August 11, 2023
QUESTION: I live in a house built in 1750, which originally had a slate roof. It’s had a metal roof for at least the last 100 years. Currently, it’s a standing seam gable roof with no soffit, gable, or ridge venting, and the only material between metal and attic is the wide rough-cut roof batten… ( read more )
March 1, 2023
Ron M. of North Carolina writes: Before I get an estimate from a contractor, I want to learn more about roofing underlayment and condensation. I am considering replacing the 23-year-old screw-down metal roof of my home. Here’s some information about the construction of my house and the current roof: I want to replace the asphalt… ( read more )
September 10, 2021
Severe winter weather brings dangerous ice dams that accumulate on rooftops. These ice dams can damage roof systems and also allow melted snow to enter the home. They can also form dangerous icicles and ice packs on the home’s perimeter, posing a hazard to pets, people, and shrubbery. How Ice Dams Form Ice dams most… ( read more )
August 16, 2021
Each year, hail storms in the United States are responsible for billions and billions of dollars of property damage. Much of that damage happens to roofs and vehicles. Insurance companies are continually taking steps to minimize their liability for hail-damaged roofs. Things like large deductibles and age pro-rating have become common. Even in high-frequency hail… ( read more )
July 8, 2021
Over the past few years, weather changes have brought longer and more violent storm seasons to coastal areas and further inland. Our country has responded with requirements like stricter building codes and Fortified Housing guidelines. While Mother Nature can dish out a lot, homeowners can protect their properties, families, and belongings. Usually, after a major… ( read more )
June 15, 2021
Every summer sees its share of devastating wildfires threatening or consuming residential developments. But, if there’s any glimmer of hope from these tragedies, building science is developing better fire-safe ways to build homes. In particular, scientists have devoted effort to keep burning embers from entering homes through air vents, soffits, and walls. And, of course,… ( read more )