Asphalt Roofing

The homeowner near Baltimore found that what he didn’t know about his roof could come back to haunt him. And there’s a lot to know about roofs and shingles. Here are a few tips to dealing with asphalt roofs.

• First, most roofs are made of plywood covered with a layer of felt between the plywood and the shingles. The felt acts as a vapor barrier between the wood and the shingles.

• Quality asphalt shingles should last 15 to 20 years through all sorts of weather conditions. But in order for the shingles to work properly, they have to be installed properly.

• Shingles should overlap the roof and a metal drip edge should be added along the eaves so water drains into the gutters.

• In colder climates installing an ice dam shield will prevent melted snow from seeping under the shingles and entering the attic.

• Replace damaged shingles quickly to prevent further damage.

Roofing is one of those projects best left to a professional. But make sure you do your homework. Understand what a roofer is doing on top of your house and there won’t be any surprises inside your house.

Guests
Russell Allen
Inspector, A.A. Home Inspection Service, Inc.
Eldersburg, MD
Phone: 410-781-7177
E-mail: aahome@erols.com
Also in this Episode

House Detective : Episode HDT-612
•	Asphalt Roofing
•	Termite Troubles