Roofing FAQ

Start Fresh – Install a New Roof

Installing a roof system without removing the old system is not recommended.

Water can infiltrate the old system without being apparent, causing interiors leaks. The moisture can also prematurely age your new roof, cause blisters or defects in the new membrane, and cause interior damage. The insulation of the old roof could be deteriorated or moist which will reduce the R-value of your roof system and can increase heating and cooling costs for the facility.

Proper Flat Roof Maintenance

The life span of a roofing system can be extended with proper maintenance. It is important to make sure all membranes, sealant, caulking, flashings, and penetrations are in good condition and to fix any problem before they begin to leak.

Regular Inspections & Maintenance Programs

Preventative maintenance programs can prevent small deficiencies from growing into costly leaks, interior damage, and early replacement. Proactive annual or semi annual inspections can catch small deficiencies, control a roofing budget, and lower overall roofing costs while extending your roof systems life.

For more information on the roof maintenance services offered by Godfrey Roofing Inc, please visit the Preventative Maintenance services page.

Sloping A Flat Roof

Sloping should be implemented if the structure causes the roof to pond water for an extended period of time. Water which evaporates within 48 to 72 hours is acceptable.

If standing water occurs for a prolonged period of time and additional drainage is not an option the roof should be sloped. Drainage should be added and all drains should be sumped when possible. Certain roofing system warranties require sloping.

New Roof on Top of Old Shingles

You should never install new shingles over the old shingle roof system.

Your roof system will not be eligible for a warranty if you do not remove the existing shingle roof system before installing the new system. Installing over the old shingles can also cause unusual shapes to form in your new roof system and the roof system will not look smooth and level.

Rot, Moisture, and Accelerated Roof Aging

If the old roof system is not removed it will not be possible to inspect the plywood deck sheathing for rot or deterioration that can become a much larger problem in the future. Moisture from the previous roof system can be trapped under the new system and the increased surface temperatures from having two layers of shingles can accelerate roof aging.

Is It Possible To Use Different Types of Roofing Vents?

No. Proper ventilation of a roof system occurs when the soffit area at the bottom of an attic pulls air inwards and the roof vents in the top of the attic space release air for complete attic air transfer. When using multiple types of roof vents a stronger roof vent can cause a weaker roof vent to become an intake. The weaker vent can begin to pull outside air inwards rather than release air from the attic space and can result in a reduction in air transfer.

Roof Ice & Water Membrane

The purpose of ice and water underlayment is to stop water from passing through the roof system into a home. Ice and water membrane is needed most to address ice damming issues during the winter.

Roof Ice Damming

Ice can build up on a roof slope, usually at the unheated area at the eaves, forming an ice dam that prevents water from draining off the roof. In turn, this water can creep up under the shingles causing a roof leak. Ice and water membrane must be installed far enough up the slope to cover the first few feet of heated space.

Installing Membrane Underlayment

Ice and water membrane should be installed at least six feet up the slope of the roof from the eaves, 6 feet wide in all valley areas, and around any heat source such as a skylight, chimneystack or flange. Ice and water membrane is a good investment and strongly recommended on roof rafters longer than twenty-five feet, on roof pitches below 4/12, and above cathedral ceilings.

Streaks or Discoloration on Roof

Approximately five years after installation roofs can begin to show signs of dark streaks. The dark streaks usually appear on the north-facing slope of the roof and are mistaken for dirt or granule loss. These streaks are commonly caused by algae growth that is prominent in areas of the roof that receive less sunlight.

Moisture & Algae

Roof slopes that are shaded or receive little sunlight will hold moisture for a longer period of time which can result in algae growth. The discoloration or streaking is an aesthetic concern and does not affect the life of the roof system or its waterproofing characteristics.

Zinc strips can be added to a ridge of a roof to prevent algae from forming. Various solutions can be used to remove algae growth, although this is a temporary solution, as it will grow back.

Use Caution When Cleaning

It is important to use extreme care when attempting to remove discoloration as many harsh treatments or power washing can harm your roof system and result in granule loss.

Accelerated Wear on One Side of a Roof

The southern slope of a roof will typically wear faster than the other roof slopes as it receives the most sun exposure. Over the life of a roof system UV rays will slowly break down the roofing material.

Water Dripping Down Between Roof Shingles & Gutter Water Drip

The most common cause as to why water is dripping behind a gutter system is because there is no drip edge installed.

Drip edge is a key component to any roof system. Drip edge is a metal flashing installed under the first row of shingles on a roof slope. Drip edge has a projecting lip which directs the flow of water into the gutter system.

Drip edge should be installed on the lower eave of your roofing system underneath the ice and water shield. The drip edge also provides an extra bonding edge for the ice and water membrane to adhere to.

Residential Roofing – No Deposit Required

We do not require a deposit and no payments are made until the project is complete.

Buyer Beware

Established companies with a strong financial backing in most cases do not require a deposit. Deposits are common in the roofing industry, be wary of any company requesting more than 1/3 of the project cost.

Removing Roofing Garbage

Godfrey Roofing Inc. usually uses trailers for garbage removal on residential roof replacement projects. The rubber tires on our trailers do not mark or damage driveways (large roll off bins used for waste removal can mark and cause damage to a driveway – we do not use these!).