Questions and Answers
Skylights, How Many Do I Need?
There are multiple factors to consider when deciding how many skylights you want. I have always encouraged natural lighting. Not only does it save money on your lighting bill it just feels good having natural light in the home. Installing one or two skylights during the roofing process is a great time ...
Underlayment - Which is the Best for My Tile Roof?
Underlayments are very important to consider. Believe it or not, tile roofing systems will allow water to get below the tile and on to the underlayment. The flat tiles are worse compared to the valley profiles with humps and pans. This is one reason the battens have space every four feet ...
Q & A - Dark Shingles vs. Light Shingles
Are darker color roof shingles really that much hotter? Yes they are, it is just like a human, if you wear a dark shirt in the summer you will absorb more heat than if you wore a white shirt. The white or lighter colors are naturally reflective and will keep you ...
Q & A - Cabin Roof
Robert L. asked, "What is a good roof for my cabin that looks like shakes?" First of all, nothing looks and performs like real cedar shakes. So if that is what you want, I suggest you install the cedar shakes. Shakes now, have a fire rating of A, B, and C ...
Rain Gutter Cleaning - How Often Should it Be Done?
How often you should have your gutters cleaned and why. A clean rain gutter or eave trough system is important for them to do their job. Their job is to control the rainwater exiting from the roof overhangs. If not kept clear of debris, damage can occur to the roof overhangs, ...
Q & A - Can I Have a Dry Rot Problem Fixed Without Affecting My Warranty?
Jared asked the question about his roof warranty, "Can I have a dry rot problem fixed without affecting my roof warranty?" I would ask your contractor why the wood in question was not replaced. If it is just stained from moisture and has no wood fiber damage, I would just repaint ...
Q & A - Is there another kind of roof gutter?
Mamie from Virginia asks, "Is there another kind of roof gutter?" My roof has an opening that has exposed beams and a gutter is not an option. How can I stop the rain from my roof hitting me? I have a photo that fixes the problem, I hope it helps. Most of ...
Q & A - Where Do I Buy Tiles to Match My Roof?
Four tips to help you find tiles to match your roof. This can be most difficult if your home is older than twenty years. Concrete or Clay tile has many colors and profiles. If you need one or fifty tiles, they can be hard to find even for us roofers. 1. Try ...
Q & A - What Size Nail Do I Use for the Ridge Cap?
Pete asks, "What size nail do I use for the ridge cap?" If you use a high definition ridge cap and only one layer of shingles, you need about a two-inch nail. The code says nails should penetrate through the roof sheathing or into the roof sheathing 3/4 of an inch. ...
Q & A - My Roofing Contractor Says Vents Aren't Needed If...
Sabrina from Valinda, California asked, "My roofer said that vents are not needed if the roofing material is 5 pounds per square or less. Do you agree?" Well, Sabrina, I think he meant to say 5 pounds a square foot which would be 500 pounds per square. It doesn’t matter what ...
