What is Roof Flashing?

What is flashing?

Flashing is a construction detail used to seal and protects joints in a building from water penetration. The joints created by the intersection of the roof and roof mounted structures and projections, such as parapets, hatches, skylights, chimneys, vent stacks, or towers, are among the most vulnerable areas of roofing systems. They constantly expand and contract in response to changes in humidity and temperature. Greater the number of such projections, greater the potential for leaks.

Roof flashing represents a very simple and intuitive engineering technique that has been known for hundreds of years. The whole idea depends almost entirely on gravity. If the flashing has been installed correctly, gravity will work with the flashing material to shed the water onto the regular roofing materials, where it is then directed harmlessly to the ground. Roof flashing is commonly used around chimneys, fan vents, plumbing vent stacks, and other items that project out of residential roofs.

ROOF-REPAIR SAFETY TIPS

Working on a roof can be dangerous. Keep these safety precautions in mind before tackling a roof repair:

• Roof repairs should be done on a sunny day when the roof is completely dry. A wet roof is slippery and very dangerous.
• Adequate safety measures must be taken for any roof repairs. Always use safety ropes.
• On steep roofs, use a ladder framework to provide secure anchoring.
• Rubber-soled shoes provide the best traction when working on a roof.
• The location of power lines should be kept in mind when working on a roof.­

How to deal with piled-up snow?

• Check on your channels.  It’s slippery on your roof right now, so trying to get up there and sweep off snow or warm up the ice is a bad idea.
• Remove as much ice and snow as you can from window wells.
• Remove any outdoor flower or window boxes. The snow piled in these can melt and cause moisture interruption.
• Help your neighbours by removing any leaves and debris from pipes.  This simple action will help prevent flooding on your street.
• Move any snow that has piled up against your home.

Early Signs of a Roof Leak

• A yearly roof check-up is great, but problems can occur at any time. Early signs of trouble include:
• Dark areas on ceilings.
• Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs.
• Damp spots alongside fireplaces.
• Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace.

Reasons You Need a New Roof

Needing a new roof can be tough, but there are times when a simple repair won’t do the trick.  Here are five reasons a home may need a new roof:

1. Sagging sections in your roof.  When one part of your roof dips below the rest of the roof, it indicated there may be rot, water damage, or some other structural issue which requires a replacement.

2. Dry rot.  When dry rot is affecting your roof, any timber affected by the dry rot has to be removed and replaced.

3. Leaky roof.  Sometimes a leak can be repaired simply, but there are times the leaks indicating that there are larger problems with your roof.

4. Excessive damage.  Major damage from a fallen limb or a fallen tree can be done to your roof which may mean it needs to be completely redone.

All in all, your roof is an important part of the overall health of your home.  Be sure to care for it and get it replaced when needed.

Roofers Lingo

Algae Discoloration: A type of roof discoloration caused by algae, also called fungus growth.

Blisters: Bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation.

Asphalt Shingle: a shingle manufactured by coating a reinforcing material (felt or fibrous glass mat) with asphalt and having mineral granules on the side exposed to the weather.

Caulk: To fill a joint in order to prevent leaks.

Counter Flashing: That portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.

Deck or Decking: The structural “skin” of a roof over which roofing in applied. Most new homes have decking made of plywood.

Flashing: Pieces of metal or roll roofing used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys.

Gable Roof: A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge. A gable roof typically contains a gable at each end.

Granules: Ceramic-coated colored crushed rock that is applied to the exposed surface of asphalt roofing products.

Gutter: The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts.

Overhang: That portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.

Parapet: A low protective wall that extends above the roofline or balcony for support.

Why Your Roof Is Leaking

• Windowpanes Can Be a Problem:

Although built in windowpanes can really add dazzle to a home and let in natural light, when not built properly they can cause a lot of problems. If they are too old or haven’t been updated recently, they can easily let water into the home.

• Flashing is Most Common

Flashing is the most common reason that roofing will get leaks. Sometimes flashing is poorly installed which makes it highly susceptible to leaks. If it’s not the installation, it could be a bad quality product or perhaps affected by high winds or weather damage.

• Age of your roof

Think about how long you’ve had your roof for. How many years has it been? How good of a job did the last contractors do? Roofs that were built fifty years ago were made with much different materials and were much less durable than what is used today.

• Check Your Closures and Shingles

Material such as roof fasteners can easily become damaged or pulled up after a heavy storm or high winds occur. When the fasteners get pulled up, water is easily able to get into the underside of the roof itself and cause other problems.

• Workmanship

Many roof leaks are caused by poor workmanship and less-than-professional contractors. To avoid the entire issue, never hire someone without first checking that they have successfully completed roofing projects similar to yours in the past and that their previous customers were satisfied.

Winter Roof Care

1.       Sweep the roof clear of debris, such as leaves, sticks and small branches. Excess remains encourage water pooling, which puts stress on the roof and increases the chance of leaks. Don't apply too much weight when you sweep, as this may damage the roofing film or remove the protective coating.

2.       Remove leaves, dirt and debris from the cage-like drain hub and surrounding area by hand.

3.       Remove the drain centre with an adjustable wrench and spray it clean with a garden pipe and high-pressure attachment. Spraying the drain with the pipe will remove minor build-up. Run a plumber's snake through the drain to clear blocks. Replace the hub and repeat the process for all the drains on your roof if there is more than one. Clearing your drains will prevent water from collecting on the roof during the winter rainy season.

4.       Cut back branches that hang over the roof before winter hits. This lessens your chance of broken limbs damaging your roof and helps cut back on wreckage, which in turn, prevents clogged drain spouts and pooling water.

5.       Inspect your roof for holes and dents. Check the roof's waterproofing along the flashing -- the area where the roof meets masonry walls - for cracks. Look for standing water, which indicate low areas that may need to be fortified.

6.       Check your roof for eruptions, or mushy pockets of water between layers of roofing. These pockets must be cut out and changed. Look for cracked or “alligatored” surfaces, which may indicate the need for a new application of roofing tar. Contact a professional roofing contractor for repairs, if needed.

How a black roof stains is removed from shingles?

Roof Stain removal is possible! Choose between two common roof washing solutions used to :

do it yourself roof cleaning using a roof cleaning product, or using roof cleaning services from a professional roof cleaning business. The difference between the roof cleaning company and DIY roof cleaning is cost, and results.

·         Hire a Roof Cleaning Professional

A roof cleaning business has experience at the shingle cleaning methods and suitable pressure to use with roof wash products. Years of experience will typically result in more complete removal of roof stains.

·         Do It Yourself Roof Stain Removal

Search for “Roof Cleaning Products” to find roof cleaner suppliers who offer roof cleaning chemicals, but be cautious to know the company and what products they offer.  Trust roof cleaner supply companies that offer multiple formulas and preventive solutions as well.

When you clean your own roof shingles be prepared to set aside an afternoon, and get your ladder out. There is no magic bullet when it comes to Roof Washing, and you will at least need a ladder to get up to the level of the drain. The closer you are to the roof stains, the better your Roof Stain Removal Products will work.

So black stains on roofs can be removed, just choose a quality roof cleaner product or your local roof cleaning professional and make your roof look better!

What are roof coatings?

A roof coating is a monolithic, fully adhered, fluid applied roofing membrane. It has elastic properties that allows it to stretch and return to their original shape without damage.

Typical roof coating dry film thickness vary from paint film thickness to more than 40 dry mils. This means a roof coating actually becomes the top layer of a composite roof membrane and underlying system. As such, the roof coating is the topmost layer of protection for the membrane, receiving the impact of sunlight (both infrared and ultraviolet (UV), rain, hail and physical damage.

Benefits

Roof coatings are seamless and when installed correctly, can solve roof leaks on almost any type of roof substrate.

There are exceptions: "professionals do not recommend using cool coatings over existing shingles. This technique can cause moisture problems and water damage because the coating can inhibit normal shingle drying after rain or dew accumulation, allowing water to condense and collect under the shingles." 

Field-applied reflective roof coatings can extend the useful life of nearly every roof substrate keeping a roof surface cool and providing a level of protection from the sun and weather.

However, coating asphalt shingles and built-up composition roofs requires more caution. The National Roofing Contractors Association’s director of technical services has stated "The roofing industry is aware of a number of issues that could have negative consequences for field application of coatings over asphalt shingle roof systems. Anyone considering this type of application should be aware of the concerns so they can weigh them against the benefits claimed in coating product promotional materials." 

Roof coatings can add 25 years to the service life of a roof and reduce the amount of discarded roofing materials that end up in landfills. The infrared image on the right shows "175°F" on the uncoated (black) section of the modified bitumen roof. The coated (white) section is "79°F". Field studies have shown that cool roof coatings can lower rooftop temperatures and reduce air conditioning bills.

How to Properly Clean Your Roof

1. Pressure Wash the Roof - Pressure washing is the most common technique for cleaning the roof, as it is effective and can combine with detergent to improve cleaning efficacy. It is important to note that you must be careful not to damage joints, penetrations and side and end laps when cleaning with a pressure washer.
2. Clean the Roof with a Heavy Bristle Broom - If you don't have a pressure washer accessible, you can use a heavy bristle broom and water hose to clean the roof.
3. Clean All Remains Off the Roof - After the roof is sufficiently cleaned, it must be thoroughly rinsed and all debris flushed down the drains or into the sewers.

How to Test the Roof for Adequate Coating Bond:

1. Apply 2" masking tape to an area of the roof that had previously been dirty, such as a ponded water section or a drain sump. Press the tape firmly into the roofing substrate.
2. Peel the tape back:
• If it is difficult to peel off and there is no dirt or degraded roofing material on the backside of the tape, proceed with coating.
• If it peels easily with dirt or degraded roofing material embedded on the bottom of the tape, you should clean again and retest.