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More Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Shake Roofs Last?

Shake roofing is a very popular style of roofing that has only grown in popularity. They create a unique rustic aesthetic that homeowners desire, and they provide great protection and durability. But what separates a shake roof from the rest, and how long do they last?

Shake roofs are extremely unique compared to other roofing choices. They are made from wood (typically cedar), so they are environmentally-friendly, and are a good choice for anyone who want to be mindful of the environment and want a natural looking roof. They also have a rustic look that is only made available through wood.

The downside is that shake roofs have to be maintained regularly to perform properly. They must be inspected multiple timed a year, and they can be a hassle to clean. Leaves, dirt, and sticks can collect in the cracks of the roof, making them hard to clean. A conscientious examination of the roof must be done to find where debris has settled and it should be carefully removed. Fortunately, if a shake roof has been properly maintained, it can last up to 30 years.

Hoe Does Drip Edge Help Your Roof?

Not every roofer offers drip edge (it is not required by municipal code in many areas), but it can really make a difference in improving your roof. It does its best work during severe storms and is ideal for those leaving in areas prone to storms. Here are a few of the ways drip edge can help your roof.

Drip edge is designed to keep water from coming in contact with the fascia, which will prevent dry rot and other water damage over time.

Small animals and other pests can enter your home and attic near the bottom of the roof where there is a gap between the decking and fascia. Drip edge seals this gap and keeps pests out of your home during the winter.

It provides support to keep fascia and deck boards from moving around.

Sometimes the edge of the decking can get wet during high winds and heavy rains. Drip edge keeps this water out and keeps your decking dry.

In cold climates, ice dams can easily form during the winter, especially when a home has poor ventilation. Drip edge adds an extra layer of protection at the bottom of your roof to protect against ice dams.

It helps direct water away from your home like your gutters. This prevents erosion in the home’s foundation that can form over time.

Ultimately, these functions of drip edge will lengthen the life of your roof, improve its performance, and create a better living environment.

How Many Layers of Roofing are On My House?

When purchasing a home, a peculiar-looking roof will probably lead you to ask questions. When was it installed? What materials were used in the installation? How many layers were used? These are all important questions to ask, and you should make sure you are provided answers before purchasing a home. The date of installation and the materials used in the roofing project can be found out by contacting the roofer who completed the job, but you can find out the number of layers on your roof on your own.

There are a couple of things to look for to find out how many layers of roofing there on a house. You can potentially see if the roof has multiple layers of shingles by observing it from the ground. The roof may have a wavy appearance, and even more so around vents, flues, and skylights.

You can also observe the edge of the roof. Climb a ladder and look at the very edge of the roof where the shingles terminate. If you can see four layers of shingles rather than two, the roof was roofed over. A roof with too many layers of shingles can wear down over time due to weight and, in many cases, is not up to code.

How Steep Does a Roof Have to be to Put Asphalt Shingles On?

The most common roof in use today is the asphalt shingle roof. It is typically seen on residential buildings, which usually have a moderate pitch of about 4:12. Flat roofs are usually composed of tar and gravel, EPDM membrane, or modified bitumen. These roofs will have pitches in the range of 0 to 2:12. Since asphalt shingling is in high demand, what pitch is required of a roof to qualify for asphalt shingles, and why?

Typically, a roof must have a pitch of at least 2:12 to qualify for asphalt shingles. This means that for every 2 inches that a roof rises, it will have 12 inches of “run.” Why is this required?

The simple answer is gravity. Roofs with steeper pitches will drain water much faster and easier as they approach a vertical pitch. As the roof flattens out, water will have a tendency to drain more slowly. Asphalt shingles create crevices and bumps that water must pass over to drain. A roof with a flat pitch may not be able to drain all of this water, which can lead to roof leaks, dry rot, and bacteria buildup.

Is Valley Metal Necessary?


If you have not noticed, there are valleys in your roof. A valley may sound ominous, but it really is just where two sloped parts of the roof are joined. Roof valleys are extremely important, as they aid in roof drainage by channeling water from the roof to the gutters. Many roofs install a metal sheet in the valley of the roof, but is it necessary?

The most common metal used in valleys is galvanized sheet metal. The galvanization keeps the metal from corroding and it is also very lightweight. A roof valley with galvanized sheet metal installed is called an open valley. On the flip side, a closed valley is used when there is no metal installed in the valley and shingles or tiles are used instead. Closed valleys provide a superior look to open valleys, but they do not seal the valley quite as well. Improper installation can easily result in leaks.

In today’s day and age, valley metal is not necessary. Today’s technology means you can put confidence in both open valleys and closed valleys. A roofer will be able to help you decide which is right for you, depending on the look you are going for and your budget.

If you have any further questions regarding our frequently asked questions, you can contact us at 918-404-5996.

Outdoor Creations Roofing is located at 1924 W Albany St, in Broken Arrow Oklahoma.

CONTACT OCR ROOFING

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outdoor creations roofing & solar

Outdoor Creations Roofing & Solar, LLC.
1924 W Albany St,
Broken Arrow, OK-74012

OK Roofing Reg. NO. 80005562

Call Us Today
Broken Arrow / Tulsa Metro
(918) 404-5996

MONDAY TO SATURDAY:
8:00AM - 7:00PM
SUNDAY: CLOSED