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.

Gutter Installations

We recently had the opportunity to install gutters on 2 new houses in a new Garner subdivision. Interestingly, the houses were side-by-side. These types of situations don't occur very often so we are very appreciative when they do present themselves.

Both houses feature 5" seamless aluminum gutters and large, 3"x4" aluminum downspouts.

During and After a Roof Project

Have you ever wondered just how we or any roof contractor manages debris during a tear-off? How can we prevent the old shingles from damaging delicate plants and shrubs below?

On this particular job, we used a 40'x60' tarp as a "shute". The new tarp was nailed at the eave of the roof, while the bottom was pulled forward, away from the plants, shrubs and the house itself. The shingles are literally "passed" down to a man standing at the eave who carefully slides the shingles and felt paper down the "shute".

Here is a photo of the completed roof with a clean, debris-free yard.

Shingle Blow-Off

This time of the year we start to receive calls about roofs in the Triangle which have shingle blow-off. Here is an example below.

These types of situations don't actually need to happen. In most instances, these blow-offs are as a result of a workmanship issue. Some of the most common reasons are as follows:
1) The shingles are nailed improperly. The nails are placed too high on the shingle. Instead of nailing into 2 shingles with 1 nail, by nailing too high, only 1 shingle is fastened.
2) The shingles do not have enough nails in them. A minimum of 4 nails is required. Shingles on the (rake) edges and/or on very steep roof slopes should have 6 nails per shingle.
3) Many older roofs do not incorporate a "starter" course of shingles along the rakes and eaves. The starter provides more protection against high winds as well as prevents the shingles from sagging.

Repairing this roof problem is relatively easy. The damaged shingles are removed. The felt paper is evaluated. If it is sound, it is re-used. Otherwise, it is removed too. The repair is finished by installing a starter course of shingle(s) and new shingles on the roof deck as well.

We are coming into a season where we will be seeing higher winds. Inspect your roof safely from the ground after we experience those windy days.