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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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