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What is Roof Flashing?

DaVinci Shake

It’s a question that comes up in our industry every now and then – what is roof flashing? In this blog post, we’ll define what roof flashing is and how it affects you and your home.

Let’s Define Roof Flashing

The goal of any residential roof is to protect the inside from the outside elements. Flashing is used to redirect the flow of water around potential openings. This is to prevent water from entering your home from any possible opening.

It is quite literally your roof’s last line of defense from moisture and that makes flashing a pretty important component of your home.

Where will you find flashing?

You will see flashing around:

  • a chimney – this applied around the base of the chimney on the house’s exterior.
  • a skylight,
  • any where the roof meet the wall.
  • any other opening/inconsistency on the roof.

Roof Flashing Materials

There are a few options when choosing the types of materials used for your roof flashing done

  • The most common is sheet metal and copper as they as they are the most durable and compatible with the newer types of wood treatments. However, these make up the most expensive options.
  • There is Aluminum which is easy to form, durable and inexpensive. However, you run the risk of corrosion if it comes in contact with alkaline materials like concrete or fiber-cement siding.
  • Lead which is very pliable and soft but carries many health risks.
  • Plastic flashing are inexpensive, but if exposed, they wear down quickly, which then turns out to be the most expensive option.
  • Galvanized steel which come with baked enamel paint finish and with many color options.

Flashing can be bent into various shapes depending on the type of roof flashing that is required. There are several types of flashing and they are:

  1. Step flashing set into mortar
  2. Wall flashing
  3. Counter flashing
  4. Base flashing
  5. Self-flashing skylight
  6. Vent pipe flashing
  7. Drip edge over felt along rake
  8. Drip edge under felt along eaves
  9. Valley flashing
  10. Continuous flashing
  11. Step flashing under siding
  12. Back pan flashing.
  13. Wall diverters.
  14. gable diverters.

How Roof Flashing Works

Flashing is typically installed during home construction so it’s important that this is done correctly.
Why? Flashing depends heavily on gravity to work. When it works correctly, flashing helps guide water onto the regular roof materials, as opposed to cracks that can leak into your home.

The concept behind roof flashing isn’t a new one. It’s a time-tested concept to home construction and maintenance that continues to work. The materials you use for flashing make all the difference.

Addressing Your Roof Problems: Immediate and Short Term Decisions

When your roof is damaged or fatigued to the point of leaking, a decision to repair or replace it needs to be made. You may be surprised to learn that many times—with proper repairs—a roof can be restored to provide many years of additional service.

In choosing between repair and replacement you need to consider how old the roof is and the type of roof that’s in place (some roofing materials last longer than others).

Remember, water is persistent and it can travel quite a distance before you see it showing up on your ceiling. By the time you notice it in the interior, the actual roof could have already been leaking for weeks or months.

In this blog post, we’ll detail what you need to do once a roofing issue is noticed immediately. We’ll also go through the ideal thought process behind the “Repair or Replace?” scenario.

What should you do when you notice an issue?

It’s important to call a roofing contractor as soon as you notice a problem—the earlier the problem is dealt with, the smaller and less expensive the repair will be.

So, let’s look at the four immediate steps you MUST take when you spot a roof leak in order to save a small fortune from the damage that can occur within the first few hours after detection.

Immediate Step #1: First and foremost, be very careful when you’ve suffered a water leak. Water coming in contact with electricity can be deadly. And floors can be especially slippery, so be extra careful when walking around.

Immediate Step #2: Stop the source of the leak. If you haven’t been able to locate the source of the water leak and/or been able to stop the leak, call someone immediately so they can guide you through this very important and time-sensitive step as best as possible over the phone.

Immediate Step #3: If the leak has been temporarily stopped, call a reputable roofing contractor so they can permanently stop your leak as quickly as possible. If they happen to be swamped with calls for leak repairs because of a bad storm, get someone who will promise to at least provide you with a temporary leak repair until they can return and provide a permanent solution.

Immediate Step #4: Remove furniture that is currently on wet flooring— or even near wet flooring—since most furniture can permanently stain wet carpet if left on top of it. But this expensive problem can be eliminated simply by removing furniture as soon as possible, or by at least placing some dry plastic under furniture legs. The need to take immediate action is very important.

When it comes to repairing or replacing your roof, making one wrong decision can inconvenience you and your family for weeks, not to mention cost you thousands of dollars in unnecessary work.

Added Value to Your Home – Repair or Replace?

When making the major decision to repair or replace your roof, don’t forget the cost vs. value estimates. If part of making the decision to replace your roof rests in the return you will place in your pocket at the sale of your home, ask your real estate agent about home prices for your
neighborhood.

Surprisingly, the return you receive on the sale of your home in our area is quite high. Have you
ever heard the statement “location, location, location?” The return most homeowners receive on a major remodeling project runs about 80-96%.

Determining the percentage you recoup after a remodeling project (in this case roof replacement), is based on factors such as the condition of your current home (as well as homes in your area) and whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural setting.

Check with your local realtor to verify the return that you can expect when replacing the roof on your home.

Let us know if you found this post informative. Got a question? Leave a comment below and we’ll respond to you.

Examining Common Roofing Problems

Roofs go through a lot. They get hit with debris. They’re on the receiving end of the elements. Naturally, your roof takes a beating and it can show over time. So it’s not surprising

You’re reading this because you want to know whether the problem that’s occurred at your roof is normal. Perhaps you’re wanting to know what can be done. The good news is that you’ve come to the right place!

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at where on a roof problems can occur and then we’ll examine the roofing problems themselves!

Here are a few of the common locations where we find problems on a house:

Chimney

Your chimney has several locations that may require a roof repair. The likelihood of a problem depends on how well the original roofing installation was done.

Your chimney has four sides, and each side has flashing. Flashing is what protects the line where the side of the chimney meets the roof. In addition, each of those four sides could have a different type of flashing, depending on where the chimney is located.

Even the tiniest crack that allows water to get in behind the flashing can turn into a serious roof leak. This is why the chimney is one of the first places we check.

Skylights

Skylights: In our area, skylights are a part of many homeowners’ roofing systems. Although many people may not be experiencing skylight problems when they prepare for a roofing replacement, they should consider the replacement of the existing skylights.

The average age of a roof being replaced is 18 years old. This means if the customer has an original skylight, it is also at least 18 years old. If the skylight is not replaced during the roof replacement, the potential for skylight failure in the future increases.

In 5-10 years after your roof is replaced, the original skylight will be 23-28 years old at that point and will surely be in need of replacement. When being replaced, your contractor will have to remove some of your newly installed shingles to replace skylights, which could cause potential problems such as color matching and proper sealing of the shingles.

At Adanac Roofing, we are proud to offer Columbia Skylights, which have the widest selection of Energy Star® Rated skylight products in Canada.

Other Projections

Other possible locations needing repair are any projections such as plumbing stacks or air vents that have to actually come out through a hole in the roof.

When a hole is made in the roof, it has to be sealed properly. In some cases, such as a plumbing stack, the hole could be sealed fine at the time of installation, but then the rubber boot around the pipe can become hardened or cracked over time and become compromised.

Your roofing material is designed to divert water that comes from above, not from the side. When a strong rain is blowing, it can be driven up and under your shingles. At that point, the only thing between the rain and your house is a layer of tar paper. This type of roof repair usually just means replacing any shingles that were compromised.

If part of your roof normally faces the wind, we would also fasten down the shingles on the edge with some roofing cement. This minimizes the chances of the same thing happening again.

Common Roofing Problems

Let’s take a look at common issues you may encounter on your roof. If you notice any of these, immediately call a roofing specialist to address the problem.

Missing/Damaged Shingles

Every missing or damaged shingle is one less layer of protection between your house and the rain. Every shingle is important, so if one or several are missing, it is definitely time for a roof repair.

Loose, Cracked or Rotting Shingles:

This is one of the most common roof leak occurrences, and is most likely to happen if your asphalt cedar shingle roof is more than 15 or 20 years old. That’s getting up in years for asphalt shingles.

We can look at the roof and see if it makes sense to repair the location of the leak, or if it would be more cost effective to replace the roof.

A Nail That Has Backed Out

In a shingle roof, you might find that a shingle nail has somehow backed itself out and cut through the top shingle. You would be surprised at how much water can enter in through that one little nail hole. Over time this can mean quite a bit of water damage; catching it early is a cheap fix.

Poor Flashing Installation

Flashing is the metal piece that seals up the area where the roof meets a vertical surface, such as a chimney or a wall. If this is not installed properly, water will find a way in eventually.

Nails can also work themselves out of flashing. The average life of a roof is between 15 and 20 years, depending on the type of products and materials used.

There are a few obvious signs that can indicate that it’s time to replace your roof. Following are some signs to look for—both inside and outside—when determining if a roof replacement is needed on your home.

Take Action Now!

Don’t wait – common roofing problems manifest and can put a stranglehold on your home. Don’t leave this til later. Don’t procrastinate. Take action. Give us a call now ( +1 (604) 888-1616 ) at Adanac Roofing and we’ll take care of you.

So You’ve Decided You Need a New Roof: What Type of Roof is Best for You?

If you observe any of the signs listed in the previous section, you need roof repairs or a new roof. Depending on the degree of damage, a professional roofing contractor can help you make this very important decision.

Your roof constitutes only 5% of the construction cost of your home, yet provides protection for 95% of your investment. So when it’s time to replace your roof, you want it done correctly!

Roof type and contractor selection are the most important decisions a homeowner has to make when installing a new roof.

In this blog post, we’ll go over particular roofing components and define roofing elements for you. We’ll then discuss the different types of roofs that you should consider. This is an in-depth post designed to put you and your concerns first.

Buyer + Education = Informed Consumer = Successful Roofing Project

The following sections include a few basic terms and define roof system components that will aid you in becoming a well-informed roofing consumer.

Understanding Roof System Components

When a qualified roofing contractor meets with you to replace an entire roof, they will speak a slightly mysterious language with terms like sheathing, flashing, roof drainage, valley treatment, underlayment, ventilation systems, drip edges, decking, trusses and shingles.

Understanding these terms will allow you to make the best choices to meet the needs and goals for your roofing replacement project. Being able to speak the same language as your roofing contractor will help you get the best materials and the best value for your roof replacement.

Whenever you have questions or simply need clarification on roofing components or terms, a qualified roofing expert should take the time to help you feel more comfortable with the basics of roofing. Always remember that you are the paying customer and that the roofing contractor needs your business to survive in a competitive market.

Roofing Elements Defined

TrussesTrusses are the backbone of a roof system. Usually built from wood, this framed structure is comprised of triangle shaped joints, which provide a roof with stability and a rigid structure to support the roofing system. A framed truss provides the strength and overall shape of a home or commercial building’s roof. The durability and strength of a truss will hold up to heavy amounts of snow and rain.

Roof Deck—This is the layer of material used to cover the trusses, and is then treated with weatherproof layers or insulation prior to receiving a layer of tile or shingles. The roof deck acts as the link that unites all of the roofing components together. The roof deck can be made of plywood, OSB sheathing, wood tongue and groove, corrugated metal, or a variety of high-quality materials that a professional roofer may recommend.

Underlayment—The underlayment is an essential piece of the roofing system, as it keeps water and other forms of moisture from penetrating the roof. Shedding water is the primary function of this roofing component. With high winds and heavy rain, a roof must have a high-quality underlayment to defend against the elements.

Flashing—Flashing is sheet metal or another rigid pliable material used to waterproof a roof system’s various joints and valleys and keep moisture from leaking in. All vents, jacks, and fireplaces that penetrate the roof should have a flashing layer.

Drainage—All roofing systems should have shapes and sloped features to drain water off of the roof. Having the ability to shed water will keep a roof system functioning for many years.

Ventilation—A roof breathes in cool fresh air and also will exhale warm, moist air as part of a healthy functioning roof system. A series of vents, pipes, and screened openings are used to allow air to flow in and out of a roof’s attic space. A qualified roofing contractor can explain all of the building codes and requirements for a home or commercial building’s ventilation system.

Roof Covering—This is the final step of a roof system, and it consists of shingles, tile, slate, or metal. The materials used to cover a roof can largely determine the durability of it. The look and feel of a roof will also be decided by choosing from a variety of different shingles, tile products, slate surfaces, or metal roofing.

What Type of Roof is Best for Your Home?

Homeowners faced with a decision to replace their roof often make a common mistake—choosing the cheapest material or going with the most common choice suggested by a sales rep.

There’s a big benefit to taking the time to carefully consider which type of roof you want on your home—not just for functionality, but to be aesthetically pleasing.

  • Asphalt Shingles
  • Metal Roofing
  • Wood Shingles
  • Flat and Low-Slope Roofs
  • Steep Slope Roofs

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roofing shingles are the most commonly used covering on residential properties in the market. Asphalt’s primary purpose in roofing shingles is to serve as a waterproofing agent.

Asphalt also holds the granules in place and adds to the overall strength of the roofing shingle. The best asphalt will stay flexible and will not dry out or become hard or brittle for the expected life of the roof.

There are 3 major categories of Asphalt Roofing Shingles available in the market:

3-Tab Asphalt Roofing Shingles: 3-Tab asphalt roofing shingles are single-layered asphalt roofing shingles typically designed to look like slate. These roofing shingles are usually the lightest weight asphalt roofing shingles available in the market.

Built on a tough fiberglass base, each shingle provides resistance to blow-off and tearing. 3-Tab roofing shingles are used primarily by home builders manufacturing economy-priced homes or purchased by homeowners as replacement roofing shingles for homes that already have 3-tab shingles on the roof.

CertainTeed manufactures 3-tab roofing shingles under the product name XTTM25.

Fiberglass Laminated Asphalt Roofing Shingles: Fiberglass laminated asphalt roofing shingles are manufactured as multi-layered products and provide a thicker and richer appearance on the roof (a multidimensional look).

Fiberglass laminated roofing shingles are typically heavier weight than 3-tab roofing shingles and usually have improved warranty protections, which can range from 30 years to Lifetime.

CertainTeed’s LandmarkTM Series roofing shingles are a prototypical design for a fiberglass laminated roofing shingle.

Premium Fiberglass Laminated Asphalt Roofing Shingles: These are fiberglass laminated shingles that have a differentiated appearance or functionality from traditional dimensional asphalt roofing shingles.

These products may have designs that mimic “old-world” roofing shingles, like natural slate or natural shake roofing shingles.

CertainTeed’s Grand ManorTM, Presidential ShakeTM and Carriage HouseTM shingles are prime examples of premium roofing shingles that provide an enhanced aesthetic appeal.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are growing in popularity thanks to their durability, aesthetic appeal and unsurpassed protection against the elements. There are several advantages to choosing metal as your roofing system:

Metal Roofs are Durable and Strong. Metal roofing systems have passed wind and uplift tests that are rigorously demanding, testing roofing materials simulating wind speeds over 150 miles per hour. Metal roofing systems also lead the way in fire protection for your home. Because metal roofs have extra strength (and resistance to fire), they may qualify for lower premiums on your homeowner’s insurance. Check with your insurance agent for information.

Metal Roofs are Beautiful. Metal roofing systems carry valuable and meaningful warranties against fading, chipping, chalking and rusting. A metal roof comes in lasting colors and themes that will fit a myriad of tastes and styles, ranging from vertical panels, or metal shingles that resemble slate, tile or even wood.

The long life and extra protection of a metal roof not only protects but enhances the beauty and value of your home.

Metal Roofs are Virtually Maintenance-Free. Most roofs will require some combination of maintenance or repair over their lifetime. Not so with a metal roof. “No maintenance” means no hassle and no ongoing expense. Of course there are rare exceptions, such as hail, which can dent the metal.

Metal Roofing Lasts a Lifetime. In fact, there have been known cases of the roof outlasting the home itself. When you compare metal roofs that last 50 years or more with asphalt shingles that last maybe 20 to 30 years, you can see why the cost is higher for metal. But you recover that investment in the long run by not having to replace your roof every 25 years or so.

Metal Roofing is Energy-Efficient. It is common for temperatures in your attic to go well above 100 degrees. When your home has a metal roof, it will actually reflect a good percentage of that radiant energy coming from the sun.

The roof will also have its own built-in venting system. All of this means that your attic doesn’t get as hot, so your home’s AC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your living area at a comfortable temperature. That translates to lower electricity costs.

A Metal Roof Adds Value to Your Home. Most people don’t stay in a home for 50 years. If you think you might sell your home and move within the next decade or two, a metal roof will be a big selling point. The new buyer will know that the roof won’t need to be replaced for a long time.

Wood Shingles

The simplest form of wood shingle is a rectangle about 18 inches (46 cm) or 24 inches (61 cm) long. The sides and butt of a shingle are often irregular; the sides may taper and the butt may not be square with the sides.

Shingles that have been processed so that the butt is square to the sides are called rebutted and re-squared or rebutted and rejointed shingles, often abbreviated as R&R.

Shingles and shakes may be tapered, straight, split or sawed and any combination of these, except straight-tapered. Different species and quality of wood are used, as are different lengths and installation methods.

Shakes and shingles may also be treated with wood preservatives before or after installation and fire retardants.

Shakes. A shake is a basic wooden shingle that is made from split logs. Shakes have traditionally been used for roofing and siding applications around the world. Higher-grade shakes are typically used for roofing purposes, while the lower grades are used for siding purposes. In either situation, properly installed shakes provide long lasting weather protection and a rustic aesthetic, though they require more maintenance than some other more modern weatherproofing systems.

The term “shake” is sometimes used as a colloquialism for all wood shingles. However, shingles are sawed rather than split. In traditional usage, “shake” refers to the board to which the shingle is nailed, not the shingle. Split wooden shingles are referred to as shag shingles.

Modern Wood Shingles. Modern wooden shingles – both sawed and split – continue to be made, but they differ from the historic ones. Modern commercially available shakes are generally thicker than the historic hand-split counterpart and are usually left “undressed” with a rough, corrugated surface.

The rough-surface shake is often considered to be more rustic and historic, but this is in fact a modern fashion.

Some modern shingles are produced in pre-cut decorative patterns, sometimes called fancy-cut shingles, and are available pre-primed for later painting.

The sides of rectangular shingles may be resquared and rebutted, which means they have been reworked so the sides are parallel and the butt is square to the sides. These shingles are more uniform and go on more neatly.

Flat and Low Slope Roofs

A roof that is nearly fl at or slightly pitched is called a flat roof or low slope roof—no roof should be dead fl at because it must have at least a slight slope to drain.

Low-slope and steep-slope terms describe roof pitch, the slant of a roof. A low-slope roof is one that has a slope of less than 3-in-12. This means that for every horizontal foot, the roof level goes up less than 3 inches vertically.

A steep-slope roof (typically a shingle roof) depends upon gravity to cause water to flow in one general direction so it can “shed” the water over the breaks and fasteners in the shingles until it flows to the edge.

A low-sloped or flat roof can’t depend upon the water to flow in any particular direction so it must form a watertight, monolithic membrane that stays watertight all the way to the drains or edge. Modern low-slope or flat roofs tend to use a continuous membrane covering which can better resist pools of standing water.

These membranes are applied as continuous sheets, bonded together with heat-welding or adhesives. Far more expensive low-slope or flat roof options (mostly for smaller traditional residential applications) include sealed metal roofs using copper or tin. These are soldered interlocking systems of metal panels.

Traditionally low-slope or flat roofs would use a built-up (“tar and gravel”) roof, which used to be good enough. Today, this traditional type of roofing suffers from performance, cost and environmental concerns requiring better value solutions.

Besides performance in wind, freeze-thaw cycles and UV radiation from the sun, a low-slope/flat roof must also withstand expansion and contraction and remain 100% watertight. This requires well-engineered attachment, seaming and weathering characteristics to meet these performance demands.

Steep Slope Roof Systems

Steep slope roofing usually refers to roofing materials suitable for roofs that have slopes of 3:12 or greater. These include asphalt roll roofing as well as asphalt shingles, concrete and clay tiles, wood shakes and slate.

Benefits of steep slope roof systems include:

  • Aesthetically pleasing styles and colors;
  • Provides slope and drainage;
  • Numerous material options.

The most common steep slope roofing types are asphalt shingles and are most often associated with residential construction, but can also be used for steep sloped commercial roofing as well.

Asphalt shingles are composed of fibrous glass mats infused with asphalt. Because asphalt is easily degraded by UV exposure, a surfacing of varying colored mineral granules is embedded into the exposed side of the asphalt shingle that also conveys its finished color.

Shingles are overlapped and secured by nailing through the roof overlay into the roof deck from the bottom of the roof slope to the high point of the roof, referred to as the ridge. Special ridge vents are typically installed to provide ventilation from the attic space.

Professional Gutter Installation

So why replace your gutters when you replace your roof? The typical lifespan of the average roof is 20 years, and that number is the same for gutters. So if your gutters are damaged or in disrepair, you should probably have them replaced along with your roof.

If you’ve noticed several spots where leaks, dents or separations are present, or if you’ve noticed runoff water overflowing them frequently, a gutter replacement is a smart choice. And if you’re getting your roof replaced due to storm damage, there’s a pretty good chance that your gutters were damaged by the storm as well.

If you’ve already taken the time to find the right contractor, scheduled appointments and arranged the timing of the project, it makes sense to have the same contractor replace your gutters. Most contractors can perform both jobs concurrently or with very little additional labor time added.

Besides, you don’t want unsightly gutters to ruin the look of your beautiful new roof! Today’s gutters come in a variety of colors to match or complement any roof. There are several seamless aluminum gutter styles and leaf guard protection systems and also specialty zinc, copper and galvanized steel gutter systems.

Take Action Now!

If you need a new roof, contact us – the experts at Adanac Roofing. We can take care of your roof replacement and gutter installation together. It’s what we do and what we love. You can request a quote here.

The 6 Biggest Misconceptions About Roofing Repairs and Replacements!

It’s easy to get confused about what is true and what is not true about roofing repairs and replacements.

We at Adanac Roofing are experts in this industry and want to make sure you know the truth. This blog post will tell you what the biggest misconceptions are about roofing repairs and replacements!

Misconception #1: Believing It’s Okay To Wait As Long As Possible Until You Have Roof Damage Repaired Or Believing You Can—or Should— Wait Until You Get Your Roof Completely Replaced.

Neither of these is true. Minor damage should be repaired immediately. Not only does roof damage and wear get worse over time, but the more damage and wear your roof has, the faster the damage escalates.

Also, a damaged or worn roof is more likely to leak, and leaks can result in expensive interior home damage besides just roof damage. Your ceiling and insulation, walls and flooring (whether carpet or hardwood) may end up needing repair or replacement due to a leak.

Once carpeting has water damage, ugly stains and an awful smell may be permanent. With hardwood flooring, once it’s warped, replacement is costly.

Finally, if you are thinking of selling your home some time soon, you might as well get roof damage or roof wear dealt with properly now. An even more expensive repair later will only reduce the sale price of your home.

Misconception #2: The Only Reason To Call A Roofer Is Because Of Emergency Leaks or To Get Your Roof Replaced.

This is not true. A large percentage of the work many roofers perform is minor repair work and/or regular preventative maintenance to PREVENT emergency calls because of leaks and PREVENT much more costly and extensive damage. One aspect most often overlooked with roof ownership is the importance of continual maintenance.

Most owners are not aware that proper roof maintenance can actually extend the life of the roof. It can also minimize the entire life cycle cost.

Roofs are like cars. Cars need proper maintenance. You need to change the oil, rotate the tires, check all the major fluids and get milestone tune-ups. The same holds true for your roofing system. Take a proactive approach to maintaining your roof. This will allow you to expect future roofing needs and plan your budget accordingly. A roofing maintenance program will:

  • Extend the life of roofing system;
  • Reduce service calls;
  • Maintain manufacturer’s warranty by meeting terms and conditions;
  • Prevent loss of insulating value due to wet insulation.

Roofing contractors will discover serious problems during their inspection. Example problems can be wind or structural damage. The contractor should provide a description of the problem and an estimate for repairs.

Some problems can be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. The roofing contractor should provide the information you need to notify the manufacturer. This should be in accordance to the procedures set forth in the warranty.

You should contact a roofing contractor when:

  • You have any questions or concerns about your roof;
  • You are experiencing a leak;
  • You notice defects or proposed changes to the roofing system (such as adding any type of projection like an air vent or skylight)
  • You plan to sell or are a new purchaser.

Misconception #3: Thinking You CAN’T Do A Preliminary Assessment Yourself To Determine If You Need A Complete Roof Replacement or If You Can Get The Results You Need With Only A Repair.

Your roofing contractor may give you a worse diagnosis than necessary. As unfortunate as it is, this happens. They look at your roof and give you an estimate that says you need a completely new roof. Yet, only a repair is actually required.

To protect yourself from this situation, it would be wise to do a preliminary roof check yourself. Do this before you call a roofing contractor. The most common and clear signs of a damaged roof (inside your house) are:

  • peeling or discolored drywall,
  • cracked paint or
  • ceiling stains.

If you have any interior damage, the most common area for leaks on your roof are:

  • “Flashings” around your chimney,
  • Roof vents, skylights,
  • Plumbing pipes,
  • Valleys and
  • Dormer sides.

Look for any loose material in these areas. Also look for signs of long-term wear on your roof. If there is a hole or crack in these areas, don’t be too quick to make the assumption that you need an entirely new roof. Particularly if there are large trees in the area. If a tree branch could have done this, it’s quite likely the rest of the roof may still have some life in it.

Check the hole or crack to see if the material looks worn and weathered. If so, it’s probably long-term damage to the roof. If not, a recent accident may have caused this hole or crack. The rest of your roof may be okay, and you may be able to fix your problem with a simple repair.

With or without signs of interior damage, you should check to see if any shingles are missing. You should also see whether your shingles are still flexible when bent. If your shingles are flexible, this is a sign that your shingles still have a lot of life in them.

So, if you notice that any of your shingles are curling, buckling or blistering this means you may need a new roof. Also, inspect your eaves troughs for an excessive amount of shingle granules. This would be a sign of long-term roof wear. It also would be a sign of a reduced level of protection against ultraviolet rays.

Misconception #4: All Roofing Material Is The Same.

This is not true. A common concern are the“specials” that most roofing manufacturers offer to roofing contractors. Plain and simple, these are sub-standard roofing materials. As such, they are offered to unsuspecting homeowners at reduced prices. This may seem like a bargain on the surface.

But, the extra risk of premature wear, the potential need for repairs and the increased risk of expensive water damage are not worth any minor cost savings up front.

Secondly, there are many other products involved in replacing or repairing a roof that most homeowners have no idea about. Two of these items would be the underlayment and metal flashing used on your roof.

A roofer can save himself a tidy little sum of money by cutting corners. This might mean only using basic quality materials on your roof. This can result in quite a large amount of extra income, if he uses them on all the roofs he works on throughout the year.

Some companies simply can’t work that way, though. That’s why they don’t cut corners on any job.

Each one of our customers gets the best quality roofing materials available. Quite frankly, this doesn’t add much at all to the overall price. But the peace of mind for both the customer and the company is priceless!

Misconception #5: The Roofing Contractor That Provides The Lowest Price On Roof Repairs and Replacements Is Always The One You Should Choose.

This may or may not be true. The roofing contractor who provides the absolute “cheapest” estimate may not be the best estimate for you. They might NOT do things other professionals would never consider leaving incomplete or undone. Yet, it’s like this just to be able to provide a cheap quote.

A poor quality roof repair or replacement that comes with a cheap quote can take many forms. Often you can’t tell the difference in quality with the naked eye right after the job is finished.

But make no mistake, you do get what you pay for and one day it will become clear about WHY you paid less. Your roof protects your home from the weather. When you have a cheap roof job done, you are exposing yourself to the completely unnecessary risk of very expensive damage. Good companies are far from expensive.

Overall, their pricing is “right on”. It’s competitive with most other roofing contractors. Though, very few provide the same overall quality and attention to detail. Timeliness and solid guarantees are also factors to consider.

Misconception #6: All Roofing Contractors Are The Same.

This certainly is NOT true. So, there are a number of mistakes you should avoid when choosing a roofing contractor to work on your home; following are some of the most important ones!

Are Roof Shingle Stains a Problem?

Ever see dark streaks on your roof? Your roof shingles could have stains on them and this requires your attention.
Depending on the cause of the stain, it can result in functional damage. However, sometimes the effect of these stains is cosmetic. Again, it depends on the cause of the stain. Furthermore, stains do not help the resale value of your home.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of roof shingle stains. Then, we’ll talk about where on a roof you can find these stains and how they look. Lastly, we’ll go over some action items to take when you have stains and how you can prevent your roof from staining again.

What Causes Roof Shingle Stains?

The effects that roof shingle stains can have on your roof and home depend on the causes. This will communicate the severity of the damage. These stains are caused by a variety of issues. These can include:

  • algae,
  • mould,
  • lichens,
  • natural debris,
  • poor craftsmanship,
  • extreme weather (hot to freezing), and
  • the direction your roof is facing.

Stains are common in areas that are more humid. Depending on the colour and the density of the stain, it can be a problem for homeowners. Stains generally hold moisture to the roof’s surface which can lead to decay over time.

Falling debris can cause roof damage and roof leaks. Black stains caused by algae don’t damage your shingles. However, it’s more a cosmetic issue as black stains aren’t aesthetically pleasing. Nor will they be so for prospective buyers of your home.

Where on a Roof are Shingle Stains found?

Generally, darker stains are found on roofs facing north. They can also be found on shaded roofs which are a type of algae that lives off various minerals in some roof shingles. This algae are harmless but aesthetically, they are unpleasing. It is easy to clean and remove with a bleach and water solution. Be sure not to power-wash the shingles as that will damage your roof.

The greatest damage to the roof is from moisture retention (found in the Southeast corner of the roof) or root damage caused by lichen (the combination of fungus and algae). Lichen is very tough to remove and tends to continually form. Be sure not to scrub or power wash your roof as that will damage your roof further.

Preventing Roof Shingle Stains

Here are some quick tips to maintain your roof and prevent any algae or moss growth:

  • Trim tree branches which allows sunlight to reach the roof and reduces any natural debris threats
  • Clear debris that has assembled on your roof regularly with a leaf blower
  • Air flow should be directed down the slope to avoid driving debris under the edges of shingles
  • Keep gutters clean which promote proper water drainage

Today, shingles are manufactured and treated with copper or zinc to prevent algae growth but over time will break down but they are still causing black streaks. This is wonderful for new homeowners or individuals that have recently changed their roof as this makes the up care of their home last longer.

Other Kinds of Roof Stains – And How To Treat Them

Rust stains are generally found near any metal and it is good precautions to check the surrounding areas and the chimney for any holes that could lead to bigger problems down the road. Rusting can cause leakage and if you rule that out, then it is a cosmetic defect on light coloured shingles.

Finally, you will find soot-stained roofs from burning your fireplace and the ashes flying around. Although they are not damaging in time they can lead to mold and mildew. It is simple to clean with household bleach and water.

Take Action Now!

When prospective buyers looking at your home see black streaks or shingle stains, they will be curious. Inaction could lead to devaluing of your home to buyers. Even worse, these stains can cause structural damage.

No matter the stain, it is important to clean it right away to prevent any damage over the long haul. Need help? We at Adanac are experts in roofing. If you live in Metro Vancouver, whether it’s Vancouver, Burnaby, Langley or anywhere else, call us.

Why is Slate Used for Roofing?

DaVinci Slate

All buildings have one thing in common – a roof. As we all know, a roof is used to protect our families from all that can be thrown at it. So it’s extra critical to understand the importance of what your roof is made of and why it might be on your roof.

The Different Types of Roofing Materials

There are several types of roofing materials. One of them could be what your roofs are made of. Here are some of them:

  • Slate Shingles
  • Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles
  • Wood Shingles
  • Concrete Roofing Tiles
  • Metal Roofing
  • Synthetic Shingles

That first one, slate, is what we’ll focus on in this blog post.

What is Slate?

Slate is a fine-grained, metamorphic rock derived from a shale-type of sedimentary rock composed of clay and volcanic ash. Slate is made for roofing slate, a type of shingle, as you’ve come to know already.

Slate has been used for hundreds of years around the world and are wonderful for life expectancy. This is because its water absorbency index is extremely strong at less than 0.4%, rendering it waterproof. Depending on what geographic region they come from, they can last for up to 50 years. Of course, a number of other factors can affect how long they last. These include original workmanship and the level of maintenance.

Slate shingles are very heavy and expensive to install and maintain. At the same time they are very natural looking. Due to their durability and strength they can withstand any weathering over time –water, freezing, wind storms or hail storms are a breeze for slate shingles.

What is the Appeal of Slate Shingles?

Homeowners are drawn to slate shingles due to their natural beauty and appearance. They come in various colours, gray, green, purple, black, red, and multicoloured.

For dry areas, or where fires are common slate shingles are completely fire proof as they are made from natural stone (slate), and protect from airborne sparks. This is a huge safety feature for families and individuals.

Due to their natural construction, slate shingles do not end up in landfills and have a long life expectancy, unlike asphalt shingles that add 5% of waste to the landfills which is harming our planet over time.

Slate also greatly increases the resale value of your home. Its durability and aesthetic appeal are valuable in the eyes of prospective homebuyers.

Other Things to Consider about Slate Shingles

When you are having your roof installed, make sure you inquire about the roofer’s experience as poor installation can be even more costly when done incorrectly or lazily. No one wants to have to go through the process of having it done again. We’ll be the first to tell you – a lot of our jobs are from people who had their roofs done poorly by someone else and need a reputable roofer to get it done right.

Another important aspect to consider before installation, is the structure of your building. Is your structure sturdy enough to hold the roof? Slate shingles weigh anywhere from 800-1500 pounds per 100 square feet.

If you have any work that needs to be done by external companies that require the need to be on the roof (cable, power washer etc.), slate poses a safety risk. Why? Because not all are trained to walk on a slate roof, which means you are liable if anything happens. So it’s extra important that you vet any external contractors you use.

Lastly…

So we hope that this answers why slate is so commonly used on roofs, especially here in rainy Metro Vancouver. While I see lots of cedar shake roofs, I see slate roofs quite a bit in the Langley and Surrey areas. It’s commonly used. It’s durable. It’s beautiful. It works.

If you’ve got any questions, please ask and we’ll aim to answer them right away.

5 Signs of Roof Damage

The roof is the most important part of any building as it keeps us warm and dry from Mother Nature. Aesthetically, it completes the look of a house. Often under-looked, your roof can take a toll from the elements or experience gradual weathering over time. This is why it’s important to take action when it’s necessary.

So in this blog post, we’ll tell you how long roofs typically last, what the signs are of roof wear and tear and what the signs are of roof damage.

How Long Do Roofs Last?

The average life expectancy of a roof varies depending on the materials used. There are several different possible roofing materials to choose from. Some roofs are made of asphalt while others are made of wood, specifically cedar. In the instance of the latter, these are called cedar shake roofs.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles

How long asphalt roofing shingles last depends on what kind you’ve got. If you’ve got 3-tab asphalt shingles, then you have an average of 15-18 years. However, if you’ve got architectural asphalt shingles, you can expect an average lifetime of 24-30 years. Here is an excellent comparison of the two types of shingles.

Cedar Shake Roofs

Most roofs in Metro Vancouver are cedar shake roofs. We do a lot of residential re-roofing jobs in Langley and Surrey and we see cedar shake roofs all the time. Since wood can weather quite quickly with moisture, cedar shake roofs require plenty of continuous attention. This means regularly cleaning debris like leaves, dirt and anything else that can leave moisture. Cedar shake roofs usually last around 15-30 years, depending on the quality of cedar used in the roof.

Our roofs go through so much over their lifespan protecting us from the elements. So here’s an important question: Do you know how to tell if there’s any roof damage, or if there is wear and tear of your roof?

What are the signs of regular wear and tear on a roof?

As the roof ages, you will see different signs that roof maintenance and possible re-roofing is needed.

Five signs that your roof is damaged:

Asphalt Shingles

  1. Curling Shingles – If you notice a curl in your shingles around the bottom edge, it’s a sign of the wear and tear they experience. These curls are noticeable in colder weather and are a normal occurrence. Why? Because of poor ventilation or roof decking underneath the shingle.
  2. Missing Shingles – Shingles can fly off due to weather (windstorm, hail, blizzard, lightning, etc.). Don’t wait to get these shingles replaced.
  3. Shingle Decay – Decaying is easy to notice with chipping, peeling, cracking, splitting, and blistering which is caused by moisture buildup inside of a shingle. If the blister bursts, it will shorten the lifespan of your roof.
  4. Flashing Damage – Roof flashing is sheet metal that is installed on any point of your roof to prevent leaks from occurring. You’ll have to identify which of the many types of flashing that you’ll have to repair. Chimney flashing, step flashing and skylight flashing are amongst the many different kinds. All metal flashings should be inspected on a regular basis.

Cedar Shingles

  1. Rotting – When an excessive amount of moisture that has been absorbed by wooden shingles, especially in areas around the world that are significantly humid or rainy like Vancouver, your roof can experience damage.
  2. Splitting – This is from the quality of the shake or the amount of foot traffic. It can cause splitting or cracking.
  3. Moss and Buildup of Debris – This can cause acceleration in the rotting process and can cause leaks because of damming and diverting water flow.
  4. Cedar Shakes Blown Off Your Roof – If you’ve noticed wood on the ground or in your gutter, it could be a result of cedar shakes that have been blown off your roof thanks to storms or wind.
  5. Flashing Damage – Roof flashing is sheet metal that is installed on any point of your roof to prevent leaks from occurring. You’ll have to identify which of the many types of flashing that you’ll have to repair. Chimney flashing, step flashing, and skylight flashing are amongst the many different kinds. All metal flashings should be inspected on a regular basis.

Take Action

If you decide to check your roof yourself, always remember that your safety is a priority. We don’t recommend making your roof a “DIY” project. At the same time, we’ve seen professionals do worse work than what the average homeowner is capable of. Whether you require roof maintenance or you simply need a second opinion on common roofing problems, give us a call at 604-888-1616.

Nevertheless, as the old saying goes, “if you think hiring a professional is expensive, just wait until you hire an amateur.”

We’re professionals and we rack up awards every year for a reason. We service all areas in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. If you’re unsure of anything or if you see anything unusual on your roof, contact us and we’ll come by and take a look.

Do you know what a new roof will cost you?

Whether you’re looking to get your re-roofing project started soon, in a few months, or even in a few years, now is a great time to begin budgeting.

Using advanced aerial imagery software, we can provide you with an accurate no-obligation quote, without visiting your premise, and with no-strings-attached.

Get a quote and plan your future home improvement budget.