In countries, that experiences extreme temperatures, ventilation must be considered when thinking about new roofing replacement. Ventilation is important to maintain the integrity of the roof. Extreme high temperatures will increase energy consumption because air-conditioning systems tends to work twice to meet the cooling setting. On the other hand, ventilation is also important on cold temperatures because moisture will damage wood and metal components in a roof. In more extreme conditions, ice will accumulate on the roof, which will significantly damage the entire roofing material. For this reason, any house built today is encouraged to place any type of ventilation system. This way, modern houses are assured that roofing material’s life span will be extended. Roof contractors are very helpful to attach ventilation system to the roof. However, there are myths concerning roof ventilation that most people find disturbing. Let us go over some of these myths.

Roofing replacement myths

More vents are better – When homeowner think about installing new roofing replacement for old roofs, almost all of them will think that the more vents installed, the better is the ventilation. Just like any other roofing accessory, having the right number of vents is essential for optimum benefits. Too much vents will more or less do the opposite. For instance, in cold season, too much ventilation will allow cold air to enter and creates moisture. On the other hand, air conditioning system inside the house will be sucked up by the vents making them work harder. Ideally, there is a right number of vents depending on the size and width of the roof. In every three hundred square feet of roofing space, it will require one vent.

Ventilation is only beneficial during hot climates – Some people may think that hot air will be vented out during the summer, which leads to a relaxed and cool living space. However, when using air conditioning systems, the cool air will be vented out by the vents. This will in return increase the workload of the air-conditioning systems. Vents are also important during the winter because it keeps moisture away. The benefits of vents during the winter are much better than the benefits it provides during the summer.

Best ventilation systems are those run with electricity – This may be partly true since exhaust fans effectively create a negative air pressure in the room, which allows cold air outside to be sucked inside. However, on larger scale, exhaust fans may not be as effective as it is. Mechanical ventilations are better because hot air rises and escapes through the vent. The continuous rotating motion of mechanical vents will continues to allow hot air to escape and cool air to come in. this is very effective for larger areas because it has higher amount of hot hair rising.

Having the right vents on your new roofing replacement will remarkably offer the best result when it comes to ventilation. To have the best type of vents installed on your roofing replacement, hire a group of experts that can assess and calculate the number of vents that you need for your new roofing replacement.

2nd part

Read here 1st part: ASPHALT ROOFING SHINGLES: INSIDER TIPS (1)

Exposure to rain

It seems oxymoron to recommend protection of asphalt shingles from rain, doesn’t it?

It is surprising but asphalt shingles depend on the roof slope to bring off their mission with success!!

If asphalt shingles lay flat (zero slope), the water will permeate the asphaltic mass and cause problems exactly as with every porous material.

Exposure to freezing temperatures

Exposure of asphalt shingles to freezing conditions will induce cracking if installation is made under cold temperatures.

Of course shingles will be more prone to cracking if they need to be bent (ridges etc.).

Poor storage conditions: many pallets stacked atop one another

Some manufacturers recommend two pallets high shingle stacks. Others only one.

The thing is that many suppliers due to lack of storage room, store asphalt shingles in 3,4 or 5 pallets high shingle stacks.

This is totally unacceptable, especially when they don’t use plywood panels to separate the pallets.

The weight is excessive and considerable deformations/distortions may occur. These distortions will be dramatic if pallets are stocked outdoors.

When you buy this deformed shingles, it’s nearly impossible to achieve a nice, flat appearance on your roof. Deformations will be apparent if not conspicuous and the phenomenon will be rather irreversible.

It is also probable that some self sealing strips will not be activated due to lack of contact.

In case of high temperatures the shingles will stick to each other, becoming thus unsuitable for use.

TIP no 2

Check the age of shingles

As we have already remarked asphalt shingles age while stored.

Organized suppliers rotate the stock and they don’t keep shingles for more than one year. One year is – let’s say – a safety margin for the use of shingles. If they are stocked for a biggest time span their quality is compromised. This compromisation could be severe depending on the storage conditions.

Check the adhesive label or the imprint on the bundle wrapper and you will find the production date. Asphalt shingles should be preferably used within 12 months from the production date.

However, if the storage conditions are impeccable, this time span could reach 24 months, which is very important for all non moving items (special colors and shapes).

TIP no 3

Beware of color variations

Asphalt shingles from different lots have usually distinguishable color variations (shadings).

This is despite the improved blending procedures that many manufactures use for the blending of different nuance granules.

If you have a big project, make sure that you buy asphalt shingles from the same lot. Make this crystal clear to your supplier that you won’t tolerate shadings especially if your project is of great aesthetical importance and highly visible.

Another thing you have to do is to check if there is enough stock to cover your needs in case of unforeseen events.

A prudent action is to buy some bundles more and keep them for future interventions.

It is most probable that you won’t find supplementary material when you will need it and this may be for a thousand reasons.

End of 2nd and last part

Chris Strogilis

Civ. Eng. – MBA – DipM

http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com/

2nd part

Read here 1st part: ASPHALT ROOFING SHINGLES: INSIDER TIPS (1)

Exposure to rain

It seems oxymoron to recommend protection of asphalt shingles from rain, doesn’t it?

It is surprising but asphalt shingles depend on the roof slope to bring off their mission with success!!

If asphalt shingles lay flat (zero slope), the water will permeate the asphaltic mass and cause problems exactly as with every porous material.

Exposure to freezing temperatures

Exposure of asphalt shingles to freezing conditions will induce cracking if installation is made under cold temperatures.

Of course shingles will be more prone to cracking if they need to be bent (ridges etc.).

Poor storage conditions: many pallets stacked atop one another

Some manufacturers recommend two pallets high shingle stacks. Others only one.

The thing is that many suppliers due to lack of storage room, store asphalt shingles in 3,4 or 5 pallets high shingle stacks.

This is totally unacceptable, especially when they don’t use plywood panels to separate the pallets.

The weight is excessive and considerable deformations/distortions may occur. These distortions will be dramatic if pallets are stocked outdoors.

When you buy this deformed shingles, it’s nearly impossible to achieve a nice, flat appearance on your roof. Deformations will be apparent if not conspicuous and the phenomenon will be rather irreversible.

It is also probable that some self sealing strips will not be activated due to lack of contact.

In case of high temperatures the shingles will stick to each other, becoming thus unsuitable for use.

TIP no 2

Check the age of shingles

As we have already remarked asphalt shingles age while stored.

Organized suppliers rotate the stock and they don’t keep shingles for more than one year. One year is – let’s say – a safety margin for the use of shingles. If they are stocked for a biggest time span their quality is compromised. This compromisation could be severe depending on the storage conditions.

Check the adhesive label or the imprint on the bundle wrapper and you will find the production date. Asphalt shingles should be preferably used within 12 months from the production date.

However, if the storage conditions are impeccable, this time span could reach 24 months, which is very important for all non moving items (special colors and shapes).

TIP no 3

Beware of color variations

Asphalt shingles from different lots have usually distinguishable color variations (shadings).

This is despite the improved blending procedures that many manufactures use for the blending of different nuance granules.

If you have a big project, make sure that you buy asphalt shingles from the same lot. Make this crystal clear to your supplier that you won’t tolerate shadings especially if your project is of great aesthetical importance and highly visible.

Another thing you have to do is to check if there is enough stock to cover your needs in case of unforeseen events.

A prudent action is to buy some bundles more and keep them for future interventions.

It is most probable that you won’t find supplementary material when you will need it and this may be for a thousand reasons.

End of 2nd and last part

Chris Strogilis

Civ. Eng. – MBA – DipM

http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com/