Lyons Roofing

Roof Replacement and Repair Contractor Louisville, KY and Indiana

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Can roof flashing mean roof leak?

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roof flashing

Roof flashing has many jobs on your home. There can be many different styles of flashing on your home, from drip edge to step and counter flashing, pan flashing, pipe collars and vents, both HVAC and plumbing.

 

It is more than likely that if your roof has not been properly maintained and inspected over the years, you could be in trouble and have a potential leak just waiting to strike.

 

Different styles of roof flashing

 

Drip edge:

 Drip edge

Drip edge is your first and one of the most important flashings on your roof. It does not look like much but without it you will have a lot of roof decking to replace during your next roof replacement

The purpose of drip edge is to prevent the roll over of water to the decking. This small piece of metal, installed on the base and the rakes of the roof prevents water from being blown on to the decking or water rolling over the edges of the shingles and working back to the roof deck.

 

Step Flashing

step flashing 

Step Flashing is very important. Not everyone has this style roof flashing on their home. Step flashing is used in areas that either walls for another story on your home or a chimney would protrude out of your roof.

 

This flashing normally never seen goes between the shingles and behind either wood or vinyl siding or counter flashing on brick homes. This flashing allows water to run below the shingle on top and run off onto the shingles below. One important thing to note is that this flashing should never be nailed down towards the bottom. This will likely create a leak.

 

Counter Flashing

 roof counter flashing

Counter flashing is a roof flashing used on brick homes or in areas of brick chimneys protruding out of the roof. This flashing is used to protect the step flashing below and gives a decorative look to the brick areas on your roof.

 

Now, keep in mind there are different ways counter flashing can be installed on your home. Neither being wrong, counter flashing can be nailed to the brick with a stiffener bend along the top and front and sealed with silicone caulking. Secondly, some contractors prefer to cut the flashing into the mortar joints and re-tuck the mortar leaving a more long term flashing. Both are normal practice but the later can make it a little harder the change out if your metal ever needs replacement.

 

 

Pan Flashing

 pan flashing

Pan flashing, very similar to step flashing is installed on the front area of any dormers or chimneys that are protruding out of your roof. This flashing is meant to protect the area where shingles are cut to match up to the wall or chimney. This flashing will be hidden behind siding but visible on the roof. On brick homes you will see both the roof and wall faces of this siding matching up with the counter flashing that is installed along the walls.

 

This flashing will be nailed on both the wall and roof side. Like counter flashing can be cut in the mortar or laid on top and sealed on both sides. All nail heads on bot roof and wall side should be sealed with silicone.

 

Make sure that when your pan flashing is installed that they include stiffener bends on both sides to ensure your metal does not warp and wrinkle due to temperature changes.

 

Pipe Collars

 

Pipe Collars are in a league of their own. Depending on plumbing or HVAC needs you could have anywhere from one to who knows how many! Your pipe collars provide protection from and pipes or heat stacks that protrude from your roof.

 

These flashings are installed easily but do require the most maintenance. Pipe collars should be checked at least every year to ensure the rubber seal around the pipe itself has not started to dry rot. Pipe collars can be replaced during your roofs life cycle but normally a small bead of silicone around the rubber seal can give you a few more years of life.

 

There are newer versions of pipe collars that provide a lifetime guarantee these can be found at your local Lowes or Home Depot.

 

Conclusion

 

Regardless of what kind of roof flashing you have on your roof, you should have it checked at a minimum yearly to make sure there are no small potential problems that will turn into a big leak. Contact your local professional roofing contractor to schedule an inspection.

Do you have bump’s on your roof?

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Have you ever looked up when pulling into the driveway and seen random bumps on your roof? On the other hand, what about long raised sections systematically lifting up all over your roof? If so, you could have a major problem!

 

What causes bumps on your roof?

 

Lets start with the small random bumps on your roof. Multiple things could cause these small raised sections. Most commonly know as nail pops, these areas are caused by either a roofing nail not being driven all of the way in or one that gets driven in side ways and will hold the shingle up just slightly.

 

buckled plywood

On the other hand what about the long raised up sections that seem to be showing up systematically on your roof? This is a easy problem to diagnose, but not very easy to fix. The fix on this is something that can be very intrusive. However, we will dive into that later. These long raised up sections are from improperly nailed roof decking. If your home has plywood decking below your shingles and the plywood was not nailed properly. In time the decking will start to warp and curl on the ends causing these raised sections.

 

How to fix bumps on your roof

 

            Nail Pops:

 bumps on roof

Small areas otherwise known as nail pops can be easily fixed by a homeowner if they can safely do so. In most cases, a simple hammer on the nail will take care of the problem. However, if your shingles are sealed to the point where you cannot safely pull them apart without tearing them then you may need the help of a professional to take care of the problem.

 

If you are fortunate to still be under your roof warranty this is something that will be covered under labor warranties. If not depending on how many nail pops you have on your home you may have to shell out a few hundred dollars to have a company come in and fix the problem.

 

            Buckled Plywood:

 

What if you are one of the unlucky ones that has the problem of buckling plywood? This is most likely something you will have to consult a professional contractor on. It can be a possible easy fix, but you would have to go to every raised section and drive screws into the decking to try to pull it straight back to the rafters. However, if you put the screws through the shingles then you will have the perfect storm for leaks all over your roof. Even if you put the screws through the lower layer of shingles, you could great the opportunity for a leak.

 

nail pops

 

The only way to properly fix this is during the full replacement of the roof. At that time, a contractor can address the raised decking and if needed replace any decking that has warped beyond repair.

 

Regardless of small bumps or larger raised ridges along your roofline, if you have a steeper pitched roof you should contact a professional contractor. It is much safer and can take care of the problem without having to leave the comfort of flat ground. Yes, it may cost you a few dollars but at least you know the work will be done right and done the first time.

Roof Leak at Pitch change

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Do you have a pitch change on your roof? Do you have a nagging leak you just cannot figure out in that same area?

What is a pitch change?

pitch change

First off, what exactly is a pitch change? Most commonly, found on homes that have an extended front porch tying into their main home. It can be found on normal homes that have been built with dimension in order to break up the look of a straight home.

 

So how exactly can a pitch change create problems? Is it something that can be fixed in a DIY situation or something a professional contractor should address?

Problem areas in pitch change

Pitch changes do create an interesting situation. In areas that receive a fair amount of snow or long cold spells are at high risk of ice damns forming in areas of pitch changes. This can allow water to back up and work its way behind shingles and coming into your home.

 

Additionally, during the installation of your roof if nails are installed right in the middle of the pitch change can create major problems.

What to do?

So how as a homeowner can you try to fix this yourself? Well there is no easy way to as a homeowner. This issue should be address one by a professional contractor and even better if addressed during the original installation.

 

If you are installing the roof as a homeowner or having a contractor install the roof then its best to make sure you request an Owens Corning ice and water shield or similar product, in the pitch change in addition to all valleys. Make sure there are no nails nailed directly in the center of the pitch change.

replacement pitch change

Those seem like simple enough but a major issue that most people miss and even some contractors miss is “short shingling” the lower slope. If the slope is below a 2/12 pitch then an asphalt shingle system is out of the question, you must go with a system designed for low slopes.

 

Extra Protection

Another extra layer of protection that some companies install and we at the Lyons Roofing Company recommend is for any low slope system from 2/12 to a 4/12 pitch we install Owens Corning Ice and Water shield on the entire section.

 

As a homeowner or a do it yourselfer make sure you address these areas during the installation. If not you will have years and years of headaches.

 

What Gutter Guard system protects the best?

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One of our readers asked a great gutter guard (protection) question on the post “How to maintain your new roof”. We thought why not go into a little more detail and answer the question not for one but for all!

“The dead leaves and acorns are really a great problem for us. It gets accumulated so quickly that we need to clear out the debris every week or two. Is there any alternative solution to this? Please suggest.”

From Dakwerken

gutter guard needed

Yes, we know this could be brief. Cut all the trees down around your home and away goes the problem! However, for all of the people out there that enjoys shade, or the look of trees throughout their yard, or even the clean air they produce for the world, (I am one of those people) there is a simpler alternative.

We all know there are a million different types of gutter guards available. However, did you know, not every gutter guard is always right for your particular situation. Depending on the surrounding tree types, you could be in a world of hurt if you select the wrong type of gutter protection.

Now let us be honest here. Most of the information I am relaying is straight from the horse’s mouth and by horse; I mean data from Consumer Reports of different systems. What better information to relay than from a consumer prospective.

Here are the top, mid and bottom scorers of Gutter Guard systems, you may be surprised at where yours falls.

The systems below will have to be purchased and installed by a certified installer, the bad news, pricey. The good news, it will more than likely come with free gutter cleaning if they are clogged.

Fine screen mesh (leafFilter):

leaf filter

Out of 13 different systems tested, this system had the best performance. Granted, it is one of the more expensive systems around at $20 a foot. Why is it so great you ask? The system according to consumer reports handles build up “excellent” and heavy flow “very good” but like most, falls down to “good” under severe flow conditions.

Surface Tension (LeafGuard):

 leaf guard

Now let me be honest here. This system came in 3rd out of 6 in the “Pro-installed” category. It had the same performance as leafFilter but (there is always a but). This system came in at the highest price at $30 a foot.

Surface Tension (GutterHelmet):

gutter helmet                       

Now here is a name you know and trust! As you can see it wasn’t at the top of the list, but why? Gutter Helmet does offer a great product; it is on the same line of pricing as LeafFilter at around $20 a foot. Why did it come in lower then? According to consumer reports, it does handle build up and heavy flow “very good” but like the other big hitters it doesn’t handle sever slow but “good”. Now you may say hey, “I can handle that every once in a while”.

Now for the fun part, The DIY gutter guard systems, you may be surprised at how they performed!

Fine screen mesh (Gutterglove Pro):

gutter glove pro 

(I think I am starting to notice a trend here with the “fine screen mesh” systems.)

Here is the surprising part. This system was rated the best out of every system on consumer reports. Do you not believe me? Check it out your self. This system came in “excellent” in 3 of the 4 categories, Buildup, Heavy flow and severe flow. So thank you Dakwerken after this research, I think its time to look into a new system for the Lyons Roofing Company.

Screen (Raindrop):

 rain drop

We have used this system in the past with mixed results. Consumer report shows it being “very good” with build up and “excellent” In heavy and severe rains. The cost coming in around $4.75 a foot makes this a very intriguing brand and system. It does come in as one of the hard to install, for the common homeowner.

gutter brish

So here we are, at the bottom. This system came in with the poorest rating. Not saying it may not be good in certain situations. As a contractor, we have always been leery of the “insert gutter guard systems”. There are way to many environmental aspects working against them. Think of a coffee filter, works great the first time, but the more coffee you put through it the more gunk builds up and then it is game over.

The system did handle heavy flow “Excellent” But came in at a measly “fair” with build up.

So there you have it, there are many ways to protect your gutters from debris (leafs and acorns). Or whatever other tree debris you may have. Take the time to talk to a qualified contractor about your gutter guard system. Just be careful they are not open to alternative suggestions of types of gutter guards. Just remember it is your home and your greatest investment. Take the time and make sure whatever system you use, it lasts for a lifetime.

 

 

Reliable Roofing Contractors and Long Lasting Relationships

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For commercial roofing, Louisville area businesses recognize the value of a trusted partner. Forming a long-standing relationship with a reliable roofing contractor can help your companies bottom line, keeping roof maintenance and repair costs predictable.

louisville

Roofing Systems

No roofing contractor expects commercial property owners to have complete knowledge of roofing systems. Commercial roofing systems could include single-ply, built-up, APP/SBS or any number of other roofing types. When you build a long-lasting relationship with a trustworthy and reliable roofing contractor, the contractor comes to know your roof better than anyone else. Familiarity with your building’s roofing system saves crew time and money.

buildings10

Lyons Roofing has extensive experience with all types of roofing, including energy-efficient modern methods like reflective single-ply systems. Lyons Roofing also knows how to get the longest possible service from existing roof materials, such as built-up roofing or modified bitumen.

When you hire a roofing contractor for season after season, your roof’s gradual wear becomes easier to monitor. You can work with your roofer to plan for future replacement without feeling a financial or time constraint.

New Roof

The best new commercial roofing products commercial property owners can get are those installed and maintained by the same company. The crew and superintendent installing the new roof will record important details about the roof deck, insulation and flashing. When the same company sends a maintenance crew out, those records will speed up any maintenance and repair work.

A new roof is a major capital investment. You should not consider giving the job to an untrusted, untested roofing contractor. By forging a long-standing relationship with a roofing contractor, you have the reassurance that the new roof will be done properly.

reliable roofingWarranty

Louisville area businesses can enjoy building a long-lasting partnership—ensuring the roofing warranty stays in force. If you cannot document regular maintenance, annual inspections and proper upkeep, the manufacturer may not honor a warranty claim. By using one roofer you can protect your investment for years to come.

From any aspect—maintenance, repair records, warranty preservation, or new roof—you are better off building a long-lasting relationship with your local roofing company than switching from contractor to contractor.

To begin building that long lasting relationship between your business and Lyons Roofing, contact our offices today.