Roofing Tips

Ice Damming / Pitched Roofs

Ice damming occurs when water flowing down a roof surface encounters ice at eaves which results in the water "damming" and in many cases backing up the roof causing leaks. Water running down the roof comes from two sources. One, rain follow a snow and cold weather and/or two, there is excessive heat in the attic space.

For anyone who has experienced ice damming, it can range from a small leak issue to major leaking, with significant interior damage to drywall, plaster, curtains, and anything else in the path of the water.

There are three major roofing components to thwart ice damming.

1. A properly shop-formed drip edge.

2. A proper gutter with proper mounting.

3. The use of, and proper installation of, ice and watershield barrier. There is a National Building Code specification on proper installation. All roofers should be able to provide the proper installation requirement. While ice and watershield is most helpful with shingles, shakes, slate, and tile, all roofing materials, including standing seam, require and benefit from ice and watershileld.

I cannot tell you how many roofs I watch going on where the above requirement is not met. It is a shame to install a brand new roof and fail on one of the most critical parts.

If you are building a new house or refoofing your current house, insist that all proposals include the proper installation of ice and watershield.

Leaks caused by debris on the roof or in the gutters.

Especially during the summer when we are subject to sudden and large downpours, debris on the roof or in the gutters leads to leaks, some of which can be disastrous.

Take a few minutes to walk around your house and look carefully at the roof for any signs that debris is present, such as leaves or sticks protruding from a gutter or lying in a pile on the roof. During a rain, check your gutters and downspouts for drainage. If water is pouring out of the gutter, either the gutter or the downspout or both are in need of cleaning.

Water streaming down the the side of a structure, especially brick, leads to brick and mortar damage as well as mold issues on the inside walls. A few minutes of observation, and cleaning if necessary, will save a lot of heartache and money.

News

New wonder product?

There are many new product introductions always showing up in the world of roofing. While some will have merit and prove themselves useful over time, many do not. There is no substitute for sound roofing practices. If you hear of a product that sounds to good to be true, it probably is.