FASTENERS 101

      A large percentage of the roofs that we replace are due to poor installation practices. How a roof is fastened is critical to the longevity. Whether due to wind or just simple gravity an improperly nailed roof is doomed to fail. After Hurricane Ike almost every roof that we replaced due to blow off was originally installed by companies who utilized roofing nail guns. Nail guns are unable to maintain a consistent level of pressure therefore many of the nails are set to shallow or to deep which forces the nail head through the fiberglass mat of the shingle rendering the fastener completely ineffective as well as creating a potential leak issue. Due to the problems that can result from nail gun installations Discount Roofing has always been a proponent of hand nailing shingles.

 

 

Aside from nail guns, proper placement of the nail is essential during installation. Even without hurricane force winds if your shingle is not nailed where specified by the manufacturer eventually slippage can and likely will occur. Dimensional shingles which are often simply referred to as 30 year, 40 year or lifetime shingles consist of two piece lamination that give an aggressive shadowed finish look to your roof. The installation of these laminated products calls for nailing along a designated line which drives the fastener through both sections of the shingle to prevent separation due to age, wind, heat and gravity.
 

 

 

Unfortunately most homeowners are unaware that their roof has been nailed improperly until the blow-off or slippage begins. Keep in mind that if the company who installed your roof cared about quality over profit they would have taken the time to hand nail. When it’s time to replace due to hail, hurricane or just shingle age know your contractor and his installation practices.

 

 

 

 Eric Powell

 DISCOUNT ROOFING 936-756-1170

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ROOF SLOPE

 
   When making a determination of which roofing product best suits the requirements of your project slope is certainly important to take into consideration.  Slope (or also stated as "Pitch" within the roofing industry) is defined by the rise of the roof divided by the run.  For instance, if you had a 12" horizontal run with a 6" rise then the slope is referred to as a 6/12.  Utilizing this method you can determine any typical roof slope which will range from the 0/12 of a flat roof to the 21/12 of a mansard style roof.  Once you have determined the slope of your roof this will indicate your roofs ability to effectively shed water from the deck surface and dictate the limitations of certain roofing products available on the market today. 
   Composition shingles which are most commonly used rate for installation of no less than a 3/12 slope and can be installed above a 12/12 pitch if certain steep slope application methods are performed related to additional fasteners and spot adhesive under each roof tab at the time of installation as the specific manufacturer requires.  The slope limitations are usually labeled on the packaging of the product or should be readily available online at the manufacturer's website.  To many times to count on a yearly basis we observe and or replace badly leaking low sloped roofs with horrible decking and rafter damage due to ill-informed installers who apply composition shingles on homes and patios with slopes far too low for proper surface drainage with this product.
   If your roof slope is 0/12 - 2/12 then for adequate protection you will be looking at commercial roofing products such as E.P.D.M. (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) which, depending on the project size, is often installed seamlessly.  Other potential products for low slope application are Modified Bitumen, T.P.O., Tar & Gravel, and becoming more common is Elastromeric Coating Systems which also act as a radiant barrier with their white pigmentation.  Discount Roofing's experience recommendation of these products is Modified Bitumen on no less than a 1/12 slope and E.P.D.M. or Elastromeric Coatings for 0/12 - 3/12 for a long lasting resolution to your low slope roof issues.
     Metal roofing panels may be installed on roofs with a slope as low as 1/2 /12 if sealant is used on the panel side laps. If sealant is not used on the panel side laps, then the minimum roof slope is 3/12.  Regardless of the roof slope never allow your metal or tile roof to be installed over living area without first applying and elastromeric underlayment.  An Elastromeric Underlayment is, for lack of a better description, a sticky backed felt paper with a self-sealing ability.  The elastromeric within this product actually closes around the penetrating fasteners and if installed properly can act as a roof system under your finished product for added protection and peace of mind.
   Hopefully the explanation above for measuring roof slope is helpful in your decision of what roofing products are best suited for your application.  If you have unanswered questions about how to determine the slope of your roof or about the products that we install feel free to visit our website at www.Discount-Roofing.com or contact Discount Roofing at 936-756-1170 .  Emails can be directed to eric@discount-roofing.com .  

Eric Powell / Discount Roofing 2012
936-756-1170

SQUIRREL DAMAGE

 

      These little guys are fun to watch dart through the trees with acrobatic ease but the damage that they are capable of inflicting on your roof can have long term consequences to say the least.  Your nice warm attic makes a much nicer home than that hole or nest in a tree and squirrels, like racoons, are the masters of finding a way in.  If that entry point isn’t readily accessible they are glad to create one even if it compromises the integrity of your roof or siding.  Another very common issue related to squirrels in particular is their desire to chew on your tasty lead pipe jacks….I know, you would think that the lead would kill them but apparently the zinc is a needed supplement in a squirrel’s diet and the gnawing helps to wear down their ever growing teeth.  So enjoy the show as they tight rope the power lines and trapeze from the bird feeders but beware of what other activities that the squirrels may be participating in when you’re not watching.

 
     Discount Roofing replaces dozens of pipe jacks every year from varmint damage alone.  Because those pipe penetrations through the roof exist to ventilate plumbing items such as toilets, sinks, showers, tubs or washing machines the continuation of that pipe is typically straight down within a wall so most homeowners only realize that the leak issue exists when a roof inspection is performed or when termites are discovered due to the hidden drip onto the bottom wall plate over an extended period of time.









Call Discount Roofing 936-756-1170 today for an inspection.  The peace of mind is worth the call.
 www.Discount-Roofing.com

DISCOUNT ROOFING PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

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From The Owner

 

  DISCOUNT ROOFING

    One roof is not like another. Having a QUALITY minded and reputable company install your roof can mean more than the quality of product installed where longevity is concerned. Many of the roofs that we replace in a normal year are due to poor installation of the prior roofing contractor. Choose a local company that you can trust. Ask for references of prior jobs completed in your area and remember that a warranty is only as good as the company that backs it up. Hope everyone is enjoying the Springtime in January weather.  It looks like we will be getting some much needed rain.

~ERIC~

 

Roof Cleaning & Maintenance

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Keeping your roof clean can significantly improve not only the appearance but also the over-all longevity. The granules on your shingles are ceramic coated and are designed to reflect the heat of the sun's rays. When these granules are coated by a film of dirt, pollen and algae then they can no longer do their job of reflection therefore the shingle rather absorbs the heat which accelerates the rate of deterioration.

 Eric Powell / Discount Roofing

When Is Roof Replacement Necessary?

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I’m often asked the question, “How do I know if I need to replace my roof?” Premature roof failures are a result of atleast one of three basic factors which include Poor Installation, Storm Damage or Manufacturer’s Defect. Of these possible issues Poor Installation far exceeds the others as a roof killer. New construction roofs are notorious for being poorly installed due to nail gun fasteners which are improperly placed or overdriven or underdriven as a result of fluctuating air pressure. Rarely are correct wall flashings installed on new construction roofs and cheap plastic pipe boots are used rather than lead or metal based pipe flashings. Roof replacements are also susceptible to bad installations but what we find many times in these situations are roofing companies that have untrained installers or companies that deliberately fail to replace necessary wall flashings, dilapidated pipe boots or rotten decking.
When we hear the words storm damage and roof we immediately think of hail first but wind is as often a culprit of roof destruction as hail. Whether it’s a result of flying debris striking the roof or high wind gusts lifting the shingle tab to the point of fracture, wind can be very detrimental to a roof.
Manufacturer’s defects are actually quite rare in the shingle industry. The processes for which the manufacturers’ production plants screen for quality have improved considerably in recent years. Yet still, on occasion, we come across a warrantable issue.
Back to our original question of how to know when roof replacement is necessary. In a climate such as ours in Southeast Texas a 3-tab roof which is usually labeled as a 20-25 year should realistically last 13-18 years whereas a laminated dimensional roof which can be labeled as anything from a 30 year to a Lifetime shingle is expected to last 18-22 years. If you reach these life expectancy ranges then a few signs to look for are excessive granular wash in gutters and sidewalks as well as a glittering effect on your roof on sunny days. That shimmering glitter effect is the fiberglass matt of the shingle beginning to show through as the asphalt and granules have worn away.
Whether you’re a victim of poor installation, storm damage, manufacturer’s defect or just age failure Discount Roofing is dedicated to not only providing you with a high quality, efficient roof but doing our best to educate our customers on subjects such as proper roof maintenance, ventilation and available accessory product so that you get the most roof for your money.
Call Discount Roofing today for a FREE inspection. 936-756-1170 or request a FREE inspection at www.Discount-Roofing.com

Eric Powell / Discount Roofing