ROOFING & SIDING

Commercial / Industrial / Residential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is algae staining? How do you prevent it?
Algae staining consist of those dark streaks creeping down the shingles that can continue to get larger and larger over time. Eventually sometimes within five years the algae will cause the entire roof surface to look muddy.

Algae stains can be prevented for a time through not permanently in all cases, by intruding a certain minimum zinc or copper oxide coating the granules that adhere to the shingle surface. ( Algae resistance shingle) Zinc stripes along the ridge line of a roof will also help in slowing down the grow of algae. This can be seen by looking at any house with galvanized stacks or flashings. The shingles directly below will be brighter in color.

What causes moss and how do you prevent it?
Moss, lichen and algae grow actively in wet weather. You’ll find fungi on rooftops, decks, lawns, walkways and shady sides of outdoor structures. Trees produce sap and that drops onto the roof when in close proximity to the home. Tree sap contains nutrients and sugars that help in growth. Tree shade and moisture and inhibited air flow across a roof all create a perfect environment for Moss, Algae and Lichen growth.

Again zinc strips galvanized flashings along ridge lines will help prevent growth.

Any branches over hanging a roof should be trimmed.

How do I remove moss?
• Scrape away as much moss as possible. A power washer works to remove moss, lichen and algae.
BE CAREFUL with tools, as they can damage your roof as well as remove the moss.

• Keep all organic debris such as leaves and branches off your roof, deck or patio.

• Remove branches that overhang your roof to allow direct sun light and good airflow to the roof.

• Use a commercial moss remover. These are best applied during dry spells.

How soon will a new roof show aging?
When a new roof is installed research indicates that aging begins soon after. Initially, aging is rapid during the curing phase of the life cycle. During this stage, granule loss may occur, small blisters may develop or the shingles may curl slightly at their edges. You may even notice that this curling is more pronounced during cold weather and the shingles lie flat as temperatures rise. The good news, however is that after the curing stage the shingles enter a long period of slow aging, which lasts for the major portion of the shingles’ natural life.

When can you roof over an existing roof?
Local and state building codes must be observed. Check with local code enforcement officials for up-to-date regulations.

• No more than one layer of shingles may be placed over an existing roof deck.

• After careful inspection, the roof deck must be found to be strong and to provide a good nailing base.

• The contractor must be certain all roof system components, especially flashing and valleys, can be properly repaired or adapted to the roof-over installation.

• Make sure that manufacturer’s instructions do not prohibit roof-over installations..

When do I need plywood and what thickness is necessary?
• Anytime shingles are removed to the plywood deck and deterioration is found the bad section should be removed and replaced with the same thickness.

• When existing wood shake is removed and roof boards are exposed, it must be covered with plywood.

• Older homes with uneven rough-cut lumber decks should be covered with plywood. This will allow the shingles to lie flat and provide a good nailing surface with no voids.

• All plywood is rated for rafter and floor deck spacing according to APA standards. For example, 3/8 plywood has a APA rating of 24/16, which means 24-inch centers for roofing and 16-inch centers for floor decking.