The Pros And Cons Of Tearing Off A Roof

New roofing projects can be time consuming and expensive. The materials, labor, and time can really add up. Naturally, any customer will seek to save money anywhere possible. This may cause a customer to want to avoid tearing off the roof before replacing it with the new one. However, is this a good idea? What are the pros and cons of tearing off a roof?

Tearing off the old roof before replacing it with a new one is almost always recommended. Any wood underneath the old roof that has rotted out can be seen and dealt with, the new roof will be much flatter and more uniform, and any old flashing that may need replacement can be replaced. Additionally, the structure may only be able to withstand the weight of one roof, and not tearing off the old roof could cause damage.

In all reality, the only times someone may decide not to tear off the old roof is when they are either flipping the home and will not be around when the roof needs replacement or when they must absolutely need to save money. Otherwise, the old roof should always be replaced.

Storm Drainage and Flat Roofs

A primary concern of owners of commercial buildings with flat roofs is storm drainage. Water that pools on a roof instead of draining can lead to mold growth, leaks, and even dry rot. Fortunately, if your flat roof has standing water, there are a few things you can do to fix your roof’s drainage system.

One solution to solve the problem of standing water is to integrate interior drains into your roof. These drains are installed near the center of your roof and are made up of pipes that direct the water to the exterior of the building. Precautions are also taken to ensure leaves, dirt, and other debris do not clog the drainage system. This is the best way to solve your drainage issue, but these systems can be expensive.

Gutters should always be installed on a roof. While they do not help with standing water that is left behind after a storm, they significantly aid in drainage during a storm and will help protect the foundation of your building.

Scuppers essentially are spouts that redirect water to a downspout and away from the roof. They act as funnels and can aid in the drainage of a flat roof. However, these are not integrated into the middle of the roof, so standing water can still occur.

Keeping Your Wood Shake Roof in Tip-Top Shape

The natural aesthetic of wood shake roofs has resulted in an increase in popularity among homeowners. Not only do they look great and provide good functionality, but they can also add curb appeal and even value to your home. However, due to their nature, they can be difficult to maintain. So, here are a few tips to keep your wood shake roof looking great.

Making sure the sun can reach your wood shake roof is critical. Shade over your roof will mean your roof will not be able to dry out completely after it rains. Since wood shakes are organic, mold and moss can grow quickly in this environment and can cause severe damage to your home and health. Furthermore, if there are overhanging tree limbs, they could break off during a storm and cause damage.

Not only can shade lead to mold and moss growth, but leaves and sticks can lead to mold and moss growth as well. Regularly clear your roof of debris, taking good care to clean out the crevices in your wood shakes where dirt and other debris can easily collect. Taking a hose and a brush on your roof makes this job easier. One other recommended action would be to use a sealant on your roof.

If you are uncomfortable working at heights or are unsure how to maintain your roof, contact a professional and they will be able to help.

Tearing off a Shake Roof

Shake roofs can really make a home stand out and give it some extra curb appeal. They are typically made of cedar, and since they are made of wood, they are completely natural and environmentally-friendly. While they are durable, they can encounter damage and wear over time that will need to be replaced. This is where a tear-off must take place and is easier said than done.

Tearing off shake roofs can be more difficult than tearing off other roof styles, such as asphalt shingle. Wood shakes are typically installed and attached to skip sheathing, rather than plywood decking. This makes the job of uninstalling the shingles more precarious, and should be done by a professional since it is a dangerous job. Using a crowbar or other device, the shingles are pried off and thrown into a dumpster. A tarp should be placed near the dumpster to catch any falling debris and make clean-up easier. Once the roof has been pried off, the new shakes can be installed.

More Roofing Terms

Previously, we have pointed out some unique terms that roofers use that apply directly to roofing. Understanding these terms will help you the next time you are working with a roofer so you will know what they mean when they reference specific items. Here are a few more terms that roofers use:

Asphalt felt:
Roofing felt that has been soaked or covered in asphalt

Buckling:
When a roof membrane, typically the decking, is forced out of place, causing an upward jutting of the decking or other membrane

Bundle:
Bundles hold large amounts of wood shakes or asphalt shingles. A bundle is essentially a package of shingles

Galvanize:
To coat another metal material with zinc

Field of the Roof:
The main section of the roof that excludes the perimeter of the roof and the flashing

Self-Drilling Screw:
These drill and tap their own holes

Soffit:
An enclosed area on the underside of an overhanging section of the roof eave

Cohesion:
When a material bonds to itself

CCF:
Refers to an area of 100 cubic feet

If you have any questions regarding our roofing information, you can contact us at 918-404-5996.

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