By Emma Peterson. 

AskARoofer™ Minisodes break down common homeowner concerns into short, easy-to-understand podcast episodes featuring trusted industry experts. 

For many homeowners, their roof is the second-most expensive investment they’ll make in their home – just after buying the home itself! With that large of an investment on the table, it’s important to make sure you understand how your roof works and what maintenance it needs. To help homeowners navigate the world of roofing, the AskARoofer™ team has put together a Minisode podcast series!  

This series is designed to give listeners information about their roof in bite-sized, ten-minute or less episodes. To give you a preview of what type of information to expect from this series, here’s what our last four episodes covered!  

1 – Roof tape 101 

In this AskARoofer™ Minisode, expert John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group discusses a recent question sent into AskARoofer. This question focused on a repair done to synthetic underlayment with blue duct tape. This minisode is a great resource for any homeowners looking for advice on what to ask contractors about roof repairs and products.  

2 – Under the shingles 

John Kenney comes back for this minisode, this time talking about unexpected costs that might come up during a roofing project. Specifically, John talks responds to a situation where the original roof was torn off; the contractor found spaced wood planks instead of solid decking, leading to a significant change in the project estimate. 

3 – Airflow and insulation 

In this minisode, AskARoofer team member Lauren White talks with Julie Butler from The Durable Restoration Company about loft insulation and ventilation. Their discussion is a great resource for those trying to understand the importance of proper insulation in helping with ventilation, as well as how proper airflow prevents condensation and moisture damage. 

4 – Building a rooftop deck 

As for the last minisode we’re covering here, it featured Jim Singleterry of RoofSmart. In the minisode, Jim shares what homeowners should know before building an outdoor deck on a membrane roof. From adding PVC interlocking tiles and turf to installing drainage mats and outdoor furniture, this minisode covers all the basics you need to start a rooftop deck project.  

Listen to these minisodes and more on AskARoofer.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and any other streaming service you use for podcasts.

By Anna Lockhart.  

Can one spot of damage ruin a whole roofing system? Roofing experts explain what happens if a portion of your roof gets water damage.  

If your home’s roof has experienced minor water damage, it might seem that the issue isn’t a major concern. After all, it’s just one spot. What’s the harm?  

But as Jim Singleterry from RoofSmart notes, that one spot might be hiding a bigger secret: without you realizing, that one area could already be impacting other areas of the roof, meaning bigger damages are in store if it’s left unaddressed.  

Roof leaks, as Jim explains, rarely stay small. It’s a natural progression for damaged areas of a roof to eventually spread through the rest of the system, and because moisture is absorbed so well by wooden materials, you can quickly find your attic space smelling musty from mold, and worse, rotten. Structural failures will likely be imminent.  

RoofSmart encourages homeowners to reach out to their local roofing professional to fix the problem as soon as possible to minimize further damage and save significant money invested in the problem.  

If your home is experiencing a leak or damage, it’s important to assess what level of damage you’re addressing so it can be communicated to the professionals you’re trusting to fix the issue. Here’s how to identify different stages of deterioration: 

• Early leak: In the initial stages of a leak, water has found its way into the roofing system from a small gap in the roof surface or flashing. Sometimes, this damage is invisible. However, if you’re unsure and worried that there’s damage, it’s a good idea to call in the pros to be certain.  
• Decking saturation: At this point, enough water has leaked through the damaged area to spread throughout the system, soaking the plywood. To the eye, this can look like an area is slightly discolored from the rest of the visible wood.  
• Attic moisture: At this level of damage, the attic space might have a visible and audible level of dripping water, or a buildup of muggy humidity. This is a level of high concern, considering the amount of water it takes to produce such a phenomenon. The humidity and dripping water might also come with a musty smell, and insulation will likely be damp as well.  
• Mold growth: Mold and significant air quality issues in an enclosed space within the home or attic are major signs of damage. Wood at this stage has been exposed to a large amount of water, and wooden materials are on the verge of decaying.  
• Interior damage: A critical level of damage has occurred when the interior of the home, beyond the attic spaces, has experienced water damage. Ceilings and walls may also experience water saturation and decay. Water stains and bubbling paint are visual signs that this is occurring.  

While it’s not always a given that you will be able to catch damage from the very first stage of damage, this is all the more reason to conduct regular checks on your roofing system and the surrounding spaces. Stopping the damage in its tracks is the best outcome of your wallet, but if you’re ever unsure, it’s always good to bring in a second pair of eyes to assess the situation. Particularly, the attention of a professional who is well educated in identifying and fixing these structural issues.  

Read the article to learn more about the signs of roof damage and what the experts at RoofSmart recommend.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Understanding the impact of roof shape and attic design on your exhaust ventilation system. 

Roof ventilation is no small detail to ignore. The wrong setup can trap moisture in the attic, creating conditions that may lead to condensation, rot, mold and premature roof failure. So, how do you pick the right set up? The team at RoofSmart replaces hundreds of roofs each year and has some tips on how to choose the right type of ventilation system based on the roof type and attic design.  

The three most common types of exhaust ventilation used on residential roofs are ridge vents, static vents and power vents:  

• Ridge vents are installed along the roof ridge and covered with ridge caps so they blend into the roofline. They are often the right fit for roofs with long, continuous ridgelines and strong intake ventilation. However, they may fail to perform properly when soffit intake is blocked or insufficient. 
• Static vents are installed near the top of the roof and come in different shapes and sizes. They can be a good option for roofs with multiple ridges, complex gables or limited ridge length, as long as there is enough intake ventilation and the vents are placed and spaced correctly. 
• Power vents use electricity or solar power to move air mechanically. They are often used when a roof has plenty of intake ventilation but very little space for exhaust, such as a very short ridge or a large attic with limited exhaust options. Proper balance is still critical because too much exhaust without enough intake can create ventilation problems. 

In addition to paying attention to the roof and attic, it is important to consider your area. For example, in Seattle (where RoofSmart operates) there are standard building codes outlining the amount of ventilation needed per attic space.  

Learn more about choosing the right roof ventilation system for your home.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Proper ventilation, detailed inspections and clear communication all play a critical role in long-term roof performance. 

In the article “What Should I Know About Roofing Before Meeting With a Roofer?,”  RoofSmart founder Jim Singleterry outlines several key considerations homeowners should understand before starting conversations with roofing contractors. Jim emphasizes that successful roofing projects depend on more than selecting shingles or comparing prices. Instead, homeowners should focus on how contractors approach roof system performance, ventilation and long-term durability. 

According to the article, one of the most overlooked components of a roofing system is attic ventilation. Proper intake and exhaust airflow can help prevent excess heat, moisture buildup, mold and premature roof deterioration. RoofSmart notes that contractors who fail to address ventilation during inspections may overlook issues that can shorten a roof’s lifespan. 

Jim also explains that roofing materials themselves are only part of the equation. While many homeowners focus heavily on product brands, RoofSmart stresses that installation quality and overall system compatibility are often more important than choosing between similar asphalt shingle products. Underlayment selection, flashing details and workmanship can all significantly impact long-term roof performance. 

Another major takeaway involves evaluating contractors during the consultation process. RoofSmart recommends looking for roofing professionals who provide detailed inspections, explain their recommendations clearly and tailor solutions to the specific property rather than offering a generic replacement proposal. Thorough inspections should include both the roof surface and attic space to identify hidden moisture or structural concerns. 

The article also encourages homeowners to carefully review warranty information. Manufacturer warranties often contain limitations and may only remain valid if the roof system is installed correctly. Workmanship warranties covering installation quality can be equally important when comparing contractors. 

Ultimately, RoofSmart advises homeowners to ask informed questions, understand the full roofing system and prioritize contractors who focus on education and transparency instead of high-pressure sales tactics. 

Read the full article, “What Should I Know About Roofing Before Meeting With a Roofer?,” to learn more!

This Washington homeowner came to AskARoofer for some advice about a rooftop addition to his new home.

William, a homeowner in Washington, was looking into building a deck on their roof and wanted some advice on the plan: 

I recently purchased a house in Seattle with a rooftop deck that uses IB Deckshield as its waterproof membrane. I want to start adding PVC interlocking deck tiles and turf (with PVC drainage mats underneath) to the roof, but I'm worried the feet from the tiles and drainage mats may damage or puncture the IB Deckshield membrane. The heaviest object that will go on top of the turf/tiles will be a three-seater sofa.

Should I be adding a protective mat underneath the deck tiles and drainage mats, or is the waterproof membrane strong enough to withstand it? Any guidance here would be greatly appreciated.

The interlocking deck tiles that I plan to use are these 12'' x 12'' Interlocking Plastic Deck Tiles. The drainage mats I will put under the turf are these VEVOR 12" X 12" Drainage Mats.

One of our experts, Jim from RoofSmart, responded to William's question:

Congratulations on the new home! Protecting your waterproof membrane is a smart move. Maintaining the integrity of a rooftop deck's "hidden foundation" is essential for long-term home health.

To address your concerns about the interlocking deck tiles and the potential for punctures:

• Pressure distribution: The "feet" or grid patterns on the PVC tiles and drainage mats you linked can create localized pressure points. A three-seater sofa adds concentrated weight that could accelerate wear or indentations over time, especially during Seattle’s wet and freeze-thaw cycles. I have seen this create punctures opn other homes.
• Essential airflow and drainage: One of the primary causes of membrane failure is trapped moisture. Your plan to use drainage mats is a great start — maintaining 360-degree airflow ensures both the tiles and the membrane dry uniformly, helping to mitigate mold or rot beneath.
• Serviceability: A major advantage of modular tiles is that they are easily "pop-up" serviceable. This allows you to inspect the underlying membrane or clear debris without a major construction project.

My recommendations for your setup:

1. Yes, use a protective layer: I highly recommend adding a slip sheet or protective mat (like a crumb rubber mat or geotextile fabric) between the IB Deckshield and your tiles. This acts as a cushion to distribute the load from the sofa and prevent direct abrasion.
2. Maintain drainage: Ensure your overall roof slope remains clear and that the mats don't block scuppers or drains.
3. Load management: Consider placing larger rubber pads specifically under the legs of the sofa to further spread that weight.

RoofSmart resources for your project:

I know you plan to do all the work yourself, and that's great. Here at RoofSmart, we've handled many IB Deckshield-style decks in the Seattle area. You might find these specific guides from our blog helpful as you plan the install:

• How Are Rooftop Decks Installed? — This covers the technical steps for waterproofing and overlay considerations.
• Common Problems with Rooftop Decks in Seattle — Useful for understanding leak prevention and long-term durability in our climate.
• RoofSmart Rooftop Deck Services — For more on how we approach custom deck designs.

If you’d like us to do a professional walk-through and check the condition of your membrane before you cover it up, feel free to reach out. It’s always better to ensure that foundation is 100% secure before the furniture goes on!

Continue the conversation in our Forum!