Helpful Links & Information:
Key Danger Signals
Ventilation and Insulation
One of the most critical factors in roof system durability is proper ventilation. Without it, heat and moisture build up in the attic area and combine to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle, and insulation to lose its effectiveness.
Therefore, it is important never to block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit vents, even in winter. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, increase roofing material life, reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort level of the rooms below the attic.
In addition the free flow of air, insulation plays a key role in proper attic ventilation. An ideal attic has:
1. A gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor to protect the house below from heat gain or loss
2. A vapor retarder under the insulation and next to the ceiling to stop moisture from rising into the attic.
3. Enough open, vented spaces to allow air to pass in and out freely.
4. A minimum of 1 inch between the insulation and roof sheathing.
Drozd Roofing, Inc. recommends a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor - with vents placed proportionately at the eaves (e.g. soffits) and at or near the ridge.
Therefore, it is important never to block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit vents, even in winter. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, increase roofing material life, reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort level of the rooms below the attic.
In addition the free flow of air, insulation plays a key role in proper attic ventilation. An ideal attic has:
1. A gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor to protect the house below from heat gain or loss
2. A vapor retarder under the insulation and next to the ceiling to stop moisture from rising into the attic.
3. Enough open, vented spaces to allow air to pass in and out freely.
4. A minimum of 1 inch between the insulation and roof sheathing.
Drozd Roofing, Inc. recommends a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor - with vents placed proportionately at the eaves (e.g. soffits) and at or near the ridge.
Insulating your attic
What you need to know about mold
Molds are organisms that may be found indoors and outdoors. As molds grow they digest whatever they are growing on. Unchecked mold growth can damage not only our health. It can rot wood, damage drywall, and eventually cause structural damage to buildings. It is important, therefore, to prevent mold from growing indoors. Moisture control is the key to mold control.
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html
Energy Star Roof Products
ENERGY STAR qualified roof products reflect more of the sun's rays. This can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100F, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=RO
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=RO
Ice dams
Ice dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures. Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice on the roof to melt. The melted water will drain along the roof, under the snow, until it reaches the cold overhang. The overhang tends to be at the same temperature as the outdoors and the melted water will refreeze and form an ice dam and icicles. The ice dam can cause damage to the roof, which will result in water leaks to the inside. Frequently the result will be a water spot on the ceiling under the roof damage.
Prescription Checklist:
Prescription Checklist:
- Don’t get on your roof to solve this problem, it could be dangerous.
- Avoid standing on the ground and “chipping away” at the ice. Not only could this cause damage to your roof, but you can be seriously injured by falling ice, debris, or tools.
- Seal air leaks (Home Sealing) and sealing duct air leaks in your attic to stop warm air leakage (the source of the problem).
- After sealing leaks, add additional insulation in your attic.
- Provide adequate attic ventilation so that the underside of the roof and outside air are at the same temperature. Check to make sure attic insulation is not blocking roof ventilation.
- Clean leaves and other debris from gutters before the first snow. This will help prevent ice build-up in gutters.
Leaf Relief for Existing Gutters by PlyGem
LEAF RELIEF is a proven, patented gutter protection system that will keeping natural debris, such as leaves and twigs from blocking your gutters. Leaf Relief can drain 29.7” of rainfall an hour—that’s more than the highest rainfall ever recorded (Holt, Missouri 1947 at 12”) in one hour.
BENEFITS:
LEAF RELIEF is a proven, patented gutter protection system that will keeping natural debris, such as leaves and twigs from blocking your gutters. Leaf Relief can drain 29.7” of rainfall an hour—that’s more than the highest rainfall ever recorded (Holt, Missouri 1947 at 12”) in one hour.
BENEFITS:
- Low Maintenance –No more climbing ladders to clean your gutters
- Patented Aluma-Perf™ Technology – Keeps leaves, twigs and pine needles out of the gutter. Most small debris is cleared by 6 mph breeze with wet debris removed in 23 mph wind
- Low Profile – Lays flat and fits snugly on top of your gutter for invisible protection
- High Volume –Drains more than twice the highest recorded rainfall ever recorded per hour
- Efficient Installation –Mounts directly to the gutter, eliminating the need to lift shingles and risk voiding roof warranty
- Weather and Pest Resistant – Mounts securely and stays in place, resisting high winds, snow, ice and pest invasion
- Reinforces the gutter – Helps protect the gutter system from common gutter failures
- Exclusive, Specially-Treated Vinyl Flap – Resists UV light, mildew and extreme weather for a long-lasting, self-sealing fit
- 25-Year No Clog, No Overflow Warranty –Premium guarantee of lasting quality and peace of mind
System Plus Limited Warranty
We offer GAF Weather Stopper® System Plus Ltd. Warranty.
The GAF Weather Stopper® System Plus Ltd. Warranty provides coverage against manufacturing defects for all major GAF components on your roof (not just your shingles) — so you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that, if any covered roofing component fails, it will be covered by the warranty. The warranty is available through GAF's factory-certified contractors, and is a low-cost way to get up to 50 years of non-prorated coverage (against manufacturing defects) on your new roofing system. For the small additional cost of the System Plus ltd. warranty, this is probably the best value you can get for your investment.
The GAF Weather Stopper® System Plus Ltd. Warranty provides coverage against manufacturing defects for all major GAF components on your roof (not just your shingles) — so you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that, if any covered roofing component fails, it will be covered by the warranty. The warranty is available through GAF's factory-certified contractors, and is a low-cost way to get up to 50 years of non-prorated coverage (against manufacturing defects) on your new roofing system. For the small additional cost of the System Plus ltd. warranty, this is probably the best value you can get for your investment.
