Time for a new roof?

When is it time for a new roof? New gutters? More insulation? You may think of them as individual home improvements, but they are really one system, one protection, one comfort… or can be one nightmare.

Did you know that the roof is a system that not only keeps the inside dry by deflecting water away from your house but it should also allow your house to “breathe?” The roofing system is only as good as its weakest link, and if it has any flaws, water seems to find it.

When thinking of a roof, most people visualize roof shingles. The Roof System is made up of many parts, and the finished roofing material comes in many shapes, sizes, colors and materials. Other parts of the roofing system are:

• Flashing
• Soffit, Fascia & Gutters
• Attic Ventilation
• Air Infiltration
• Insulation

Each component works together to protect your home… or not.

TYPES OF ROOFING MATERIALS

Asphalt Shingles Also known as composition shingles. Wide variety of styles, colors and textures an affordable price. Installation adapts to most roof configurations. Low maintenance. Can last 12-30 years, with shorter life expectancy in Greater St. Louis due to extreme weather conditions, and poor – or no – roof system design.

Wood Shake Has a natural look with lots of character and helps insulate the attic. Durability depends on proper installation (which can be complicated) and quality of wood used. Requires constant maintenance.

Slate Made of sliver-like rock. Colors are limited to those found in nature, but can be laid in a variety of patterns. Very expensive, but can last 100 years, is resistant to rot, insects and fire. It is a very heavy and fragile material so can complicate accessing the roof.

Clay Tile Natural clay is resilient and withstands harsh weather. Lends historic charm to a home. Costly, but can last up to 50 years, is extremely durable and easy to maintain. Installation and repairs of this heavy and fragile material can be tricky.

Metal Choices include steel, aluminum or copper, in a wide variety of styles and appearances. Reflects heat from the sun and good in high wind and wet areas. Costs more than asphalt shingles but can last up to 50 years with very little maintenance.

A ROOF IS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS FLASHING

It takes more than a roof to keep the water out. At the intersection of planes and wherever opposing materials meet is where water will try to get in. Strips of a rust-resistant metal are formed into these areas to move water away from the roof. When flashing is applied the wrong way, it will actually help water invade the interior of your home.

Mosby Home Consultants keep a file of photos of bad flashing they have seen while driving around Metropolitan St. Louis. Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to spot it from a moving car. It’s also cause for concern because bad flashing means water damage is in that homeowner’s future.

GUTTERS ARE PART OF THE ROOF SYSTEM

The duty of gutters is to move water away from your roof and onto the ground. Many foundation problems can be alleviated by diverting the water collected in the gutters away from the house.

At the roof level, gutter placement and maintenance is important. If the gutter is placed a little too high on the roof line, water and ice damming can damage the underlayment. If you allow the gutters to get clogged, the overflow water backs up, jumps the gutter trough and can rot both wood and aluminum soffit and fascia.

THE ATTIC IS THE INTERIOR OF YOUR ROOF

The flow and temperature of air in your attic has a direct impact on the performance and endurance of your roof. Improper ventilation causes the roof to overheat which then shortens the life span of roof shingles. When attic air flow is tampered with (by, for example, sealing intake vents) it reduces the effectiveness of your insulation.

A common problem we encounter during a Mosby Home Consultation is homeowners covering attic vents and air stacks in the winter to keep the attic warm, mistakenly believing a warm attic will keep the whole house warmer.

Covering the wind turbines, attic vents or any other air portal prevents moisture from escaping, which can cause wood rot, mold and other moisture-related problems. Improper attic ventilation will cause your HVAC system to work harder to heat or cool the house. The attic must maintain a delicate balance, and adequate air ventilation prevents condensation and moisture from accumulating.

Since the roof is one of the most important external elements of a house, it should not only be durable, but also have an aesthetic appeal. Schedule a Mosby Home Consultation for a full Roof System evaluation. Not only can we replace your roof, we can make sure the entire system is working correctly to give you maximum comfort and peace of mind.