Eaves
Roof eaves are another susceptible area on a roof where leaking can occur. Even though, here in North Carolina, we are not pummeled by big snow fall occurrences, we do get our share of ice and below freezing temperatures in the winter. This alone necessitates the installation of 3 feet of ice & water shield along all eaves of any roof. Many builders have put roofs together here with no ice & water shield, no synthetic secondary underlayment, and no drip edge on the eaves or the rake/gable ends. This is a literal time bomb waiting to go off. Even if ice dams are avoided during a winter, we are certain to have a period where rain comes down in buckets and for multiple days. When this happens, the gutters better be able to handle the amount of water flowing and they better be clean. Once the gutters are clogged, the roof eave is what gives away next. This comes in a three-prong attack; the fascia is waterlogged and allows water through, the soffit below is compromised due to the water, and the roofing eave decking begin to let go. Now, water is in your attic space or knee wall, depending on the style of house.
You certainly do not have to replace fascia, rake, soffits, gutters, and gutter guards or screens when a roof is being replaced. But you want an expert there during inspection, who can tell you how those things are holding up. Take a look at this picture of the gutter on this house.
It sure doesn’t sound right, does it? You are right, it was a terrible design. Gutters are gutters until you have a little weather. This house was evaluated and was discussed with the home owner, that it was time to replace the gutters. Well, that was not done. And I don’t blame the homeowner. We are all getting bombarded with messages to replace this, and start this service, and have this done. We get it on the internet, the television, the radio, and on our phones. Knowing that and understanding that, because I get it too, look to build a relationship with an experienced contractor, an electrician, and a plumber. Have faith in those three and you will sleep a lot easier. Back to the house and the picture in question. A rain storm came and this is what happened.
The moral of this story is, gutters are important. Roof eaves are important. How the roof is installed and the pieces of the roof system are important. Another important item to mention; gutter guards and screens are important, in some cases. If you don’t have overhanging trees or trees within twenty feet of your gutters, I believe it is a waste of money. On the other hand, if you do, then you are rolling the dice. A full evaluation is free. The only question is; does the person you have doing the inspection have the experience needed to truly see the problems that could happen and convey that to you?
We Know Roofs
Whether, you are looking at repairing an existing roof, or replacing a roof, there are plenty of questions to answer. Old Colony Roofing is here to provide credible and honest information – from a true expert.
The goal of these pages is to arm you with the pros and cons of a variety of roofing questions and answers.
Ask About Our Financing
Roofs as low as $99/month*
Roofing Repairs
The good news is, roofs can be repaired. The bad news is, there are reasons why this may not make sense. First, it is important to discuss common roofing failures and why these result in leaking. See below for a list of common roofing failures:
