"Ask the Expert"

First printed: June, 2004

See also: Major Steps in a Roof Restoration (illustrated).

Roof Restoration

by Wayne Bass, owner/contractor WEB Roofing and Windows

WHAT IS FULL ROOF RESTORATION?

Roof restoration refers to the process of rebuilding a roof while keeping the existing roof tiles, but using all new waterproofing materials underneath. It means pulling up and setting aside all the existing tiles, removing all the old waterproofing membrane (felt or tar paper-all interchangeable terms) along with all the existing flashings and roof metal, and then replacing these with all new products.

WHY IS IT NECESSARY?

Over time the felt paper begins to loose its elasticity due to natural drying out from the environment, even if not directly exposed to the sun. This leads to cracking and wind driven rain can then penetrate and enter the house, showing up on your ceilings or walls.

WHO SHOULD DO THE WORK?

This is a golden opportunity to cure many ills associated with the roof and the surrounding structure. As you will see below, this is the chance to check a myriad of potential or ongoing problems , apart form leaking and broken cracked tiles, that are not obvious but may be costly if left unchecked.

An experienced contractor with a strong, verifiable track record doing this exact kind of work is indispensable. Over time, they will have seen all the mistakes that can cause serious problems. Not only should you get references (ask for their last six-not a hand picked few) but you should ask to see pictures of the type of problems they have discovered and how they remedied those areas. Do your due diligence, talk to people, trust your instinct – but do confirm.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

First, you will end up with a roof that is superior by far in terms of workmanship and waterproofing to that of the original. Just the mere fact of using 2 layers of a waterproof membrane will double the life expectancy from the old roof.

You will also have tremendous peace of mind, knowing that an extensive check list will be addressed by a seasoned contractor to assure conformity to the highest building standards in those areas connected with the restoration process. They are as follows:

After pulling up and stacking the tiles and discarding the old felt, the first review is to detect all wood which is either termite infested, dry rot or in some other way has been compromised.

(*Note*) The replacement wood should always be primed thoroughly and then painted on all four sides before installing to assure a good weather proof seal.

In the case of rafters or other support members, it is important they are extended far enough and nailed in a manner consistent with the permit process and uniform building codes. (Be sure to ask your contractor what is required to maintain the structural integrity of the roof)
The level of the plywood from sheet to sheet should be uniform and meet the perimeter shiplap (the tongue and groove boards you see when you look up under the overhang of the roof) evenly. Any variance in these surfaces can cause a crease in the felt and premature tearing
Roof rats, possums and other intruders are encouraged to visit if gaps have been left where the roof sheathing meets the walls or other slopes. These potential areas should be checked and repaired.
Though not a part of the roof, siding which is coming loose, stucco which is crumbling and concrete which is disintegrating in and around chimneys are all potential leak sources and should be addressed.
Various design flaws from the original construction can be the cause of significant problems and if not remedied in the restoration process, will result in the problems repeating themselves. A prime example is the custom of bringing the fascia board (leading edge board which is perpendicular to the edge of the roof-usually 2” x 8” or 2” x 10”) above the plane of the roof sheathing by an inch to act as the support for the last tile. While this may be cosmetically pleasing, this practice forces water inside the fascia, causing dry rot.
Double flashings should be installed around all pipes and new heater caps should always be changed out to prevent water from entering the controls of the furnace.
Inadequate or nonexistent ventilation is almost always the norm with older roofs. Be sure to ask what would be proper ventilation and if solar or forced air outflow is recommended. Proper ventilation will keep the house much cooler and cut down on electrical bills during summer surging temperatures.
Proper nails (electro-galvanized 2 ½”, 3” and 5”) should be used with the best, time tested sealants.
As always, proper overlap of the waterproofing and the tile itself (3” by UBC and manufacturers’ specifications) will assure that water can’t enter around the nail holes, as is often times the case on the original roof.
Finally, the roof should look more uniform and together, even though is is the original tile, because everything has been laid out to proper specifications.

Now you truly have a roof that gives you peace of mind and worry free ownership for a lifetime.

Wayne Bass is owner / contractor of WEB Roofing and Windows in Mission Viejo California (webroofing.com). He has been active in the home improvement field since 1988 at his current location. The company has multiple crews working in the fields of roofing, windows and doors, termite/dry rot repair and interior remodeling. He can be reached at (949) 290-7210.

To Be Connected to a Live Voice, Call:

(949) 290-7210

or, email us at

wayne@webroofing.com