Selecting the right underlayments for a lifetime metal roof should be a primary concern for anyone thinking about specifying or choosing to install a metal roof on their home. The quality and type of underlayments used on the project in the long term will affect the overall performance of the roof.

Taking Care of Your Building Envelope

The roof is an important element of the Building Envelope. A Building Envelope is the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building including the resistance to air, water, heat, light, and noise transfer. It needs to be addressed with the utmost care and consideration. Be sure that the contractor you choose is trained in the best methods of installation. Having the ?Right Stuff? and not having the skill to do the installation nullifies the benefits of its use.

First Two Underlayment Layers

On most projects, there are two types of underlayments needed. The first on the list would be the ice and water shield. This is a roof membrane underlayment made up of either a rubberized-asphalt or butyl-based adhesive with a polyethylene carrier sheet. It has an adhesive backing with a peel and stick feature. This membrane should be labeled ?high temperature? to withstand the surface temperature of the roof on a hot summer day. The heat in hot areas of the country, even here in New England, can exceed the melting point of some of these products. The product should be a premium, high temperature ice and water shield for use with tile, metal, and other roofs with scrim reinforced top surface. It self-seals around nails and provides protection for roof areas prone to ice and water intrusion.

The product needs to be installed on the eave edges up the roof at least two feet inside the face of any exterior wall. The rakes on gable roofs also need treatment to the same standard. All valleys and hips need to be covered. Penetrations such as chimneys, skylights, solar tubes, and vent pipes need to be surrounded with ice and water shield, as well.

If the roof slope is below 3/12 pitch (see our previous post on how to determine a roof?s pitch), the entire roof should be covered, but only if the roof is conventionally vented (cold roof construction).

Once the high temperature ice and water shield has been laid down, you can now add the second underlayment layer. This underlayment layer should be of the highest quality. If the roof is designed to last a lifetime, why would anyone want anything but the best? We recommend a polypropylene scrim reinforced underlayment made up of multiple layers. This type of underlayment is critical to a quality roof installation. It serves as a moisture barrier, as well as a slip sheet. Make sure the product is designed to be used under metal. Once again, this is used on cold roof construction.

When hot roof construction is done ? a roof with no ventilation ? a breathable underlayment is recommended. This allows moisture that can become trapped in the roof deck to evaporate and escape. This will prevent damage to the deck, stemming from rot and mold, over the long term life of the structure.

Third Underlayment Layer

There is a third product that is sometimes used and specified in new construction: That product is a mesh that would go on top of and over the other underlayment used. It is akin to cedar breather. It provides trapped moisture from under the roof in low slope applications a path to drain. It also creates a thermal break to minimize heat transfer from the roof surface to the structure. This thermal break promotes energy efficiency by stopping conductive heat transfer much like the air space between multiple panes of glass in a thermal pane window. This same break also provides sound attenuation by disrupting sound waves into the structure when rain hits the roof surface. The end result is a cooler, quieter, and healthier building. This product is generally used in hot roof low slope applications with aluminum roofing. See the image below.

To learn more about installing the correct underlayments for your metal roof project or to get a quote, feel free to contact us here.

Your roof is an integral part of your home, keeping you protected from the variety of weather changes that occur throughout the year in the Pacific Northwest. If your roof has started showing signs of leakage, it likely needs special attention. If you decide to ignore this, you risk major damage to your home.

Risk #1: Attic and Ceiling Water Damage
If you have noticed brown discoloration in certain parts of your attic or ceiling, this could mean that your roof is leaking in a certain area. It may not be clear where the leak is coming from, as water quickly travels along lumber and roof panels in the attic before it gets to your ceiling. If you notice discoloration, it?s important to call a roofing specialist right away to find the problem and fix it.

Risk #2: Mold and Mildew Buildup
Mold and mildew in your home can cause serious health complications. Mold or mildew on the exterior can quickly get into the home?s structure, including the HVAC system, and that means that it will get into the air and vents of your home. Mold and mildew can lead to nasal congestion, asthma, and more if it is not found and treated quickly.

Risk #3: Slipping Hazard
Is your roof leaking onto the floor of your home or garage? This could form a puddle over time and make it dangerous for people walking, especially children or senior citizens who may be more susceptible to tripping.

Risk #4: Water Spots
Have you noticed water spots on your exterior walls, especially after heavy rain? This could mean that the flashing where the roof meets the wall is in need of repair. This can be a difficult fix, because the home?s siding will likely also need attention. Not sure if this is the problem? A roofing specialist can take a look at the issue and provide expertise on how to tackle the job and get it fixed before more damage occurs.

Risk #5: Structural Damage
Over time, leaks can cause serious damage to the rafters, wall frames, and ceiling joists. This type of damage can significantly deteriorate the wood and ultimately weaken the framing of your home. This is not only dangerous for your family because of the likelihood that it could buckle and fall, but it can also be expensive to fix if you let it go for too long.

This is a popular question at this time of year.

Is it Safe to Install Roofs throughout the Entire Year in Colorado?

You can install roofs all year long throughout most ofaColorado! There are days that it will not be warm enough for our company to replace a aroof. I?ll tell you more in a moment.

Does the Temperature Matter?

Typically, as long as we get temps that are 40 degrees and higher it is safe to install roofs. If the temps are below 40 degrees there is a possibilityathat the shingle will not seal , so we may stop the installation and come back on a day that isawarm enough to make sure the shingles will sealaproperly. There are multiple items that we take into consideration before we begin a roof install. It?s important for the Colorado Springs Roofer to monitor the weather of the specific location in which the roof is to be installed. Even in the Springs temperatures and weather vary tremendously from one part of town to the next. Many times in the Winter snowfall may occur along the front range while the south eastern corner of Colorado Springs is experiencing a nice 40 degree blue bird day with very little wind. In the image to the left, there is entirely too much snow on the roof. Even if the temps are above 40 degrees the roofer needs to wait for the majority of the snow to melt. The average temps for Jan, Feb, and March in Colorado Springsais 43-48 degrees. Let?s recap some of the winter weather conditions that we look for in considering whether or not we will install an asphalt shingle. The temperature, wind, sunshine and snow all play a part in determine whether it?s safe to install a roof. Not only are we concerned about the day of the install, but the following day may be equally as important.

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Consider the Roofing Material

The roofing material certainly plays apart on the limitations of each product and how each material is impacted by winter weather. Cement, tile, metal, slate and wood can be installed in colder temperatures without any ill impact on the installation. The biggest consideration in bitterly cold weather is for the roof installers. If they?re extremely uncomfortable it would be more productive and safe to wait for a warmer day.

Any Issues for Installing Roofs in the Summer?

Warm weather and summer time in Colorado is known for high winds, hail and lightning. Every Colorado Springs roofer should be award of our violent summer time weather. We have to keep an eye to the sky during the summer to make sure that we?re not caught unaware. Our installers are trained to only remove a reasonable amount of material at any one time. Once material is removed we begin to dry in the area. It is our goal to diligently safe guard our clients property, therefore we are careful with the amount of exposure that an uncovered roof has during the course of the day. Whether it?s summer time or winter we advise that every roofer should always have tarps on hand. In addition, asphalt roofs are easier to scuff in the summer and roofers should attempt to minimize scuffing shingles by utilizing foam rubber and carpet pads.

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So for the most part we can install roofs all year round!

Did Strong Winds Damage Your Roof?

Blustery straight-line winds swept through much of the central and eastern United States in recent days. Some reports had winds nearing hurricane force. More strong winds are predicted for the coming days and this is all before winter has even started! Are you wondering if your home?s roof can stand up to this punishing weather?

Now is the time to look at your roof! Whenever you have a severe windstorm, it is always wise to do a visual check of your roof from the ground. If you see missing or damaged shingles or even shingles from your roof on the ground, it would be wise to have a professional come do an inspection to see if repairs or replacement are necessary. Missing or damaged shingles can leave your home vulnerable to water infiltration. And, with winter coming, your roof will also be particularly susceptible to intrusion by melting snow.

If you?ve ever dreamed of a metal roof to protect and beautify your home, now is a great time to act! Not only to protect your home but also to take advantage of the federal tax credit of up to $1500 which is set to expire the end of this year.

Today?s market is positively flooded with unique and worthwhile roofing materials. Not too long ago, the choices were much more straightforward. Now, homeowners can select from top-quality residential roofing materials including metal roofing,asphalt shingles, and plastic polymers ? there are more types and styles than ever before. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and you must consider each in turn.

What to Look for in Roofing Materials

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing the right roofing material for your home, including:

• How long will the roof last?
• Will the material stand up against natural disasters like hailstorms and wind damage? What about extreme weather conditions like the extreme heat in Dallas and Houston?
• Is the material too heavy for the existing framing?
• Does the roof have the right slope?
• Will the style complement the home?
• Are the materials eco-friendly?
• How much does it cost?

This last question is typically the most commonly asked by homeowners. Everyone wants to know the cost, as it is a major deciding factor.

Most Common Roofing Materials

When comparing and contrasting current roofing materials, you?re likely to stumble across the same few types. That is, asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and plastic polymer. Each has its own distinct advantages to consider. For example:

• Asphalt Shingles: While not the most durable option, asphalt shingles are inexpensive, have excellent fire resistance ratings, and work well with low to steeper sloped roofs.
• Metal Roofing: Metal is lightweight and able to withstand extreme weather conditions, but comes with a hefty price tag depending on the style and material chosen. Historically, this was referred to as tin roofing although tin is no longer commonly used.
• Plastic Polymer: With a moderate price tag, plastic polymer roofing typically resembles slate or wood shake, requires minimal maintenance, and is made of recycled materials. The cost will be the determining factor.

Which Roofing Material is Right for You?

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