Roofing 101
AskARoofer - What is it? Another Interesting Tool!
What is this roofing tool used for? I have used this tool for many years in the roofing trade. I here recently resurfaced one { not shown } and I am getting it out to temper it and thought this would be a good challenge for you folks. So what do ...
Asbestos Paper Used on Roofs
The use of asbestos in roofing has some interesting history. Since the early 1900’s manufactures have used asbestos in different forms of roofing materials from tiles, mastic and roofing paper just to mention a few. Today I wanted to share a picture I took in 2004 in Elk Grove CA. Not ...
Q & A - Is My Roof Valley Installed Incorrectly?
Steve asked, "Why does my valley have two different colors on it?" WOW, that’s a roof valley you don’t see every day. What you have is an area of the roof called a valley. The shiny straight line is called a W Valley and is most likely 18 inches – 24 ...
Bend Cedar Shingles Without Splitting
Learn the best way to bend cedar shingles without splitting and weave a closed valley with ease. Today I was asked by another roofer contractor how to frame a Canoe Valley and roof it with cedar shingles. In my attempt to answer his question, he became very confused so I Googled it ...
AskARoofer - What is it? #3
What is it? Here is a _____?_____. It is made if oak and a metal plate. It has three dowel stoppers and hinging wood elbows. It is still a durable tool and could be used today. Many roofers use a form of this tool every day. Do you know what this ...
Q & A - Tearing off a Roof, The Pro's and Con's
Barbara asked, "Can we lay over a roof that leaks?" "I am the president of a condo association. Our units are now 18 years old and need to be re-roofed. We have a few elderly men in our community who insist that we lay over the existing shingles rather than tear ...
AskARoofer - What is it?
AskARoofer’s What is it? Here is a ____________. It is made of steel. It about 37 inches in total length. The 13-inch handle is made of wood. It is a very durable tool and still could be used in the roofing trade. Do you know what this is? Leave a ...
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 ...
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 ...
