Q: I am building an addition with two low-pitched roofs: a shed roof with a 1.75 pitch and a ridged roof with a 2.5 pitch. Both roofs have Velux skylights.
I'm desperate for a solution other than a rolled roof or rubber roof. The roof is right outside my bedroom window, and a rubber roof is really not desirable.
-- C.M.
A: You can use shingles on low-sloped roofs if you take extra care in applying an underlay. Use 15-pound or heavier felt paper laid shingle-fashion (parallel to the eaves or gutters). The felt should lap at the top a minimum of 19 inches and at the ends no less than 12 inches. End laps should be at least six feet from end laps in the preceding course. If you live in an area prone to heavy snow, use an ice shield in place of the felt paper.
I strongly recommend the ice shield for the low-sloped roof, no matter how much ice or snow you get. Water tends to pool in heavy rains, flooding the roof area. Shingles are not waterproof, only water resistant, and pooling can lead to leaks.
Also, low-sloped roofs do not have the same life expectancy of steep roofs. And skylights need to be properly flashed, counter-flashed and sealed to prevent leaks.
You really should consider a rubberized roof for the shed. The rubber is pliable and can be used as a flashing, completely sealing the skylight frame with the roof covering.
(Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home-improvement questions at PO Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702 or send him e-mail at d.barnett@insightbb.com.)
Resources Independent Home Inspectors of North America
Independent Home Inspectors of North America
E-mail:
ihina@attbi.com
Website:
www.independentinspectors.org
National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc.
National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc.
E-mail:
info@nahi.org
Website:
www.nahi.org
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
To locate an American Society of Home Inspectors inspector near you, call or visit the website of ASHI.
American Society of Home Inspectors
Website:
www.ashi.org
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