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By Construction • Do It Yourself • Management • Roofing • Tips and Tricks 13,736 Comments

Proper Roof Flashing

One of the largest causes of leaks in roofing in Brooklyn and Queens that we see are the areas where the roof intersects with walls, skylights, pipes, vents, and more. These penetration points can cause a world of problems if cheap materials or improper flashing methods are used to seal off these intersections. It’s important that as a homeowner you know the correct way of getting it done when it comes time to replace your roof, so you can ensure it gets handled properly.

Ice and Water Shield

It’s important to install a leakproof barrier directly onto the roof deck and slightly up the intersection as a last line of defense in case water get’s beneath the flashing. Many contractors still use tar paper, which can still cause leaks where the nail penetrates the paper. We choose to use GAF’s Ice and Water Shield in these vulnerable points to make sure it’s sealed properly and the wood below is protected. It is self sealing like a run flat tire, so when a nail goes through, it seals around the nail not allowing any water to pass through to the wood.

Aluminum Flashing

On most intersection, with the exception of vent pipes, the intersecting point is protected by a bent piece of aluminum called an aluminum flash. This sits right into the intersection so that if water get’s between the shingle and the intersection, it doesn’t go directly to the wood. Where the flashing goes up the wall, it can be sealed into harder surfaces like brick, or tucked underneath for softer materials like vinyl siding.

Pipe Collars

When a vent pipe is coming out of the roof, we must use a pipe collar to flash it properly since aluminum won’t fit around a small round intersection. Many roofing contractors will use a rubber pipe collar. Over time, like all rubber, it becomes dry rotted and cracks, allowing water to get through. At Five Borough, we opt to use a pipe collar made of Neoprene, the same material used for wet suits. It won’t wear out and crack over time, ensuring you’re pipes are sealed up properly from the start.

Shingles/Cap Sheet

Once the intersection is covered with ice and water shield and proper flashing, then the shingles are cut to go right into the intersection where the aluminum flash is bent. The shingles are installed as they usually are, with nails securing them on top, and a tar strip sealing it to the row below on the bottom.

By fiveboro Construction • General Information • Management • Roofing 0 Comments

Winter’s Right Around The Corner – Time to Fix Your Roof!

As summer winds down and winter looms in the not-so-distant future, homeowners will start to scramble to complete the home improvement projects they had set out to do at the beginning of the year. Its for this reason that roofing contractors and construction companies find the fall to be their busiest time of year, and if you haven’t done so yet, it’s a wise idea to start getting estimates now so you can complete the project before the season ends. Winters in NYC are no joke, and roofing contractors in Queens are going to be very busy over the next few months!

If it’s a roofing job that you are going to take on, it’s always best to get the job done before winter. With all the crazy weather New York City winters bring, if you try to complete a roofing project in January, you’re likely to get delayed in the event of inclement weather. Besides, the weather conditions in New York and Queens are optimal for roof repair during the fall months because of the cooler temperatures.

With winter in mind, be sure to ask your roofing contractors to show you what they do to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Ice dams are the leading cause of leaks in roofs during the winter months, and they can cost you thousands of dollars if your roof isn’t installed with the right materials and methods. Make sure to ask about underlayment the roofers use as well as what type of ventilation they install to keep temperature evenly distributed underneath your ply boards, a key factor in preventing ice dams.

If you’re considering getting your roof repair done before the winter, be sure to call Five Borough Remodeling today to get a free inspection on your roof, and free seamless gutters with any roof install! We install only the best materials with the latest installation methods, and we do it at an affordable price!

Roofing Contractors Queens

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By fiveboro Construction • Do It Yourself • General Information • Roofing • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractors

If you’re in the market for a roof, chances are you’re going to get estimates from several roofing contractors in Queens.  A roof replacement is one of the most important home improvements you can do, and in New York you have plenty of options, so it’s important you find the right roofer.  After all, your roof protects everything underneath.  That’s why it’s important to know exactly what materials and methods your roofer is using.  It’s good to get multiple estimates from several roofing contractors in the Queens area so you can properly evaluate all options, but it’s even better if you know the right questions to ask so you can better evaluate each contractor.  This article will tell you what questions you should be asking as a homeowner when considering roofers. 

Ventilation – More than just staying cool

Ventilation is one of the most important aspects of roofing.  This is what separates a roof with no warranty to a roof with a 50 year warranty.  Excessive heat in the attic will warp shingles, rot wood, crack rafters, and could even lead to mold.  That’s why it’s critical that a ventilation system is installed with a roof.  Make sure you ask your roofing contractors what they do about ventilation.  Most will install a ridge vent, but in most cases that’s not enough.  The ridge vent is the exhaust, but you need a place to bring cool air into the attic for ventilation to occur properly. So be sure to ask if they are going to install soffit vents or some other air intake system.  Without it the ridge vent is useless. 

Roofing Contractors Material – Underlayment

What’s underneath your shingle is important because it’s the last layer of protection between the outside and your wood sheathing.  Most contractors are still using tar paper, which is not the best material to use.  Years ago tar paper was made of much better material, but at this point its been relegated to construction paper dipped in asphalt.  It’s paper thin, tears easily, and most importantly it traps moisture.  Any condensation and vapor that get’s trapped in the attic cannot permeate through the tar paper, thus getting trapped onto your wood sheathing.  This can cause leaks, lifting shingles, and wood rot.  There are better underlayments than tar paper available on the market.  Five Borough Remodeling uses a state of the art permeable underlayment that’s waterproof on top, but permeable through the bottom, ensuring your deck stays dry and doesn’t trap moisture. 

Roofing Contractors Material – Shingle

Make sure you confirm that your roofer is doing a full tear and not a layover.  Adding a layer of shingles is never a long term solution to a roof issue, and up until about 10 years ago it was the thing to do in Queens.   It’s not unusual to find 3 layers on a Queens home.  If you want the roof done correctly, you’ll have to tear off all of the existing layers and start from the wood underneath.  Ask what type of shingle they’re using.  At this point, all roofing contractors should be installing with an architectural shingle, not a three tab.  If a roofer is using a three-tab shingle, chances are he’s trying to cut corners to cut costs.  Ask what the warranty is on the single, and also the wind rating.  These are all important questions when it comes to your shingle. 

Obviously your need as a homeowner will vary depending on your budget and your plans for the future, but your goal should be to get the best value for your dollar.  So be sure to ask the right questions, and you’ll know what are your best options, and what roofing contractors are delivering the best value.

5 Boro Remodeling – The Best Roofing Contractors