Chimney Flashing Repair

We recently received a request to repair a leaking chimney. We could have simply caulked the perimeter of the counter flashing and "called it a day". However, it has been my experience that caulking a chimney does not provide a long term solution. In many cases, it does not provide ANY solution at all.

We took a much different approach to solving the flashing leak. We removed all the shingles, felt and metal flashing. Upon cleaning the perimeter very thoroughly,
we installed a weather barrier or generically referred to as "ice and water shield" around the perimeter as you can see below.

You can see how we installed the "ice and water" on the wall and then folded it so it laid flat on the roof deck on all 4 sides of the chimney.

We then installed new step flashing, which is covered up by the new, black counter (outside) flashing.

Once the counter flashing has been caulked, we then finished the repair by installing shingles along all 4 sides of the chimney.

This flashing process will provide problem and leak free service for many years to come.

But wait a minute. Something doesn't look right here. Can you tell what is wrong in the last couple of photos? Look carefully. Do you see it?

You are right. It is the shingles. They don't match, do they? The shingles on the back slope are regular 3-tab shingles. The front shingles are a CertainTeed Horizon shingle, which unfortunately were discontinued a couple of years ago. In order to make the front slope of the roof (look) presentable, we kept and in some instances "reused" the Horizon shingles from the back roof slope whenever possible. We simply installed the new shingles on the back slope where they would not be as noticeable or visible.

Watch Out for dem Squirrels

Over the last several weeks of looking at both roofs and gutters I must admit I have seen some unusual stuff. There's no rhyme or reason. It just happens.

In the past, I have seen instances of squirrel infestation, including my own home. Usually these uninvited "house guests" take residency in one's attic. Since they usually don't have a key, they, like water, take the path of least resistance by finding an opening large enough to squeeze their bodies into the attic. Or they can eat their way into an attic. Wood fascia, trim, vinyl gutters or gutter guards are simply appetizers for these ambitious critters.

However, the photo below is a first for me.

This is an aluminum end cap of a gutter system. There is a small portion missing from it. We did not alter, other than removing it from the gutter nor did we cut this end cap ourselves. This the first time in 12 years that I've seen anything like this. I can only assume this particular critter was very determined to take up residency at any cost.

Clogged Gutter or Contemporarily Horizontal Flower Bed...You Decide

In my recent travels, I ran across this on a building.

Over the years, I've seen hundreds, if not thousands of clogged gutters. But this, as you can see is somewhat different. At first, I felt the gutter should be cleaned immediately. However, after a moment of thought, it clearly shows an added aesthetic beauty to the building.

What say you?

Roof Problems: Short Laid Shingles= Rotting Fascia

One of the most frequent roof related problems we see here in the Raleigh market is rotting fascia board and soffit. If the home has gutters, how can that still allow fascia and soffit rot, you may ask? Lets see if we can sort this out.

One possibility is the gutter is filled with trash. This could prevent rain water to move or flow from the gutter to the downspout properly and efficiently. Water will over-flow the gutter, falling from both the front and the back of the gutter. The simple solution is to monitor the gutters for trash on a regular basis.

However, our problem is not related to trash. It is related to a roofing or shingle problem. Specifically, it is related the length of the roof shingles. We have found that many fascia and soffit problems are due to shingles being improperly installed at the eave. Simply put, the shingles are "short-laid", meaning they do not extend past the fascia board far enough to allow the rain water to fall harmlessly into the gutter below. In some instances, the shingles extend only 1/2" past the fascia board.

Unfortunately, this photo demonstrates about 3/8" overhang. Since rain water subscribes to surface tension, the water does not fall directly off the edge of the shingle. It falls behind the back wall of the gutter or even into the soffit and begins the rotting process, as you can see below.

What is the solution? We can remove and replace the entire slope of the roof. That would be a profitable solution for the contractor, it is not economically feasible for the homeowner. The solution is to install a "custom" aluminum drip edge.

The two photos to the left show the drip edge prior to installation and fastening to the fascia board. Once properly installed, the rain water falling off the shingles has no choice but to drop harmlessly into the gutter below efficiently solving the problem.

The cost of installing the "custom" drip edge is miniscule by comparison to replacing a roof slope. Also, it is virtually unseen from the ground.

The keys here are to have your gutters maintained as well as inspect the performance of the gutters during a shower to determine if there is a problem. You can potentially save hundreds of dollars in fascia and soffit replacement costs by acting proactively.

Gutter, Fascia and Siding Damage

Yesterday we completed a job which included some fascia board and siding rot. The repair, as you will see, is not very big.

However, we see this type of damage all too often. The problem was the wall was not flashed properly. Water, running down the roof slope was directed INTO the siding, instead of directed away from the siding.

Upon removing the rotted hardboard siding and fascia we "reworked" the step flashing, directing the water into the gutter and solved the problem. A little paint and a new 5" seamless aluminum gutter and the job is completed.

Tornado Aftermath

It has been nearly 2 1/2 weeks since a series of tornadoes ripped through Raleigh as well as several other areas of North Carolina. In that time I have seen dozens of homes damaged or destroyed as a result. My heart goes out to those homeowners and tenants who have suffered from the storm.

Our goal at Allen and Deans in the aftermath of the storm is to provide continued, professional roofing and gutter repair and replacement services to those in need. We are making every effort to meet the timely service demands the storm has presented.

Upon receiving your call or email for a free estimate:

* we will set a convenient time to meet with you
* discuss your project with you in detail
* provide an estimate immediately, if possible
* if needed,"weather-proof" the exterior ASAP in advance of the scheduled service
* schedule your project as quickly as possible

We clearly recognize these are very trying times especially for those who were impacted by the storm. We will make your experience with Allen and Deans as positive as possible.

We thank you for your support and understanding.

The Tornado in Raleigh, NC

Yesterday, we were hit with a Tornado here in Raleigh. It was clearly the worst natural disaster in the Triangle area since Hurricane Fran.

Although the homes in our neighborhood were sparred any damage, we stll, like many areas in Raleigh do not have electricity.

However, many homes just 6-7 blocks away in the Neuse Crossing and McKinley Hill subdivsions, were severely damaged or destroyed.

The staff at Allen and Deans, Inc. wish to extend our sincerest sympathies to all who were adversely impacted by the tornado. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.