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Proper Attic Ventilation

Raynproof Roofing — 2012-03-15T15:47:08-07:00

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

For the vast majority of roof systems, attic ventilation is required by the four model building codes (BOCA National Building Code, Uniform Building Code, International Building Code, and Standard Building Code). Despite these code standards, attic ventilation is not a "one size ﬁts all" application. For example, in hot and humid climates, air intake can actually increase moisture problems in attics, or if you plan to build a very complex roof design, it many not be possible to ventilate every 'nook and cranny' of the attic. In fact, all of the model building codes allow for the design of vented and unvented roof systems (http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-102-understanding-attic-ventilation/). Because of the complexities with this issue, Raynproof Rooﬁng recommends you consult with a local building expert or contact your local building department before modifying your ventilation design.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

The National Housing Agency ﬁrst recognized the importance of attic ventilation in 1942. Since then, the amount of attic ventilation required by building codes has steadily increased. During summer months, attic ventilation can reduce excessive heat and humidity build-up, while in the winter, proper ventilation can reduce problems associated with condensation and ice dams. Proper attic ventilation also promotes energy savings by reducing air conditioning costs during the summer and maintaining insulation performance during the winter.

At the current time, the ratio of 1 square foot of net free ventilation for every 300 square feet of ﬂat attic area is the typical standard, with the stipulations that ventilation must be split evenly between intake and exhaust, and that the ceiling must have a properly installed vapor barrier that separates any 'conditioned' air space in the house from the unconditioned air space of the attic. For steeper roofs, or for roofs with more complex designs, sometimes the ratio of 1/150 is required.

Installation of Duradek

Raynproof Roofing — 2012-01-12T16:35:02-08:00

Duradek is another great product that we have installed on homes here in the Northwest.

Buying a new roof? Get your money's worth!

Raynproof Roofing — 2010-07-23T14:31:07-07:00

Here's a great resource for homeowners put out by the National Roofing Contractors Association. There's a lot of great advice for homeowners so we wanted to be sure to highlight it below:

Roof system components

All steep-slope roof systems (i.e., roofs with slopes of 25 percent or more) have five basic components:

Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or metal and underlayment that protect the sheathing from weather.
Sheathing: boards or sheet material that are fastened to roof rafters to cover a house or building.
Roof structure: rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.
Flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into a roof system's various joints and valleys to prevent water seepage.
Drainage: a roof system's design features, such as shape, slope and layout that affect its ability to shed water.

Choosing a roof system

There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one that balances these five considerations. The following roofing products commonly are used for steep-slope structures.

High wind warning leads to blown off shingles

Raynproof Roofing — 2010-04-02T14:23:16-07:00

Today's wind advisory for Seattle area is still in effect through 9pm tonight. With gusts of 45 to 55 mph, homeowners should be on the lookout for blown off shingles tomorrow. Be sure to check your roof tomorrow. Look in your yard for shingle fragments. These are all signs that you need to have your roof inspected and possibly repair or replaced.

Since we are entering the raining season now, don't procrastinate. Contact a reputable, professional roofing company so they can evaluate your roofs condition before it starts leaking.

If you live in the Seattle area or anywhere in King County, by all means, give Raynproof Roofing the opportunity to serve you in this way.

Manufactured homes targeted by roof scams

Raynproof Roofing — 2010-03-25T14:14:32-07:00

Here's another warning about roofing scams. This one is targeting mobile home parks.

The sheriff's office has tips for anyone having any work done on their home - manufactured or not:

If you have an existing warranty, contact the number on your paperwork to confirm that you are dealing with the company who holds the warranty.
Get multiple estimates.
Before signing anything, always ensure a state-licensed contractor is doing the work.
Verify licenser and check complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
Request the contractor's certificate of insurance for workers' compensation and general liability coverage.
NEVER give final payment until the work is complete.
Never let anyone you don't know come into your home to sign papers or use the restroom.
Conduct your business outside if you can.

Some things are best left to a professional roofer...

Raynproof Roofing — 2010-03-25T14:11:59-07:00

We found this video quite entertaining. Hope you enjoy it too!

Cheap roofing solutions aren't always the best choice! Choose a roofing contractor wisely.

Let Raynproof Roofing help you with your roofing needs. We love to roof!

Beware of roofing scams

Raynproof Roofing — 2010-03-19T14:04:34-07:00

It is so disappointing to us to read articles such as this recent one about an 89 year old gentleman being scammed by a father and son who never actually did the roofing work as contracted: Authorities Arrest a Father and Son in Roof Scam.

According to the authorities, Robbie Wharton Jr., 65 and his son, Robbie Wharton III, 34, are being accused of contractor fraud and theft over $500. They ripped off $4800 from an elderly man for a roof repair job that never got done.

Why you shouldn't choose the lowest bid

Raynproof Roofing — 2010-02-26T13:49:34-08:00

With today's economy there are a lot of "new" roofers competing out there for your business. New roofing companies are popping up left and right. The problem is most of them will not be in business 2-3 years from now. The dropout rate of failed roofing businesses is staggering. Do you really want to trust your roof to a company or individual who is not going to be around when you have trouble with your roof down the road?

Sure, you can save yourself a few bucks today by going with one of the new, inexperienced roofing companies. However, making that decision is a double-edge sword. Not only are you not getting someone who is going to stand behind the roof's warranty, but you are also almost guaranteeing yourself that you'll be back searching for a new roofing company in 5 years time. Why? Because you are choosing to accept lower quality workmanship and materials to save a buck today.

We won a certain service award again for 2009!

Raynproof Roofing — 2010-02-05T13:04:06-08:00

It's true that we've won another service award for the second time in 3 years. We are honored to accept this award that reflects our desire to be the best roofing company in the Greater Seattle area.

Why roof maintenance pays off

Raynproof Roofing — 2009-11-20T13:00:59-08:00

In this month's Roofing Contractor magazine (Nov. 2009), there is a great article about maintaining one's flat roof in a proactive versus reactive way. It even shows how being a reactive roof owner, that is, waiting to deal with one's roof after the problems have made their way INSIDE your house or building, can cost you nearly double AND shorten your roof life by almost half:

Get a tax credit on your new roof

Raynproof Roofing — 2009-10-23T12:57:24-07:00

Early in 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was enacted into federal law to try to stimulate the housing industry and the US economy in general. Included in the law is a tax credit of 30% of the roofing materials cost, up to a maximum of $1,500 (it does not include installation or labor costs). This tax credit is good in 2009 and 2010 to homeowners with existing homes if they choose to install Energy Star rated asphalt roofing products.

Recycle your roof

Raynproof Roofing — 2009-10-16T12:42:54-07:00

Did you know that your old asphalt roof shingles could help pave a road rather than take 300 years to decompose in a landfill? Chris King, editor of Roofing Contractor magazine, has a very informative article about "Recycling Asphalt Shingles" in the October issue.

"People talk about 'win-win' situations all the time, but a business that keeps asphalt shingles out of landfills and saves contractors money at the same time sounds like an ideal example."

This win-win solution is catching on across the US. There is even an upcoming forum being held in Chicago next month concerning this very promising solution.

Most roofs not at risk of collapse

Raynproof Roofing — 2008-12-22T12:21:03-08:00

Seattle PI article by Ruth Teichroeb (http://www.seattlepi.com/local/393225_collapse23.html)

Heavy snow that caused the collapse of a Marysville factory roof and a Bellevue skating tent has prompted some homeowners to worry about what's accumulating above them.

But local experts say most roofs will be fine, and the bigger threat to structures will occur when the melt begins.

Insulation upgrade will save you money!

Raynproof Roofing — 2008-10-24T12:01:58-07:00

Department of Energy studies have shown that upgraded attic insulation will typically pay for itself within 2 to 3 years thru increased energy savings. In fact, you can save up to 30% per year on your energy bills!

A great time to upgrade attic insulation is when Raynproof Roofing of Seattle is installing your new roof! Over the course of a few years, the cost of your roofing and insulation project will be offset by your increased energy savings. In addition, your roof will essentially be "paid for" through the energy savings you will experience over the life of the roof. So in essence, you will be receiving a free roof from Raynproof Roofing, as well as increased comfort during the winter and summer months!!

Vinyl Siding: the good, the bad, and the ugly

Raynproof Roofing — 2008-02-22T10:28:41-08:00

Vinyl siding as been around since the 1960s, and it is growing in popularity each year. It was originally designed to be a re-cover siding, intended to be installed over the top of an existing water-tight siding material as a means of quickly enhancing the exterior of a house. Unfortunately, the easy application and relatively low cost enticed builders into using this material as a primary waterproofing material. At this time, nearly 30% of new homes now have vinyl siding.

As a long-standing roofing company in the Seattle area, Raynproof Roofing has witnessed the effects vinyl siding has had on the building industry. Multiple times every year, Raynproof Roofing is asked to investigate a roof leak, only to discover that the source of the leak is a nearby vinyl-clad wall! Many homeowners and contractors are discovering that their initial cost savings by installing vinyl will ultimately cost them many times more through water damage to their homes.

Winter roof care tips

Raynproof Roofing — 2008-01-03T10:26:17-08:00

Due to icy conditions, take extra precautions whenever accessing your roof.
If snow and ice arrive for any length of time, be sure to check for ice damming along your gutters and roof drains as this will prevent proper drainage. If water can't drain properly, it will seek out any minor roof deficiencies and enter your house.
After strong wind storms, inspect your flat roof for membrane uplift around perimeters. Inspect shingled roofs for shingle uplift which can be seen during the actual windstorm.
Avoid shoveling snow off your roof as you could do more damage than good.

Fall roof care tips

Raynproof Roofing — 2007-09-01T10:24:48-07:00

Look for signs of fatigue: splits and cracks along stacks, vents, expansion joins, walls and perimeters which are the hardest hit by your house's movement as temperatures rise and fall.
Remove all debris and leaves from all drains, scuppers and gutters. (Blocked drains are the biggest source of roof leaks so attend to them before the rain storms hit.)
Make sure all skylights are not broken or cracked due to falling limbs and debris

Help! There’s water in my crawl space!

Raynproof Roofing — 2007-06-01T17:24:09-07:00

In general, roofing companies are not experts in diagnosing "water in basement" problems; however, I am an experienced house builder and remodeler, so I will provide you with my knowledge on this subject.

If the source of the water problem is not an obvious water-flow issue, for example, water flowing down a sloped driveway and directly into the garage, then the problem is quite often the result of excessive ground water next to the foundation.

Because of gravity, the water levels on BOTH sides of the concrete (inside and outside the house) want to equalize. If the water level on the outside of the house is higher than your basement floor, then you can have leaks because the water level inside your house will want to rise until equilibrium is achieved.

Modern building construction makes great efforts, therefore, to remove excessive water from the outside of the house. This is done in two ways. First of all, modern houses have a footing drain. This is installed at the height of the footing, which should be about 4-6" lower than a finished concrete basement floor. This drain collects water from the perimeter of the house, then takes it elsewhere (typically to a combination sewer, a storm sewer, or "daylights" to a city street).

Award recipient for 2006

Raynproof Roofing — 2007-03-09T17:22:07-08:00

We have been chosen to receive a service award in 2006. We take pride in our workmanship and service so it is nice to receive such an award. As always, we will continue to serve the Greater Seattle area in all of their roofing needs.

Spring and summer roof care tips

Raynproof Roofing — 2007-03-01T15:08:04-08:00

Tips for all Roof Types

Check all gutters and downspouts to make sure water is flowing freely.
Clean out all roof drains and gutters from spring time flower blossoms.
If your roof is over 10 years old or you suspect that your roof is aging badly, inspect it from the ground during an intense wind storm. Look specifically for shingle lift -- this is an indication that the shingle adhesive strip is no longer doing its job, exposing your roof to potential leaks and shingle blow off.

Dealing with insurance adjusters

Raynproof Roofing — 2007-01-20T14:46:59-08:00

On January 16, 2007, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer had a great article about dealing with insurance adjusters in the wake of last December's worst storm since 1993. It has been unfortunate how many insurance companies have been low-balling their customers. Raynproof Roofing will work together with their customers to help make the insurance claim process as smooth as possible, but be assured it will involve a lot of communication between all three parties to get a favorable result.