Kwick Contracting Roofing / Jackson - 795-8283 / Hillsdale - 425-4600

Roofing Terminology

For a homeowner who hasn't had a roof replaced some of the terminology can be quite confusing. This section will try to make these terms a little less confusing. The more familiar you become with these terms the better prepared you will be for your meetings with potential contractors.

Flashings

Flashings are the most inportant component of a roof system. Nearly all of premature roof failures are due to improper flashing techniques or inferior flashing products. A,E) Step flashing- 8" X 8" metal squares that protect where roof and walls intersect. B) Drip edge- Keeps water from running back under the shingles at the roof edge. C, D) Pipe flashing- Allows water to go around pipe protrusions. F,G) Chimney cap flashings. H) Valley flashings- Used with open valleys. Great attention must be used with this type of valley. I)> Vent- Allows the attic to transfer fresh air for heated or moist attic air. J) Skylight flashings- These must be replaced with new whenever a new roof is installed. K) Gable vent-(see I). L)Ridgevent- These may be metal or plastic.(When using these gable vents must not be used.) M) Soffit vents- This is where the attic gets its fresh air from. This must supply at least 50% of the free vent area. N,O,P,Q) These are all trim and gutter pieces.

How Ventilation Works

Cool fresh air enters the roof through the soffit ventilation, while hot moist air exits through the ridgevent. A balance is needed to achieve proper movement of air through the attic space. Formulas must be followed properly in order to achieve this, and to meet state codes.

What are Ice Dams and how do I prevent them?

Ice dams form when snow on your roof is melted from the warm attic air then refreezes as it decends to the lower eaves where there is no heat escaping. As it refreezes it forms ice under the shingles and as the ice dam gets higher and higher up the roof until it again melts and enters the home in the form of water.

Prevention is achieved with a combination of insulation, ventilation, and ice guard membrane at the eaves. The proper combination of these systems will prevent most ice dam problems. State code specifies how these are to be used. It is very important to meet these guidlines. Some contractors will try to cheat on these specifications due to the extra cost.