Roofing issues

Stripping is a good thing. Really.

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Roof stripping, that is.  This is the process of getting rid of the old roof covering material, down to the deck.  In the process, if done correctly, you’ll learn a lot of things about what worked on your roof and what didn’t.  As all things that are good for you, there are costs and inconveniences involved, aspects which are exploited by those contractors who don’t have your best interests at heart.

What are some of the typical reasons you’re given why leaving your old roof on and going over is/are acceptable?  They include:

  • You’re saving money.
  • It’s more ecological (no landfill waste!).
  • It’s more secure.
  • It provides another layer of protection to your roof.
  • It’s recommended by the manufacturer.
  • There’s much less residual mess to clean up.

So many great reasons why you should just leave the old roof on, and go over!  And yet, pretty much all of these are false, based on the homeowner’s lack of knowledge of how the roof system is supposed to work, and compounded by the contractor’s desire to get the job done as fast as possible, get paid, and move on.  If you are presented with the suggestion that leaving your old roof on is an acceptable strategy, there are a number of things you should be aware of before you agree to this.

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If we only knew then, what we know now…

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Knowledge is a precious commodity.  It is usually appreciated after the consequences of the lack of knowledge become apparent.  If we only knew then what we know now…

There are, of course, various time-honored strategies for dealing with this.  One is blissful ignorance.  Another, related to the first,  is wishful thinking.  Still another, is finding stuff out on the internet, which bring to mind the admonition that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

This blog will share some of the insights that I have had over the almost two decades of working with people on their roofs.  The blog will look at actual examples, and discuss the lessons that can be learned.  It will explore the concerns and preoccupations of homeowners who are trying to ensure a solid roof over their heads.  And it will, if the interest is there, discuss what seems to work, and what definitely doesn’t.