3 Key Elements in Roof Replacement
Ice and Water Shield: The Ice Dam Problem
For many years roofers in Kentucky didn’t bother installing a product called ice and water shield around the perimeters and eaves.
But experience has taught us that skimping on that extra layer of underlayment protection in vulnerable areas is not in the best interests of the homeowner. In two recent instances here in Louisville, KY, an insurance company denied installation of ice and water shield. The very next year, the insurance company had to pay to install those same roofs a second time. The cause was ice and water damage around the perimeters. This could have been avoided by following code the first time and installing ice and water barrier.
At Roof It Right, we install ice and water shield in vulnerable areas such as around the perimeters and in the valleys and eaves because we put the customer first. We also work hard to maintain our reputation as roofers who do it right. While our full customer service policy means we always answer the phone when one of our customers has a leak, we’d much prefer that you don’t have a leak! For that reason, we do it right the first time.
Flashing
Over the years, Kentucky roofers have fallen into the practice of reusing existing flashing and other existing components for new roof replacements. This was mostly due to the tendency of insurance companies to deny payment for the replacement of flashing if it was not directly damaged by wind or hail.
The trouble with reusing metal flashing is that once you remove it in order to install the shingles, it is no longer in good shape. The very act of removing it causes ripples and dents in the flashing that are impossible to remove. The old flashing is also full of old nail holes. Lining up the new nail holes with the old ones is an impossible feat!
The job of flashing is to divert water away from vulnerable areas such of wall intersections, chimneys, and skylights. Reused flashing cannot do its job and must be replaced per manufacturer’s requirements.
At Roof It Right, our policy is to always replace such components in a roof replacement so that your new roof really is a new roofing system and not just new shingles.
