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Roofing Felt

September 11, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

Most people can look up at their roof and say “hey I have shingles up there, I am good”. But what else goes into a roofing system that is just as important as the shingles you can see? Roofing felt, yes that weird looking black paper like material that a local roofing company puts on your roof before the shingles. Well if they do not put some sort of underlayment down, you could be in for some problems own the road.

 

Below are a few common questions we receive about roofing felt.

 

Why did roofing felt come about?

felt 

Originally, roofing felt was used for temporary protection against the wind and rain during the roofing process and keep sap from deteriorating the shingles. Now with modern building materials, you and I do not have to worry about sap too much.

 

Roofing felt has been around for around 50 years (longer than I have been around). But, it has always served its purpose. Protect your decking from the elements and it offer some protection from the elements in times of emergencies.

 

(If you have damage and you can see felt, call your local roofing contractor immediately. You will have a leak develop and interior damage will likely occur.)

 

What does #15 and #30 roofing felt mean?

felt 

The numbers were based on the weight per square (100 sq. foot) of the roll of roofing felt. During the process of manufacturing, hot asphalt is added to recycled paper in varying amounts. Thicker asphalt coating, heavier the weight.

 

Over time as technology shifted and the weights of the materials became lighter. Manufacturers more or less changed the pound symbol from 15# to #15.

 

I know, makes a lot of sense doesn’t it?

 

 

What are the options when it comes to roofing felt?

 

There are a few different options when it comes to roofing felt and underlayment systems. The most common are your ordinary #15 and #30 felt. However, there is a new kid on the block “Synthetic underlayment”. All three styles offer your decking and your shingles protection from the elements and in the case of emergency.

 

What type of roofing felt should I put on my home?

roofing felt 

This can be the tricky part. There are a few things to consider when you are asking your local roofing contractor what type of underlayment you should put on your home.

 

If your home is steeper, then you will need to go to a heavier weight on your roofing felt. On the other hand, you can use a synthetic underlayment and receive the same protection. Your installers drive the reason for a heavier weight, during installation the crew will be all over your roof and a thinner roofing felt will tear under their feet and can cause gaps in your protection.

 

Thinner weights can be used on lower slope roofs and offer you protection in case of emergency.

 

Roofing felt can save you some headache, but it is not the only part of your roof.

 

There you have it, a few questions that we commonly hear from customers. As important as roofing felt is there are many other things you have to worry a  bout when it comes to your roofing system.

 

Depending on the area of the country you live, you may need additional protection from ice and water shield in valleys along eaves.

 

We at The Lyons Roofing Company suggest in the Louisville, Kentucky area a minimum of synthetic underlayment on your roof surface and ice and water in all valleys, around chimneys, skylights and any other problematic areas. Roofing felt is amazing and serves a great purpose. But, remember there is more to a roof than the first layer of materials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Ky roof, Louisville, roofing contractors, roofing felt

Roof Underlayment?

July 5, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

So why do you need a roof underlayment? Whether it be felt, tar paper or a newer underlayment system like Rhino. Not only should a consumer know the purpose of the roof underlayment, but also the best type for their home or business.

You would think all roof underlayment is the same. you would be right for the most part, but wrong just a little bit.

Types of Roof Underlayment

  • Tar paper
    Tar paper is made exactly how it sounds, it is a heavy duty paper impregnated with tar to produce a solid underlayment product for your roofing system.

     

  • Roof Felt
    Roofing felt is constructed in a very similar way to tar paper. This is a heavy duty paper that is impregnated with asphalt vs. tar.

     

  • Synthetic Underlayment (Rhino)
    Synthetic underlayment, just making a huge move on to the home improvement scene is a woven synthetic product. (almost like those sweaters grandma used to make, just better looking, sorry grandma).

So what is the best type of underlayment for your home and why do you need it?

Now in the opinion of Lyons Roofing Co. Synthetic is the way to go. Synthetic underlayment like Rhino or Tiger Paw, is leaps and above the old tar and felt papers of the old days. Don’t get me wrong, the old tar and felt papers are very reliable products and will protect your roof for years to come. rhino roof underlayment

Have you ever paid attention to your own roof replacement. Or how about seen a new construction home with torn and blown off felt paper. What about seeing a roofing contractor walking on the felt and it ripping under his feet? Synthetic underlayment provides not only a safer work surface but also a more durable one. No more worrying about it blowing off if a little wind kicks up or tearing under the feet of a contractor taking his afternoon stroll across your open roof.

So what is the purpose of underlayment, why do you need it?

Any type of underlayment you choose for your home or business will be beneficial. This is the first step of a new roof and a very important one. Underlayment provide the first basic layer of protection for your home. Underlayment, even though nailed through provide a basic barrier for weather and moisture. Hence the importance. If wind blows rain under your shingles, then a solid underlayment will help funnel water down your slope and if all goes well out of your gutter or to a point where the water will stop and dry when the sun comes out.

So yes, felt is a very important sub surface of your roof. If at all possible make sure you have it as a good starting point. There are other options for protection like an ice and water shield, which we will address at a later time.

Just remember, you want and need a good roof underlayment product and make sure it covers all of the gaps and isn’t ripped or torn in big sections. its not waterproofing, but it is water resistance.

Filed Under: Blog, Roofing Tagged With: Kentucky Roofs, Louisville, lyons roofing, roof mainenance, roof repair, roof replacement, roof replacement financing, roofing contractor

Roofing Question: Spot a Failing Roof

June 28, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

Over the next few days and weeks, Lyons Roofing will be helping answer the most common roofing questions we hear about from our local customers. We at Lyons Roofing Company hope these questions and answers will help you gain the knowledge you need in order to make the right decisions when it comes to your roof replacement or repair. If you have a roofing question, please submit it in the comment section below.

Roofing Question:

How do you know when your asphalt shingle roof needs replacement? Is it a normal wait until you see a bunch of different leaks or after a major storm?

The later part of the question is pretty cut and dry. If there is a major storm, then you should definitely call your local roofing contractor or insurance company to have a storm damage inspection done. This will help you figure out if you are in need of a new roof.

Hail damaged shingles

hail damaged shingles

Now for the first part of the question, there are several clues, with the biggest indicator being age. If your roof is 17-20 years old, there is a good chance it’s due for replacement. Granted, younger roofs can easily fail too, it is always a good idea to inspect your roof at least once a year.

I suggest having a local contractor inspect your roof. If you would, rather it is a DIY project then use binoculars are easier and a lot safer, and you can spot most problems from the ground.

What to look for

 Shingles that are lifting up, cracked or missing, curling edges, or smooth dark areas, which can indicate that the protective granules have worn off. Another sign could be an excessive amount of granules at the base of your downspouts. This is common when your roof is first installed and again when it is nearing the end of its life.

Additionally, go into the attic on a sunny day, with the lights off, check the underside of the chimney and the stack vent. If you see little pinhole spots of light, the flashing will need to be addressed—another indication that your roofing may need to be addressed.

While you are in the attic, scan the underside of the roof sheathing for any new signs of water staining since the last inspection, as well as any soft or moist spots, which tend to show up after a heavy rain. If these problems are widespread, it is a sure sign that you need to call your local roofing contractor.

Attic water damage 

attic roof damage

If you have, any roofing question related to the topic above please feel free to email or call Lyons Roofing Company and we will be more than happy to answer the question quickly.

Filed Under: Blog, Roofing Tagged With: Kentucky Roofs, Louisville, lyons roofing, roof mainenance, roof repair, roof replacement, roofing contractor, shingles

Roof Cleaning

June 18, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

 

So here it is springtime, ok almost summer. I had an old customer come to me the other day and ask “how should I go about a DIY roof cleaning from the black streaks that have formed on my roof over the years.” Additionally, he was curious of the manufactures warranty that the particular shingle carried against this particular issue.

Disclaimer: We at Lyons Roofing installed a 30-year Owens Corning Oakridge shingle on this home in 2003.

Standard warranty language: (Straight from the horses mouth)Owens Corning

What About Algae Resistance—If the shingles that you purchased were not specifically labeled as “Algae Resistant” (“AR”), then any discoloration caused due to algae is not covered by this warranty as explained in “What Is Not Covered” below. However, if you did purchase AR shingles, they are covered for the period described in the “Limited Warranty Information Table” at the end of this warranty following the date of installation (“AR Warranty Period”) against brown-black staining caused due to growth of blue-green algae (primarily the cyanobacteria Gloeocapsa magma). We do not cover the effects of other growth, such as mold, lichen and green algae. If brown-black staining occurs during the AR Warranty Period, you will be entitled to the following remedy:

  • Remedy for Blue-Green Algae Growth—If your AR shingles are discolored due to blue-green algae growth during the first year of the AR Warranty Period, we will compensate you for the cost, including labor (such cost not to exceed the initial cost of the AR shingles plus the initial cost of installation), as reasonably determined by Owens Corning, to repair, replace or recover the affected AR shingles. For purposes of this AR shingle warranty, the term “repair” as used above refers to cleaning or otherwise removing any blue- green algae growth from affected AR shingles. Decisions regarding whether your AR shingles should be repaired, replaced or recovered will be made solely by Owens Corning.
  • Proration—If your AR shingles have been installed longer than 1 year, labor will not be covered, and our compensation will be limited to a prorated amount of the original purchase price of the affected AR shingles. We will prorate your compensation to take into account the number of full years of use that you have enjoyed from the original installation date through the date of your claim. For example: If you make your claim anytime in the 4th year of the
AR warranty and the AR Warranty Period is 10 years, our compensation to you will be in the amount of the original purchase price of the affected AR shingles, reduced by 3/10ths of the original purchase price of the affected AR shingles.

DIY Roof Cleaning

Now on to the fun stuff. How do you as a homeowner go about cleaning your own roof? First, please be safe and follow all safety procedures. Now the important thing to remember is confidence is everything, if you are uncomfortable, then it may be better to hire someone who climbs on roofs for a living, rather than risk your own hind parts.

The simplest way if your roof is more of a steeper pitch is to buy a special ladder that hooks over the ridge. Granted most roofers call it a “chicken ladder”, but hey make fun of me, I am going to be safe!

So now, on to the fun stuff, roof cleaning. Chemicals are your best friend (you don’t hear that often) in this case, do your research and find which product would be best suited for your application. Here are three options for your cleaning project.

  1. The eco-friendly, non-bleach, roof-cleaning method

Roof contractors and homeowners that use this method use high-grade eco-friendly products (you can buy these yourself at most home improvement stores) they do not contain toxic chemicals such as chlorine-bleach, phosphates or other chemicals that can kill vegetation and pollute waterways. This method also uses a low-pressure rinsing system, avoiding the use of damaging high pressure scrubbing or brushing.

  1. The chlorine-bleach roof cleaning method

Roofing contractors and homeowners who use sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) mix it in high concentrations with other chemicals such as trisodium phosphate, also known as TSP.

They spray it on the roof and wait for it to dry and then re-apply it several times as needed. Stains and moss or lichens that do not come off on the day of treatment may eventually come off with rain in the months to come.

Most manufacturers will tell you the easiest mix is 1 part bleach, four parts water. Spray, rinse, and that should take care of your problem.

  1. The high-pressure power washing method

Some roofing contractors and homeowners have made the mistake of using use high pressure power washing methods to attempt to remove roof stains.

Plain and simple: DON’T DO IT!!!

This method can be extremely risky, you will more than likely damage your shingles. Remember you want to clean your roof, not replace it!

How to actually clean your roof! 

  1. Check the weather forecast and choose a cool or overcast day with little to no wind so the spray hits your shingles, not the neighbors’. Those conditions allow the cleaning solution to soak deep into the algae colonies without evaporating too quickly.
  2. Clear debris, moss and algae from your roof as dry leaves, twigs and debris soak up water (ideal for algae growth) and can damage your Shingles. Your roof is supposed to be dry, and any collection of water because of settlement of debris would only cause problems to the roof.
  3. check your gutters and pipes for debris and blockage. Also trim or cut overhanging tree branches to minimize debris collection on the roof.
  4. Mix your solution in a small pump sprayer (1 part bleach, 4 parts hot water) if you are making yourself, of course test a discrete area first to ensure there is no discoloring. If you are using a store bought solution, follow all of the manufacturers directions (make sure the solution matches the type of roofing system you have).
  5. Saturate a large area of shingles with the cleaner. Start at the bottom row and work up to the peak. Spray until you see runoff. Re-spray any areas that dry out.
  6. Now comes the fun part. Blast it off! There are tools out there that make it a little easier but if you have the time and the patience a hose with a direct nozzle will do the trick, granted it is a slow process regardless of the tools you use. Take your time and make sure you get rid of all of those little critters growing on your roof.

Conclusion

If you get intimidated by this whole process, don’t worry you aren’t alone. There are plenty contractors out there that are willing to help. If you are in the local Louisville, KY area, give The Lyons Roofing CO. a call and we will be more than happy to walk you through it or come by and set up a maintenance and cleaning plan for your roof.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: clean gutters, commercial, Louisville, lyons roofing, roof cleaning, roof mainenance, roof replacement, roofing contractor, roofing systems

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