Roofing Information

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Roofing Maintenance

Lack of maintenance is the primary cause of roofing system failure.  At least annually a roof should be checked, focusing especially on penetrations and flashings, since these are the areas where water is most likely to be able to get under the roof system.  Flat roofs may require resealing at seams if torch-down or a similar product, or dent/scrape repair on a foam roof.  Elastomeric caulks and coatings are used on foam roofs, while asphalt or rubber-based roof mastics are more typically used with torch-down or rubberized roof systems.  Pitched roofs consist of shingle, tile, metal or even wood shakes.  Each of these requires a different type of maintenance.

In the desert climate of Phoenix, the sun is the primary enemy of any roof system.  High day-time temperatures and ultraviolet rays contribute to rapid deterioration of non-solid roof materials.  Asphalt products, such as shingles and underlayments, and elastomeric roof coatings dry out/burn off over time.  Wood shakes dry out and can become susceptible to fire hazard.

Torrential rains, strong winds and thermal shock also impact roof systems.  Thermal shock results from rapid heating followed by rapid cooling, for example from heat and sun to cold monsoon rains in the summer.  Rapid cooling stresses a roof system, and may result in cracks in roofing materials.

The quality of the product used for roofing material is the single most significant factor affecting roof longevity.  Homeowners have a variety of options available.  For example, low -end 3-tab shingles with a 20-year warranty versus top-of-the-line architectural shingles with a 50-year warranty.  Or perhaps a low- quality concrete tile versus a top-quality product from another supplier.  It is important to note that for any tile, shake, shingle or metal roof, the roof system is only as good as the underlayment.

Although tile, metal and shakes shed water, it is highly likely that some water will get beneath the roof system.  Accordingly, it is essential to have a quality underlayment in place.  Building codes typically require a #15 felt as an underlayment for shingle, and this is usually adequate in our climate.  For tile and metal, generally a #30 roofing felt is required.  Although this meets code, durability becomes the issue.  It is expensive to lift tile or metal, replace the underlayment, and then re-set the tile or metal.  In this case, spending a little more on underlayment will provide additional years of enjoyment. 

Your best insurance – check your roof annually, or have a capable roofing contractor assess how the roof is holding up, and perform routine maintenance to extend the life of your roof.