Important Considerations
There are several important considerations to keep in mind as you replace or repair the roof of your home. Even if you are just seeking to update a current roofing system to improve ventilation, or adding insulation to a new roofing system that lacks the proper insulation for your location, it is always better to know the basics before signing a contract. The most important things to keep in mind are:
Ventilation
Ventilation is an integral part of making a roof last. Ventilation occurs naturally when vents are placed at the base of the roof (at the eaves or in the soffits) and near the top of the roof (the ridge) so that warm air can leave through the top, and cool air can be drawn through the bottom. This process does not need electrical or mechanical fans in most cases, as nature will do the work on its own. However, when placing the vents you should be aware of the following guidelines:
- Don't insert vents into the middle sections of the roof, since this will often interrupt the natural circulation of the air. Instead, evenly distribute vents along the roof, to ensure even airflow to all portions of the roof.
- Place approximately half of the vents near the ridge and the other half near the eaves or soffits, to encourage maximum airflow.
- Plan for approximately 1 square foot of ventilation per 300 square feet of attic floor space (this is an approximate and depends on climate, roof pitch, orientation and available attic vent space).
If adequate ventilation is not installed, serious problems such as attic condensation, wood rot, mold, mildew and rusting metal will occur. These problems can affect the integrity of the roof as well as the integrity of the house, and can even cause health problems for family members in the home. One of the biggest problems associated with improper ventilation is an "ice dam".
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Insulation
Insulating the attic of a house is important for heating and cooling inside the house. However, the ideal temperature of the attic/roof area is close to the outside temperature (to prevent unnecessary condensation). Therefore, insulation should first be applied between the ceiling joists; this will allow insulation of the living areas of the home, without creating too much heat in the well-ventilated attic area.
Additionally, insulation should never block vents--inside or out. Take special care when placing insulation near soffit vents.
If the roof decking is the ceiling (as is the case with tongue and groove decking, with no attic space), insulation can be added in the form of rigid insulation on top of the decking rather soft insulation in the attic.
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Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts perform the simple function of taking water away from the roof to a location far from the foundation. The most common gutters are aluminum, and are installed by contractors. Vinyl gutter systems are also available to the homeowner without the specialized tools to deal with the aluminum gutters. Other gutter systems are made of tin, copper or wood.
If water is still collecting near the foundation, drain extensions (above or below ground) can be added to draw the water away from the house. Another low budget fix is to raise the soil level near the foundation, so that the land slopes away from the house, and not into the house.
Gutters need to be maintained by:
- Cleaning out leaves and debris regularly (or add leaf guards to the gutters)
- Cleaning downspouts regularly
- Checking for leaks
- Maintaining gutter supports
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Moss
The first step to moss control is prevention by placing a zinc or copper strip under the edge of the ridge cap. The zinc or copper changes the composition of rain so that moss growth is reduced and/or stopped. Some composition materials come with zinc granules already embedded in the shingles.
If moss is already growing on the roof, cleaning agents can remove the existing moss growth. This, however, is not a quick fix, and may require repeated applications to control the problem. These products can be very toxic, and should be used only according to the manufacturer's instructions.
After the moss has been killed, the dead moss will remain on the roof. Though unsightly, it is no longer a hazard to the roof. The dead moss can be removed with a soft broom, but caution should be used when doing this, since walking on the roof (especially older roofs) can cause significant damage.
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Flashing
Flashing is one of the most important elements of the roof because it seals the seams and joints of the roof--the locations where leaks are most likely to occur. Often, flashing is not maintained well, or installed correctly in the first place. Check for the following signs that your flashing needs maintenance or repair:
- Rusting of metal flashing
- Excess leaves and debris in valleys or seams of the roof (can lead to rusting and corroding of the metal)
- Prolonged exposure to the elements such as moisture, UV rays, climate changes--especially when asphalt compounds or caulking material is used. Look for cracks, loss of elasticity and delamination.
In many cases the flashing can be cleaned and then repaired, relaminated or repainted (even in the case of rust). In other cases, the flashing may need to be replaced.
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Chimney Repair
If the chimney requires any maintenance or repair, the best time to work on it is before a new roof is installed. Coordinate with the chimney mason and roofing contractor to make sure all chimney repairs and chimney flashing are done properly before the new roof is installed.
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