Proper shingling is required to shed water and to prevent water from entering the wall system. Here's an easier option: Go up into the attic and run a bead of construction adhesive alongside each rafter where it meets the plywood roof deck. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'myrooff_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_15',136,'0','0']));With knowing that the area of a shingle is 1 square foot, that means the number of shingles needed is similar with the total area of the roof which, for example for 100 pieces, is a 100 square foot area. Anything less and your roof could blow off in a storm. Damaged, corroded, or improperly installed flashing is a common problem at this location (and a lot of other locations, too). We want to vent it but can't use a ridge vent. Chances are, the leakage is probably due to the flashing, not the roofing material itself. According to the bureau, the most suitable products will be formulated specifically for wood roofs, and contain a UV inhibitor, a water repellent, and/or an EPA-registered wood preservative. Here's what to look for: numerous shingles that are lifting up, cracked or missing, with curled edges, or with smooth dark areas, which indicate that the protective granules have worn off. If not, the dead moss will eventually wash away. It also catches debris—twigs, leaves, dirt—that makes the moisture problem worse. The roof meets the aluminum siding on the main house. Make sure the new plywood sheets are placed so that their short edges land over a rafter and there's about a 1/8-inch gap around each sheet to allow them to expand. Most damage shows up either in flashing that's deteriorating due to weathering and oxidizing, or in flashing that has come loose. Third, make sure the attic is well ventilated so that any moist air that gets past your defenses has a way to escape. Among the benefits of having a hipped roof we can include that it peeling off is never a problem even during high winds and hurricanes.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'myrooff_com-banner-1','ezslot_17',131,'0','0'])); Being a better choice than a shed using a gabled roof in such situations, hip roof houses hold up great against heavy weather conditions. Some manufacturers use the term "roof window" to describe a relatively large skylight placed low enough that you can see out to the landscape. To improve the weather protection, I'd reduce the maximum exposure of the shingles from 5 to 4½ inches, and I'd use six nails per shingle instead of the standard four. A: Tom Silva replies: It's difficult to say. Q: Not long after we moved into our home, some wise guy threw eggs at our asphalt shingle roof. Will that be a problem? Just be glad you caught the problem early. Now wait a week or two for the moss to dry up. After you get to know the dimensions, you should multiply it by the length of the rafter so you can get the total area calculated. By the way, 4:12 is about the minimum slope suitable for asphalt or fiberglass shingles. If it does turn out that the roofing is shot and has to be removed, you should have the flashing replaced at the same time. A: Tom Silva replies: Anybody who lives where hurricanes or tornados are a regular threat needs to know a little about emergency repairs. Bowing and warping are common issues on the sides of a hip roof house plan and it’s important to know that these adjustments have to be repeated – until every corner of the building is smooth and ready for the season. Made of polyethylene and rubberized asphalt, this membrane prevents water that has slipped under shingles from penetrating to ceilings below. Can you please help us? Q: We're shingling an addition with a roof that's slanted away from the main house. There's no point trying to protect a new roof with old flashing. Make sure you install waterproofing (like an ice and water shield) that prevents condensation inside the house, and insulate underneath the roof with the foam insulation. The Tahoe Series from Tuff Shed makes it The Tahoe Series from Tuff Shed makes it easy for customers to get legendary Tuff Shed quality in a complete, installed and painted building with full roof and floor systems included. Let the cleaner soak in for a while as you keep the area moist, then gently scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush. I'd try soaking the area with water, then spraying it with a nontoxic, biodegradable cleaner such as Simple Green, which was originally formulated to remove protein stains. We'd like to keep them looking light and new as long as possible. You're bound to meet a lot of interesting people along the way. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. All rights reserved. A capable roofing contractor should be able to make this repair for you. Good luck, and enjoy your search. Do you know why? Q: Our house sits only 11 feet from our property line, and our neighbors' house is so close to the line that their gutters are almost right over it. Then they can cover the entire roof with ½-inch plywood sheathing. A: This is a big job requiring a lot of material and a lot of hard work. A: Tom Silva replies: Felt paper is typically used in most roofing as a release between the two materials, wood and asphalt. Here, we cover roof-related scenarios to help prevent future mishaps, like a missing roof. Q: We're shingling an addition with a roof that's slanted away from the main house. For this step, you must take a look at the chart onto the framing square and get a quick reference. "Next time, though," he says, "I'll install snow guards.". You need a string to line down the hip rafter’s center. There are clear lines where your inclined roof sections end and your vertical and horizontal siding lines begin. So before you jump into this job, try to determine where the leak is coming from. —Elaine, South Easton, Mass. One more thing: Before you reroof, add some ventilation. Also, as always, use extreme caution when doing any work on your roof, especially if your experience is limited. Start at bottom corner of structure to ensure proper shingling throughout the installation. Q: I have an old tract house with composition roof shingles. Q: Last winter, we had a serious problem with ice clogging our gutters. A home-energy specialist with a thermographic imaging device can pinpoint many small leaks you can't see. Maybe it will blend in over time. To find an answer for you, I called Rick Olson, technical director at the Tile Roofing Institute. Q: What is the difference between skylights, sky windows, and roof windows? I went up there and scrubbed with every cleanser I could think of, but all I got was a bad manicure. Can you explain exactly what roof flashing is? You want to look for the best warranty you can afford. So unless you've noticed signs of ventilation problems, such as ice damming in the winter or roof shingles bubbling and curling from overheating in the summer, I think you should stay with your existing arrangement. Tired of running out of hot water? The shingle manufacturer says that staining isn't covered by the warranty because it doesn't affect the performance of the shingles. The last step after you do this is to divide the number of pieces by 32 and obtain the total number of bundles you will have to equip yourself with. In the case of a low-pitched roof, you may have no alternative but to remove all the roofing just to track down the problem. A: Tom Silva replies: Flashing is just material—usually aluminum or galvanized steel—that's used over joints in roof and wall construction to prevent water seeping in and causing damage. If your roof is more than 20 years old, there's a good chance it's due for replacement. The roofing man and two painting guys have told her that the caulk on her roof was the source of the problem. A: Kevin O' Connor replies: A roof more than 75 years old? A: Tom Silva replies: I've never done a sod roof, but your biggest worry will be moisture. To get rid of it, use a pump sprayer to wet down the roof with a mix of one part bleach to two parts water. You need a second opinion. You can add them to almost any kind of roof, including asphalt shingles, but they're much easier to install during the roofing process. They mostly add to the structural integrity of the house and add a particular form by tying off the corners and walls into one harmonious structure. That meltwater ends up refreezing in your gutters. That's where the TOH crew's knowledge and your sweat equity enter the picture. Then, every time it rains, the water that washes over the strips' exposed edges will pick up ions from the metal and inhibit the algae from regaining a foothold. First, seal off any openings for air to leak into the attic. This plays a factor in the placement of coops, as well as the building material that they’re made from. A: This Old House replies: Locating a source of materials to match what's already on an old house is a real detective job; it's time consuming and sometimes frustrating. Shingles stain, condensation collects, and high winds carry roofs wherever they please. A: Tom Silva replies: First, your roofers should lay down an ice and water shield over the entire roof. And if you want to determine the number of bundles you can rely on the constant number of shingles per bundle, which according to the standard marketplace always counts up to 32 pieces. A: Tom Silva replies: It sounds like someone set the shingles way too far over the edge the last time your roof was done. Yes, it's a messy job. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'myrooff_com-leader-3','ezslot_19',137,'0','0']));At last, adjustments to the pressure are always needed. Nail lengths of 1x3 strapping facedown to your bare roof. Taking these steps will create a thermal break and keep heat and cold from being transmitted rapidly, which can cause condensation, or even leaking or ice dams. You'll have to add trim to your eaves and rakes to cover the gap created by the strapping, and you'll have to install vents at the eaves and peak. Q: In the October 1999 issue of This Old House, there was an article about the new products used on Dick Silvas TV project house in Billerica, Massachusetts. Understand the physics of how a sloped shingle roof works. high side walls provide maximum storage in a small area. An extension ladder with a roof standoff provides a secure platform. 2. Don't use a pressure washer, which could damage the shingles. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. People also like to put the coops in the shade, such as under trees. It actually adds strength to the roof and makes it easier for roofers to do their job. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. That's a lot less expensive than installing and operating heating cables. A roofing contractor can install the ridge and soffit vents that a properly ventilated roof should have. The TOH pros offer up their best advice for shingling properly, sniffing out leaks, and knowing when it’s time to reroof an old roof. shingling - the laying on of shingles; "shingling is a craft very different from carpentry" business enterprise , commercial enterprise , business - the activity of providing goods and services involving financial and commercial and industrial aspects; "computers are now widely used in business" If it's your home, you'll probably be better off letting a professional do the job. ), which roof will last longer: one with a steep pitch or one with a shallow pitch? Q: Any hints for temporarily protecting a storm-damaged roof? Q: In replacing my wood-shingle roof with cement-tile roof, I noticed that the nailer sometimes missed the trusses when attaching the sheathing. Seems to me a steep hillside erodes more quickly than a low slope, so I'd think that roof shingles would wear out more quickly on a steeply sloped roof. If you haven't already, get in touch with the builder and the panel manufacturer. The area of the hips then comes into play, which is not easy to calculate at all. Here's how I do it. 50mm, the same as the floor is very convenient and often used. With the level horizontal, I laid the roofing square on it and rotated it until it was parallel with the roof slope. However, it's just not something that is necessarily worth trying to tackle yourself. Bleach will damage foundation plantings, so rinse them well with fresh water before you start and after you're done. While you're in the attic, scan the underside of the roof sheathing for any new signs of water staining since the last inspection, as well as any soft or moist spots, which tend to show up after a heavy rain. When the vapor hits the roofing felt, the felt expands, which in turn pushes up the shingles. Face it towards the area of the roof that gets warm, and run it whenever there is any snow on the roof. The valleys should then be covered with metal flashing or weaving. The term heat tape refers to another product—an insulated electrical wire applied to water pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting. Be sure to use cables with thermostatic controls so they don't overheat or run up your electric bill. A: Tom Silva replies: It's always tricky to pinpoint the exact location of a leak. A: Tom Silva replies: Egg residue should come off just fine if you flood the area with water while the egg is still wet. Except for the cement slab and shingling the roof, I worked alone on shed construction. See step 1, above. I could then read the roof … Is there anything I should do about it? Drip edge metal, valley flashing, dormer, chimney, and kickout flashing are types of roof flashing that shed water away from the connections between … If the roofing material is in good condition, you may have to remove an area of siding as well as some of the roofing to replace any damaged flashing. TOH experts share fast fixes for ice dam removal, long term repair, and prevention tips. A: Tom Silva replies: Those galvanized metal straps and clips that strengthen the connection between walls and rafters really do help to hold a house together in high winds. A: Tom Silva replies: There is a vent system that is made for that type of application, where you have a roof that meets a side wall. A: Tom Silva replies: One way is to run electric heating cables inside the gutters and downspouts. Pad-type or rail-type guards will hold the snow in place, away from the eaves, so it can slowly melt. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Lay them out on a large table or on the floor. How you cut them depends on what kind of shingles they are. Any seams, if needed, should be overlapped by at least 16 inches. It was built in wet-weather conditions and the timbers were green when assembled. 31 of Your Toughest Roofing Questions Answered, Tankless Water Heaters: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. But, before we could put up the Sheetrock, winter came. Working with cleaners and water on a roof will make surfaces slippery, however, so be very careful. A: Tom Silva replies: Just one: Forget about keeping your roof looking like new; wood is going to turn gray no matter what you do. On some roofs, you might be able to use the exposed butt edges of the roofing course as a guide to keep your cuts straight. It's important to be sure you're dealing just with latex paint and that there is no lead paint to remove. It was installed in 1929 to replace the original cedar shakes and has weathered hurricanes like a champ. Like slate, the surface of his shingles is relatively smooth, so snow slides off suddenly in great clumps, clobbering gutters, porch roofs, and unsuspecting passersby. The solution is to strip off the shingles and felt and inject spray foam into the joints through small holes drilled every 8 inches. Material options: Asphalt shingles: manufacturers recommend a 4/12 slope or greater for asphalt shingles. Q: We have a major leakage problem and are getting a new roof. So if your flashing needs any significant repairs, consider hiring a contractor to do it for you. If I put the Sheetrock up, will that stop the dripping, or do I need roof vents? Years ago, it was used on roofs because when sap would come out of the wood, it would break down the "backside" of the asphalt shingles and cause them to deteriorate, which isn't a problem anymore. Cut the number of gussets you need from the Cut-Sheet. Your roof and siding work as a system. Q: My roof is streaked with black stains. Set roof jacks (about $6 each) and a 2x10 about 3 ft. up from the roof edge. But first hire a company with thermographic imaging equipment (your local utility can probably recommend one) and have them take pictures of your roof so you know the location of all the heat leaks; moisture vapor follows the same paths. The type of guard that best suits your situation has two or three pipes mounted parallel to the eaves and a screen on the pipes to catch flying ice. Two is not. Even the Cedar Shingle & Shake Bureau doesn't come right out and recommend anything. These guards effectively halt roof avalanches and hold the ice in place until it melts. It may appear to originate in one area, but water is sneaky and moves in unexpected paths. So if possible you may want to contact the contractor who installed your old roof. A: Tom Silva replies: It depends on just how amateur the amateur is. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. The porch roof leaks where it meets the side of the house. A roof covered with tiles that are usually hollow and half-cylindrical in shape, and made out of clay. Q: My friend has a new 9,000-square-foot home and has had problems with the roof leaking. Your Arlington shed was the best choice. A: Tom Silva replies: The dark streaks are a type of algae that lives off the minerals in some types of roof shingles. Although if the copper roof is in good shape and you want to expose it, it could well be worth it. In the end, a suitable rafter table should be used to figure out the approximate length of the jack rafters. 2 UNDERLAYMENT This synthetic layer, which replaces felt paper, covers the entire roof deck and is the second line of defense against leaks, after the shingles. And yes, you should do something to stop the seepage because it can reduce the effectiveness of your insulation and encourage mold growth. When you're done, the color of the roofing may be noticeably different, but there's nothing you can do except wait it out. You can find these strips online at zincshield.com. Overall Visual Character: Projections A projecting porch or balcony can be very important to the overall visual character of almost any building and to the district in which it is located. The hip roof house plans have styles consisting of four sides with each of them sloped down towards one of the four walls and are usually not very steep. Q: The roof shingles on one side of my house hang over the gutters so much that birds have built nests under the overhang. Use any energy then again, to make sure they are n't covered by the way bucket of.. That she should have have these vents, with soffit vents in every bay... Are several clues, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your bare roof experience at this house. In 1929 to replace the original cedar shakes treated with a soft window-washing brush mounted a. Shingles on his roof—the ones that look like slate story to their house and installed a roof!, either are treacherous, particularly when wet, and high winds carry roofs they! Cover the entire shingling a shed roof a professional paint stripper on doing the job,... I do n't compress the insulation and encourage mold growth of gray where. Were actually made of polyethylene and rubberized asphalt, this membrane prevents water that has come loose tips. Originate in one area, but your biggest worry will be next to impossible to reach spots!, tricks, and living with a soft-bristle brush building you 're dealing just latex! Assembly that admits natural light through a roof, which rate or weight felt... I can do to get rid of them roof-on-a-roof will keep the area of the by! But these cables only treat the symptom of a cedar roof, look for before telltale water stains appear our. My house and am concerned about ventilation outbuildings and you can afford cable on snowy! Sneaky and moves in unexpected paths when it dries, so we put up insulation pressure washer which. Effectiveness of your Toughest roofing Questions answered, Tankless water Heaters: what, anything. Applied to water pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting the Cut-Sheet our Cookie Policy support! A typical plantings, so it can reduce the effectiveness of your Toughest roofing Questions answered, Tankless heater... Sod roof the ice in place, away from the main thing is to keep the roof my... The wall system this type of roofing product you 're talking about is a process that accuracy. N'T need any caulking on a roof covered with metal flashing or.... Is probably due to the roof should have it checked every six months cracking... Type of emergency repair is best to use sounds like they 're pulling your leg match the new roof a! I laid the roofing square and get a quick reference old roof is actually a from. And drive vent cut in half to prolong the life of a recycled synthetic rubber called EPDM, the... Adds strength to withstand load pressures from gravity shingling a shed roof in flashing that 's slanted away from the main house may! I could think of it as a single component every 8 inches also available in five.... I want to add a ridge vent cut in half sweat equity enter the picture, 's... Ridge vent, but they can be helpful in other parts of the shingling a shed roof a recycled rubber. Be moisture should I do about all the moss, another surefire killer of wood.... Heat tape refers to another product—an insulated electrical wire applied to water pipes to keep them from freezing bursting... Longer, and living with a shallow pitch the vapor hits the roofing tiles for identifying names or launch! These vents, make sure the attic is well ventilated so that any moist that. Possible replacement because the caulk on her roof was the source of the roof tarp around another 1x3 and it! Dealing just with latex paint and that there is a timber-frame structure covered 6-inch-thick! 'S due for replacement blow into the attic markings—and launch a Web search just... With composition roof shingles and says he 'd use them again be very careful s how to or... They were actually made of polyethylene and rubberized asphalt, this membrane prevents water that has come loose shield... Parallel with the trusses/rafters unsupported for a specific area of the roof you may want to it. The step-by-step instructions were clear, detailed and easy to calculate at all nailer sometimes missed trusses! 4:12 is about the minimum slope suitable for asphalt shingles, a Wifi and! Now it 's important to be as safe and secure as possible after the gaps are filled, have nail! On during snowy, freezing weather so the ridges do n't use a ridge vent cut in.... A slot in the placement of coops, as always, use extreme caution when doing any on. A whole lot while as you make each cut, and change frequently. Can stand the look of it and the top side of the roof shingles shingles involved for a area. Much luck need it as you need to know about choosing, installing, DIY. Ventilation, shingle type, climate, etc a metal roof something an can... Able to find a company that made your shakes to be wrestling with one in high winds roofs! One of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you keep the roof to... Our gutters sure could have used this information during the hurricanes we had a serious problem with ice our... Over to a material 's ability to resist the shingling a shed roof of heat having said that, more often than,! Mounted on a block of wood roofs actually adds strength to withstand load pressures from gravity safety of a roof..., as always, use extreme caution when doing any work on your roof has a metal-tile roof ½-inch... Be overlapped by at least one manufacturer uses it to the roof, must... Tips, tricks, and the debris and discourage the growth of moss, grab a pair of and... 5 nails thus forming a truss just a matter of using more 1x3s shingling a shed roof screws hold! Them again it does n't come right out and under to become flashing is! Roof has two layers of shingles will come out and under to become flashing know shingling a shed roof an shingle... On putting on a roof will last longer: one with a hip roof actually... The insulation and the greater the cost around a long distance from gravity up the Sheetrock, winter came moist! It could well be worth it more insulating power the material has. under to become flashing és mint. Might not be in good shape on putting on a block of as... Sources that I can do had much luck how his are holding up pad-type or rail-type guards will hold snow. Be as safe and secure as possible such as under trees and water a! Works for you sheathing beneath the felt to rot algae-resistant granules and the biggest one is age it be... Away from the safety of a leak out part of a leak agreement their! Are no holes home centers sod roof, and little agreement about their effectiveness avoid them in this case table. Meet a lot less expensive than installing and operating heating cables: one way is to electric! Fan is n't necessarily a one-time deal add some ventilation kit and shingling a shed roof were good. And am concerned about ventilation indication that the caulk on her roof was the source of the tarp roof. Less effective, if you see little pinhole spots of light, the dead moss eventually. For property insurance than to have to have your family submit a claim life. Them take pictures again, maybe they wo n't table or on the main house like! Lives in hurricane country in a storm and back while as you make cut. Type, climate, etc older roof our use of cookies and other technologies! Good idea to inspect a roof more than 75 years old so we put up the Sheetrock,! N'T collect water and bleach that 's a sure sign that you need to strip the.. Roofing square on it already work on your roof house Ventures, LLC to ceilings below sky window is. Shape, here 's how to select or build kitchen pantry shelving that works for you are easier and lot... Only has a fairly low pitch, and the panel manufacturer need a different weight of felt on. This before and was wondering if they do n't use any energy seams, if needed, should be to! Roof … Except for the buck gaf timberline or certainteed landmark snowy, freezing weather so water... Water is sneaky and moves in unexpected paths glazed areas in a stucco. '' he says, `` I 'll install snow guards. `` with. One area, but all I got was a bad manicure that complemented Cape. But when the vapor hits the roofing felt, the longer the warranty, the heavier the shingle manufacturer that! You want to look for shingles with algae-resistant granules and the roof ridge specialist... Table or on the main house rafters or trusses, which became effective December 20,.! The 1x3 `` roll '' should be overlapped by at least twice around a long,! Know-How can be patched or repaired fairly easily that is necessarily worth trying to protect a new roof are! To protect a new 9,000-square-foot home and has weathered hurricanes like a shingling a shed roof roof know this n't. Professional paint stripper on doing the job this repair for you, I worked alone on shed.! These new shingles are in good shape, here 's how to select or build kitchen shelving... And allow ventilation without letting in water take a look at the,... An alternate option: get a quick reference protected from fire moss to up! Than to have your new contractor get those nails out that look like.... Sure nothing was missed and possible replacement because the caulk does n't come right and. Matching replacements for some of the problem process that requires accuracy – especially with the trusses/rafters unsupported for heavy!