and vents for cracks in flashing Check rafters for leaks that travel away from original source Check roof for damaged shingles	Damaged Flashing Caused by improper installation Caused by drying and cracking Can usually be repaired without replacing roof	Missing Shingles Caused by improper fastening Caused by exposure to high winds Can usually be replaced individually
Buckling & Curling Caused by improperly applied felt (buckling) Caused by movement in deck (buckling) Caused by undersaturation of felt in organic-based shingles (curling)	Blistering Caused by moisture in shingles Caused by excessive use of asphalt plastic cement	Algae Growth Caused by growth of airborne algae deposited on roof Unsightly appearance does not affect the service life of the material Common problem in warm, humid climates Algae resistant shingles available regionally
Missing Granules On newly applied shingles, a certain number of loose granules is normal On aging shingles, missing granules indicate need for replacement	Rotting Caused by absorption of moisture by mat at the core of the shingle Common problem with organic-based shingles.

 

HELPFUL INFORMATION EVERYONE SHOULD READ BEFORE HAVING A ROOF INSTALLED!

Decking

Decking, which is the sheathing under the roof, is commonly made of plywood or O.S.B. oriented strand board.  Water leaking through a roof may cause the decking to rot.  Because nails hammered into rotten decking will not hold, the rotten decking must be replaced before the new shingles can be installed.  The decking is replaced when the old roof is taken off.  Therefore, a common industry practice is to give a firm estimate on the tear-off/replacement roof, and a firm estimate for each piece of decking which may need to be replaced.

Reroofing

Putting a new roof over an existing roof is a legitimate practice, provided the correct materials are used, all the decking is in good shape, and the truss and house structure can handle the additional weight.  However, tearing off the old roof is the only way to ensure the decking is in good shape.  Since shingles are made of oil, the bottom dry layer of shingles will draw the oil out of the new layer of shingles over time.  This will make the new roof dry out sooner.

Ventilation

Attic ventilation is extremly important to a roofs life.  In the summer, attic temperatures rise dramatically.  Circulating air minimizes the temperature rise.  In the winter, circulating air helps prevent mold and mildew growth by minimizing attic humidity.  The best ventilation system is the ridge vent soffit vent system.  Cooler air enters the attic through the soffit vents.  The heated air then exits throught the ridge vent at the attics highest point.  The ridge vent is preferred by most roofers and shingle manufactuers because they are more efficient and cost effective over power vents, turbines and turtle back vents.

Roof Life

The roofs life is determined by many factors such as proper roof ventilation, proper roof installation, shingle life, and the flashing.  Routine maintenance such as debris removal from the roof and in the valleys, and gutter cleaning are very important.

Clean Up

We use a dumpster that is placed either in the driveway in the street on the day of the roof installation.  All debris is placed in the dumpster and it is hauled away when the job is complete.

Toeboards

Toeboards are temporary 2x4 boards roofers will stand on while working on steep pitched roofs.  They are not used on shallow pitch roofs.  The nails are put through the shingles in order to hold the boards while working.  If the holes are not properly sealed they will leak.  We do not use toeboards except in tearing the roof off.  We do not put holes in the new shingles.  We normally use a cushion or if steep enough roofing jacks.

Other Information

We nail all our shingles with a coated galvenized roofing nail.  All shingles are layed and nailed to meet the specified patterns for the manufactuers warranty.

A 1 inch nail is used on 25 year 3 tab shingles and 11/4 nail used for 30 year architectural shingle.

We do not use tar to seal roof penetrations, due to the fact it cracks over time.  We use an excellent product called NP-1.

Please Check For Insurance!

Call the company who carries the policy.  A lot of companies will say they have the insurance, but unfortunately they may not.   Roofers insurance is extremely expensive.  Most companies choose not to carry the proper insurance, which would make the homeowner responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur.

Please take into consideration when comparing quotes the items listed above, the type products the companies will use, their labor leak warranties, and if a company is based out of town who will come fix a leak in a few years.