Jill asks: What is the best roofing product to use on a carport and pergola? The carport roof covers both, which are part of the same structure. I am aware that there are plastic-coated steel sheets, polyester-coated, zinc, and polycarbonate sheets. It’s a minefield. There are lots of trees overhead, so everything goes green including the roof and patio. I was thinking of maybe … [Read more...] about Metal vs. Plastic Roofing for Carport
Roofing
Buckling Asphalt Shingles
Lee Writes: Please tell me what caused the buckling shingles in this photo. It appears to me to be the materials rather than structural. This roof was installed in April 2013 in northern Texas. The shingles are Tamko 20-year 3-tab. There is visible warping three years following the installation, as seen in the attached images. The roofer has recently inspected in the … [Read more...] about Buckling Asphalt Shingles
Radon Risks and Best Way To Mitigate
Don asks: Our house measures just over the EPA limit for radon. Is this something we should be concerned about or are the risks overblown? How effective are radon mitigation systems and what do they cost? -- Doug M. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: While radon stories rarely appear in the news anymore, the health risk from exposure to high levels is real and … [Read more...] about Radon Risks and Best Way To Mitigate
Best Underlayment for Tile Roofs
A: What is the best underlayment for a tile roof? Our house in Los Angeles is 25 years old. One roofer recommended removing the composite roofing tiles and replacing the old underlayment with 90-pound paper. Then they will replace the roofing tiles. Another roofer recommended the same approach, but with two layers of 30-pound felt as the underlayment. Please explain the … [Read more...] about Best Underlayment for Tile Roofs
Building a Leak-Proof Rooftop Deck
Martin writes: How do you properly build a concrete deck (with a roof) over a living area and prevent water leakage from rain and snow? What are the code requirements? The location is in Eastern PA. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: Thanks for your inquiry. Unfortunately, the building code does not offer a lot of guidance on the best building details for this … [Read more...] about Building a Leak-Proof Rooftop Deck