Middle Creek Roofing Q&A

To work properly, a ridge vent system should be accompanied by soffit vents on either side of the roofs edge. 

One layer of shingles is acceptable, two layers are not. A single layer of shingles will look better, last longer, and will not put any unnecessary extra weight on the roof. 

If you are experiencing a roof leak that is a sure sign that you have water pooling in between your ceiling and roof. Water pooling adds weight and stress to the beams of the roof, drywall and insulation which will cause sagging and drooping and could cause the roof to collapse. 

There are two main dangers with too much ventilation and that involves roof damage and increased utility bills. If you do have too much air circulating, your roof will collect moisture which will cause damage and weak spots which will then cause some leaking. 

Roof leaks can be hazardous of there are any old, exposed wires in your attic. If you do not have an attic and a leak would get into a light fixture that could also potentially spark and lead to a fire. 

"Wet" vents are typically used when plumbing a bathroom group. So yes, the shower can also be vented by the wet vent along with the toilet. 

Air vents are the number one way for bug to get into roof vents. 

If you do opt for vented soffits on your home one of the most common problems, is you can experience a pest infestation. 

Yes, you can finance a new roof! Almost all licensed, reputable contractors offer some form of financing. Here at middle Creek Roofing we offer some of the best financing plans including some that you have no payments for 1 year! Give us a call today and we would be happy to discuss that financing options that we have available! 

Every few years, if you are able to safety get on the roof, you should put a garden hose down the roof vent pipe and run water down the pipe for a few minutes to wash out any accumulated dust, treed debris or bird poop. 

You should not power wash your cedar roof. Power washing your cedar roof actually shortens the lifespan of the roof because it strips away the wood fibers from the wood shake shingle. 

Light foot traffic is ok, and EPDM is designed to handle just that. If you require more use of your rubber roof such as for a balcony or something there are walk pads that can be installed on top of the rubber roof to protect the membrane from unwanted punctures. 

The current plastic design of most ridge vent systems does allow easy access to bats and mice. 

Most home insurance policies cover your roof for the following: Fires, vandalism, and storm damage. 

No EPDM products will not adhere to wet and or damp surfaces. 

No, you should not layer flashing. You roof should only have one layer of flashing at a time. Installing new flashing is the only way you can guarantee that a new roof will not leak. 

Yes you can. A 20ft. sewer auger would be needed on the roof. Insert the head into the vent opening and feed it down until you encounter resistance. Crank the handle to work the head through the obstruction. 

Most metal roofs are manufactured and installed in a way that it is safe to walk across the roof without damaging it. 

Believe it or not, they do not. It depends on the specification level of where you are building the home. Make sure to read the find print with your contractor/builder. 

With proper installation and care, ridge vents should not leak. Improper installation can lead leaking vents. 

In the winter months, warm attic air is vented to the outside through the ridge vents and is replaced by colder outside air sucked in through the soffit vents. 

Yes, just like any other type of roofing system you should have your roof maintained. Roof Maintenance will ensure that you catch any potential issues early which will save you money in the long run. 

Creating an air space under a metal roofing system will increase energy savings during both winter and summer months. 

F-Channel can used during most soffit installations. 

Yes, even on cold days you will need cedar roof sun protection. Also depending on the sun exposure of your cedar roof you might need more frequent applications as well. 

All types of roofing can be damaged due to inclement weather however metal roofs are highly resistant to damage. 

Metal Roofing can improve a homes resale value up to about 6% due to the longevity as well as curb appeal. 

Yes, your toilet does need to have a vent. 

Cedar wood does not take impact very well. In the event that heavy objects are dropped on your cedar roof it is highly likely that it will split the shakes. 

Cedar is a natural way to repel and inhibit certain insects like termites, ants, roaches, moths and mosquitoes. 

Most roofs have gutters but there are some exceptions. Some Historic homes may not have them due to when they were built. Roofs that have an extreme pitch or overhang may not have gutters either. Gutters are only installed at the bottom of the roof pitch and not the whole way around. 

Flashing should overlap the roof covering material but on shingle roofs part of the headwall flashing that extends down over the shingles is often covered with a course of shingle tabs. 

Gutters are designed to direct rain away from your home. They are meant to catch the water and carry it away from the house and help protect the foundation from eroding. Gutters also help keep water from backing up and getting into your basement and causing issues with flooding, mold & mildew. They are an important part of your roofing system. 

No, some roofers will include this but most times it is an additional charge to have the old gutters replaced along with the roofing system. 

After installing new roof flashing the proper sealant SHOULD be applied which is critical to the success of the flashing. Without applying sealant water will eventually work its way through the flashing. 

Most air vent styles prevent the direct infiltration of water. 

Recoating your rubber roof can extend the life by about 20 years. This is also a much more affordable option than installing a whole new roof. 

One way to combat that issue is to run heating cables inside the gutters and downspouts. Make sure to turn the cables on during snowy, freezing weather so that it will help keep them from freezing and icing over. 

It is not possible to spot the creation of septic and sewer gasses, but you can eliminate the odor that is caused when the exit the roof by installing a Wolverine Brand Carbon Filter on top of your sewer vent. 

There are three types of roofing underlayment which are felt, self-adhered and synthetic. Each one has their own benefits as well as disadvantages. You local roofing codes could also dictate what is needed for your roofing system. 

Unscrew and remove the grates that cover your hear vents. Place a trap in the vent. 

One square foot of ventilation is required for every 300 square feet of enclosed attic space. Half should be exhaust and half should be intake. 

One way to address roof runoff is direct roof downspouts to cisterns or rain barrels. A cistern is an above average ground storage vessel with either manually operated valve or a permanently open outlet. 

There are several clues with the biggest clue being age. If your roof is more than 20 years old, there is a good chance that it is due for replacement. Younger roofs can also fail so it is always a good idea to have your roof inspected once a year. The most common thing to look for is shingles that are lifting, cracked, missing, or curling at the edges. 

Cedar roof maintenance should include protective treatments every 2-3 years. If you do not apply any protective treatments the cedar shakes will start to buckle, rot and degrade. 

Here are a few tips to help you maintain your rubber roof. 

1. Clean your rubber roof.
2. Sweep your flat roof to remove any debris, this should be done very carefully. 
3. Check your roof for blisters. 
4. Maintain surrounding trees to try to keep debris away. 
5. Visually inspect your roof at least once a year. 

That depends on a few different factors such as weather and the size of the project. Could be as quick as 1 day or in some cases maybe a week from start to finish. If the project is more than one day to finish, we take precautions to make sure that your home is protected from any outdoor elements. 

One or two layers are permitted on sloped roofing. Two layers are the max. 

Depending on your needs you can have up to 6 layers of rubber roofing. 

Two layers of underlayment are required for low-slopes roofs with the first course being doubled. 

16 Pieces of soffit are in a square. 

There are three types of soffits. Sold, Vented and Hollow. The most common type is solid because it is cost effective and there are not any complications with installation. 

One Main vent stack is required per code for any building that has plumbing. 

Most roofs can hold about 20 pounds per sq. ft. Commercial flat roofing is usually engineered to withstand additional foot traffic. 

This is a tough question to answer. The cost of your new roof is dependent on a few things such as roof size, slope, materials, and warranties. The best way to get the most accurate quote for your roof replacement is to give us a call to come out and provide you with an estimate for replacement. 

Metal roof screws should be replaced every 15-20 years. 

The short answer is about every 2-4 years. Just really depends on the kind of weather that you experience in your region. 

You should clean your soffits every 2-3 years. Keeping them clean helps keep them fully functional. 

Rubber Roofing is very reliable and also durable. It is not prone to moss or algae growth either. It is also very cost effective to repair. 

There are three different thicknesses options with rubber roofing. 45 mil, 60 Mil and 90 Mil. 

When you see that the nails in the attic have frosty tips on them that means that there is warm, moist air from inside your house seeping into the attic, and moisture is condensing and freezing on the cold steel nails. You should do something to correct the air seeping issue because it can reduce the effectiveness of your insulation and encourage mold growth. 

IF you roof is not a steep pitch then you can use 15lb underlayment. If your roof is more of a steep pitch then you should use a 30lb underlayment. 

Cedar is extremely decay-resistant due to its closed cell structure. Cedar also does not absorb water allowing mold or fungus to grow inside logs.  

Cedar wood is extremely durable and holds up well to outdoor weather conditions. 

If your EPDM rubber roof is properly installed it should be able to withstand any water without absorbing however you should drain an excessive water from the roof. 

You should leave your vents open in the winter and DO NOT COVER THEM! During the winter months the roof ventilation works to try to keep temperatures even. Closing your vents will make the space too warm and dry. 

Soffits and gutters can be some of the most difficult areas of your home to keep clean. However, you can use a pressure washer to clean these hard-to-reach areas. 

Synthetic underlayment lasts longer than traditional roofing felt which does make it a better investment. 

The dark streaks are a type of algae that lives off the minerals in some types of roof shingles. Algeo thrives most in moisture. Algae do not damage your roof it just does not look the nicest. You can get rid of it using a pump sprayer to wet the roof down with a mix of one part bleach to two parts water. 

Yes, flat roofs should in most cases have gutters as well. They can clog easily though. There is another drainage system for flat roofing that is called scuppers. Also, some flat roofs use an interior drainage system. 

You want to make sure that you install each part properly and that does include installing everything in the right order. Before installing gutters, you should first install the facia board, followed by the soffits. 

The short answer is it depends. You do not want to cut the ridge vents all the way to the edge, but you can install vent caps all the way to the edge to make it more aesthetically pleasing. 

Soffit is used to enclose the underside of the eaves. 

Tin Roofing. The old tin roofing was typically installed on sheds, barns or factories. 

Static roof vents are also known as roof louvers, and they are designed to fit into the highest peaks of the roof and rely on wind to function. 

Cedar roofing is naturally insulating. It does provide up to twice the insulation amount as asphalt shingles. With a cedar roof you will be able to conserve heating and cooling which will result in savings on your energy bills. 

1. Vinyl Siding

2. Insulated Vinyl Siding

3. LP Smart Side

4. Hardie Board Siding 

5. Everlast Composite Siding

6. Natural Wood Siding

7. Manufactured Wood Siding

8. Metal Siding

9. Fiber Cement Siding

10. Brick

11. Stone Veneer Siding

• Affordability
• Noisiness
• Expansion & Contraction 
• Inconsistency in color match

Rafter Tails. Rafter tails are the bottom end of the rafters. 

-Roof Leaks- This is one of the most common roof issues that homeowners face. 

-Standing Water

-Damaged Shingles

-Shrinkage

-Clogged Gutters

-Storm Damage

- Asphalt Shingles. This is the most common residential roofing material used in the United States. They are economical and easy to install. 

-Metal Roofing- both Corrugated and Standing Seam

-Rubber Roofing- Used mostly on flat roofs. 

-Slate Roofing

-Wood Shakes & Cedar Shingles

-Ceramic Roof Tiles

Pros:

1. Long lasting, low maintenance looks good.
2. Environmentally friendly. 
3. Roof damage is easy to repair. 

Cons: 

1. Installation on your roof may not be simple. 
2. Damage can happen. 
3. Finding the right trained & certified installer. 

Finding skilled workers and recruitment, Tools to improve efficiency, Training and certification as well as easier product installation. 

A roof valley is formed where two roof slopes meet. Water collects in a valley to flow off the roof. Your choice of valley installation method is critical because when improperly installed, valleys are at risk of serious leaks. 

1. Properly ventilate your attic to help avoid interior water damage from condensation. 

2. Keep the roof clean and free of debris like branches and leaves. 

3. Increase the pitch of your roof to allow it to shed water faster. 

4. Replace any cracked or curling shingles. 

EPDM happens to be incredibly durable however it can still suffer from punctures caused by weather damage, falling tree branches or animals. 

Leaking gutters can cause the soffit and fascia to be constantly exposed to water. This can cause freeze/thaw damage in the winter months. Flowing water can also knock soffit loose and dislodge fascia boards. 

The biggest reason for a roof to fail is lack of roof maintenance. Roofing is typically built to last for decades however weather condition and minor leaking left unresolved can cause the roofing system to fail. 

The most common cause of soffit damage is water and sun exposure. When soffit is exposed to these elements for long periods, soffit and fascia boards may end up rotting. 

A black metal roof will make your roof hotter. When you live in a hot climate a black metal roof will in fact make your roof hotter than a lighter colored metal roof. 

Any lighter color metal roof will fade the least amount over time. Tans, whites & grays will fade less over time vs a black or red metal roof. 

Water damage is the most common. Followed by wind, rain and snow. 

Make sure to take photos and videos of the damage. File an insurance claim and then contact a roofing contractor for repair and or replacement options. 

Rubber Roofing is made of rubber and or plastic polymers. Materials are eco-friendly, made from slate dust, sawdust and recycled tires. Rubber Roofing is used to produce more impenetrable sealing and reduce leaking. Single-ply synthetic membrane roofing is strong, pliant and waterproof. 

A clogged vent will not allow air through and into the pipes, so that water will remain stagnant in the plumbing system. 

If you have no soffit venting, the ridge vent has no option to pull air from the other side of the ridge vent. 

One of the biggest limitations of rubber roofing is its poor resistance to the following: hydrocarbons, fats, oils & grease. Contact with these substances can cause swelling, softening or even complete dissolution of the rubber which will result in either partial or complete failure of the roofing system. 

A Ramada, which is a temporary or permanent shelter equipped with a roof but no walls, or only partially enclosed. these are usually found in the Southerwestern states. 

A TPO roof is a single-ply roofing which was introduced in the 90's. It is composed of 3 layers.

Not all soffit board sizes are the same, but the width of most soffit is in the range of 16 inches to 24 inches. 

EPDM is also known as rubber roofing. 

EPDM stands for: ethylene propylene diene monomer.

As far as performance there is not much difference between the two however an architectural shingle has a little extra ply on it which provide more resistance to wind when properly nailed and installed. 

Roof flashing is a flat thin material used to prevent water from entering the openings and cracks of a roof. It is placed underneath the shingles of your roof and redirects the water to another location. Roof flashing is made from metals such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel and galvanized steel. 

The average lifespan of a metal roof is around 50-70 years when properly installed and maintained. 

Eaves. The eaves of a roof are the lowest horizontal edge. 

Silicone Roof coating is the best and preferred choice. It provides UV protection as well as resistance to ponding water. 

The best roofing material for shedding snow is metal. Metal has very little resistance. The sun will warm up the roof panels and it will slide right off the roof. 

Metal Roofs really are the perfect solution to all kinds of climates. Hot, cold, wet or dry. 

Linseed Oil. This is the most popular for woodworkers. 

Aluminum is the most common and popular. It is easy for roofers to install and also pretty lightweight. 

Metal Roofing. A metal roof is able to withstand winds up to 160 mph, therefore it is the most wind-resistant option. 

Your roofer should always lay down ice & water shield over the entire roof deck. The valleys should then be covered with metal flashing or weaving. It is also recommended that there are two layers of ice & water shield installed on the lower section of the roof, along the eaves, around chimneys and beside dormers. This will help prevent leaking. 

Fascia. It is fixed along the rafter ends at the eaves and closes the gaps between each rafter. 

Asphalt Shingles are the most budget friendly option to replace a roof. 

An exterior soffit is located on the span beneath the rafter tails, and the fascia is the exposed horizontal band you see at the end of the rafters. 

Factors other than pitch have a greater effect on shingle durability. The side facing the worst weather is usually fares worse than the side that does not face extreme weather. Also, a roofing system that is not properly ventilated allows heat to build up beneath the roofing which creates a shorter roof life verses one that is properly ventilated. 

The minimum life expectancy is about 30 years however with proper maintenance it can last 50 years or more. 

If it is installed correctly, you can expect your rubber roof to last upwards of 50 years. 

The main purpose of flashing is to waterproof the perimeter and protrusions of the roofing system. Flashing is used to direct water away from any seams, joints or cracks and keep water from entering the home. 

The area around the curb of the roof is the most common area. There should be flashing installed around the curb. 

Steel. Steel is the most used material, which makes it less expensive and more affordable as a metal roofing option for residential homeowner projects as well as commercial building projects. 

A Metal. Metal soffit can be made of sheet metal or a durable steel, with steel panels being the most common. 

Felt Paper is the most common type of underlayment for roofing used in the residential realm. 

Soffit vents are usually a favorite amongst new home builders because they are the most effective for the cost. 

Metal roofing is the most efficient type of roofing. They are the most efficient for residential homes and last as long as 50 years. 

The most energy efficient metal roofing is cool-metal roofing. It has a highly reflective coating that uses cool pigment in the paint to increase solar reflectance which will lower the surface temperature. 

Corrugated galvanized steel is one of the strongest roofing materials. This material is super durable and lasts a long time. 

Shingles are the weakest part of a roof. they do offer great protection, but they are prone to curling. 

EPDM rubber can be installed on a few different surfaces however it does work best when it adheres to decking such as roofing grade plywood or OSB.

Soffits protect your roofs underlying structure from the elements. 

How old is my roof?

What materials did the builders use on my roof? 

Is my ventilation, ok?

Are there any alarming issues that you see that I should have addressed? 

- Wood Shakes & Shingles: 15-20 Years

-Asphalt Shingles: 10-30 Years

-Slate: 50+ Years

-Tile & Concrete: 50+Years

-Foam: 25+Years

-Build-Up Roofs: 25-30 Years

-Single-Ply: 30+ Years

Moss holds moisture against the shingles and will ultimately shorten their life span. If your shingles are in good shape, you can make a 50-50 mixture of bleach and water and spray it onto the roof, wait 15 minutes after you have saturated it, and then rinse it clean. You should complete this process from the ground because wetting the moss-covered roof will create a very slippery roof surface. In the event that your shingles are not in the best condition, it would be best to have the roof replaced. 

Manufactures recommend the temp be at 45 degrees or higher for installation. 

There are three types of venting in your home. Venting for air supply, return air and exhaust air. 

1. Do you offer a workmanship warranty along with the manufactures warranty? If so, how long is it?

2. Will the roof flashings be replaced? i.e.: Step Flashings, Counter Flashings & Chimney Flashings. 

3. What type of underlayment are you using?

4. Are you licensed and insured? (Have them provide a COI)

There are two types of metal roofing which are Standing Seam Metal Roofing and screw down panels. Both metal roofing options are durable, but Standing Seam Metal Roofing is always the best choice for residential roofing. 

Tile roofing is very low maintenance. They just do not require the same amount of upkeep as other types of roofing. 

Any roof that has a significant overhang will direct water away from the house regardless which would mean that your home is less likely to need gutters. 

PVS and TPO roofing are the two most common roofing systems used on commercial buildings. 

Organic roofs. They can deteriorate quickly due to weathering action. 

Slate. Slate was rated by the Nation Association of Home Builders as the longest lasting roofing product. 

Vented Soffit is almost always the best option because it improves air circulation in the attic which will help with moisture buildup. When the attic is not properly ventilated it can lead to things like mold and higher energy bills. 

Spring and Fall are typically the best times to clean out your gutters to ensure that they are free of leaves and debris. You can also look into some gutter protection such as a gutter guard or screening to prevent debris and leaves from collecting. 

Soffit can be non-vented to allow for maximum roof ventilation. Non-vented or continuous soffit works best when your roof has narrow eaves or if you need to ventilate a large amount of attic space. 

Aluminum soffit provides a better value overall. Factoring in the cost comparison, aesthetic quality, longevity and durability of the two materials. 

Ridge vents have a few advantages over gable vents. they provide better ventilation and are less likely to cause leaks. One of the main disadvantages is that they are more expense and are harder to install than gable vents. 

Asphalt rolled roofing has the shortest life expectancy. 

Depends on your needs. Both the EPDM and TPO roofs last longer if they are thicker. TPO tends to me more on the expensive side whereas EPDM are a more economical choice. 

Metal Roofing uses static ventilation which promotes natural airflow. 

The term "soffit" originates from a combination of a French word meaning "formed as a ceiling" and a Latin word for "to fix underneath."

Scratches & Punctures. Debris from falling trees and snow can scuff your standing seam metal roof and these issues can affect the durability of your roof. 

Typically roof flashing will fail due to poor installation or extreme fluctuations in temperature. 

Felt paper is used in most roofing and acts as a release between the roof deck and shingles. A long time ago it was used because sap would come out of the wood decking and cause the backside of the shingles to deteriorate, this is no longer a problem for roofing. 

Felt paper also offers light weight protection in the event that you have a shingle crack or blow off. It does have some protection to it which will resist water for a little. 

Felt paper is typically used in most roofing as a release between the two materials, wood, and asphalt. It also provided some lightweight protection in the event that a shingle would blow off. 

No, the bubbles in the rubber roof will not go away. They may shrink up, but the constant heating and cooling of the roof will cause more issues the longer it remains in the roof and not repaired. 

Snow & ice will typically slide right off a metal roof. It is recommended that a metal roof have snow guards installed to slow down the speed of falling snow & ice and help prevent injury.