The Real Story on Wood Shingles and Shakes.

The Real Story On Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles and shakes go back to 1800's
 when they were the roofing system of
choice. They are typically made from Red Cedar.
The shingles are sawn uniformly, in a few standard
sizes.
Shakes are split, creating a more rustic
appearance, but that does require an additional
course of roofing felt between each layer to help
prevent leaks.
Wood shingles and shakes can be installed on
roofs that are 3:12 and over. They are also light
weight, so they can be installed on virtually any
structure.
The benefits of wood shingles and shakes.
The big benefit these systems offer is their visual
appeal. Few things are more attractive than their
rustic appearance. They are especially beautiful
when they are still fairly new, but have weathered
into a natural gray.
The look is so attractive that all the asphalt shingle
manufacturers have architectural shingles made to
look like “weathered wood” or “cedar”.
The problems with wood shingles and shakes.
The main disadvantage with wood roofing is the
inherent fire hazard. I saw an aerial photo of a
neighborhood in California that had been struck by
a brushfire. Every home had burnt to the ground
except one. They all had wood roofs except for
the one left standing, which had a tile roof.
Brush fires aren’t the only fire hazard for wood
roofs… Sparks from a wood-burning stove or
fireplace have started many wood roofs on fire.
Insurance companies hate wood shingles and
shakes, as they have been burnt so many times
insuring them. They won’t provide coverage, or
want enormous premiums to do so.
The fire risk is so great that many areas have
outright banned wood shakes and shingles,
despite manufacturer’s attempts to make them
more fire resistant.
I’m a tad dubious on how fire-resistant they
actually are. Here’s why I say that…
The owner of a roofing company I used to work for
liked to save dump fees by burning trash that
accumulated around his warehouse and office.
Almost every day he had a bonfire, burning up old
pallets and such. I had just returned from cleaning
up my first wood shake job and had some scraps
of the “fire- resistant” material in the back of my
truck. It occurred to me to test their fire-resistance
by throwing them on the bonfire. I was amazed at
how fast they burst into flames.
Other disadvantages of wood roofing include:
They can be extremely hazardous to walk on when
wet, which it might just be when you are chasing a
leak.
Wood requires periodic cleaning and treatment to
keep it free of fungus.
Wood tends to curl and split, creating leaks. That
is a big problem in places like Florida, which has
lots of rain, immediately followed by lots of sun.
Wood shakes and shingles are expensive. On top
of a labor intensive manufacturing process, is the
shipping expense. The last ones I bought here in
Florida were trucked all the way down from
Canada.
Installing wood shakes and shingles is labor
intensive. Each one covers a fairly small area and
has to be individually positioned and installed with
two nails.
And great care must be taken to select or cut each
piece to avoid exposing nails in the course below. I
once replaced a wood shake roof that was only
three years old because the roofer screwed this
up. He had exposed nails (and leaks) all over the
place. This work is somewhat of an art and is not a
do-it-yourself friendly project.
Wood shingles and shakes also have a fairly short
life span… typically 15 years or less depending on
the climate. Combine that with high repair and
maintenance expense, and you have huge lifecycle
costs.
My opinion of wood shingles and shakes: They
may have been the best choice a century or two
ago, but their time has come and gone. I love the
look, but the fire hazard is a “Problem” that rules
them out in my book.
You can do better… for less money.
If you choose wood anyway… Go with a
contractor who specializes in wood shakes and
shingles. The correct flashing details and nail
placement are critical with this system. You want a
guy who does it all the time.
And be sure to get the type treated with fire
retardant, for whatever that’s worth. At one time I
think they just sprayed it on, but the kind to get is
the type where fire retardant is pressure treated
deep into the wood.
You are better off going with wood shingles than
shakes as they are easier to flash effectively.
Also, inquire about a premium underlayment. That
will help the system be more forgiving to any water
that gets under the wood roofing.www.macgregorroofing.com

Slate Roofing's "Dirty Secret"

Slate Roofing’s “Dirty Secret”
Slate roofing is composed of slabs of rock mined
from a quarry, cut and then split. Two holes are
then made at the top of each slate for the
fasteners. Slate is available in a variety of natural
colors and also in different grades that affect their
projected roof life.
Slate can be use on roofs that have a slope of 4:12
and over, providing the roof is strong enough to
support the heavy weight. That usually requires an
engineering inspection, if the home wasn’t
originally designed for a slate roof.
Benefits of slate roofing. Slate has a distinctive
look that is very attractive, especially when it is
fairly new and all the slates are in good shape.
Slates are basically slabs of rock. As such, they
tend to last a very long time. There are slate roofs
that over 100 years old.
They also won’t burn, giving them a Class A fire
rating.
Problems with slate roofing. Slate roofs are the
most expensive roof system you can buy, with the
material alone costing more than the entire
reroofing cost for most other systems.
The price is justified by the argument that slate is a
“permanent” roof that will last for 100-plus years.
Indeed, the rock may last for a century or more,
BUT THE REST OF THE ROOF SYSTEM WILL
NOT!
Flashings and underlayment will deteriorate long
before then. Broken slates and installation errors
result in leaks, just like they do with every other
type of roofing.
When that happens on most systems, the old
roofing is removed and disposed of. Repairs to the
roof deck are made and new roofing is installed.
It’s a relatively fast and cost-effective process that
most roofing companies have down to a science.
But when slate roofs fail, the slate is so expensive,
it is often carefully removed and set aside for
reinstallation after the rest of the work is done.
Slate can become brittle as it ages and some is
damaged in the removal process.
So new slate must be found to match the natural
colors found in the quarry where it was first
mined… DECADES PREVIOUSLY. And don’t
forget the expense of shipping rock around the
country.
Salvaging the old slate is labor-intensive work and
much of the savings in material is lost in the labor
to do so. Installing slate is also labor intensive and
is somewhat of an art. It’s not a good do-it-yourself
project.
My opinion of slate roofing: While slate roofs
are very attractive, this blog is about saving you
thousands of dollars.
The “dirty little secret” with slate roofs is that while
the rock may last for a century or more, the rest of
the roof system will not.
With the high initial cost, high reroofing cost and a
roof life much less than advertised, the life-cycle
cost of slate is enormous.
You can do better… for a lot less money.
If you choose slate anyway… Say you have a
historical building where you don’t have any choice
or you have more money than you know what to
do with…
Be sure to use a roofing contractor who
specializes in slate. You want a guy who does it all
the time and knows the finer points. Most roofers
don’t have a clue about slate, because they
seldom run into it. I’ve been roofing 22 years and
have only worked on a few slate roofs.
Be open to flashing upgrades and premium
underlayments. That will help to extend the roof life
and lower your overall roof cycle costs. If you’re
going with slate, this is no place to cut corners.
www.macgregorroofing.com

Unbiased Point of View.

If You Want an Unbiased Point of View,
You’ve Got the Wrong Guy!
You should know up front that I have some very
strong professional opinions about roofing
systems… and I’m going to try to steer you in that
direction! These beliefs are based on 22 years of
careful observation as to what works and what
doesn’t.
This blog is not like a trade magazine that is
obligated to promote the companies who advertise
within its pages. In fact, my recommendations will
surely annoy a large segment of the roofing
industry. If everybody followed my advice, a lot of
those guys would be selling something else for a
living. I can live with that.
And I don’t have to sell you a new roof to put food
on the table. Some people in that situation will do
or say just about anything to get the job.
My responsibility is to YOU and I don’t have a
hidden agenda. My only purpose is to help you
avoid leaks and save thousands of dollars on your
roofing expenses. If I can do that, I’ll have earned
my keep.
The systems I recommend here are the same
ones I push on my friends and family.
I recommend them for average homeowners and
also for wealthy people, who could afford much
more expensive roofing systems.
These are the systems I built my business on…
even though I could probably make a lot more
money promoting the more expensive ones!
I recommend these systems to you because I
firmly believe THEY ARE THE BEST. The fact that
they are also some of your most economical
choices should make your decision a “no-brainer”.
The roofing on your home is your first and best
defense against the elements. And it’s a decision
that you may have to live with for a very long time.
So carefully check out the benefits and problems
of each roof system you are considering. Then I
will give you my professional opinion of each one.
I will also give you some important tips to consider
if you choose to ignore it.www.macgregorroofing.com

Some Roof Slope Factors to Consider

Some Slope Factors to Consider
. Safety. Again (and I can’t stress this enough)
neither you, nor workers you hire should have to
risk life and limb to work on your roof. Roofs
steeper than 6:12 are increasingly dangerous.
. Degree of Difficulty. Your roof should be
relatively simple to work on. I’m not saying it
should be easy, but it shouldn’t require scaffolding,
mechanical lifts or mountain-climbing equipment to
access your roof. Again roofs above 6:12 in slope
are the most problematic.
. Drainage. Your roof should not pond water as
dead-flat roofs do. Ponding causes leaks and
premature roof failure. Building codes, warranties
and good roofing practice all require positive
drainage. Tapered systems can correct slope
deficiency, but they are labor-intensive and pricey.
 Do-it-Yourself Friendly. If you desire (or
finances dictate) that you do the roofing work
yourself, your roof should accommodate you.
Roofs that are too low or too steep are both
troublesome for the handyman. A slope of 4:12 to
6:12 is just right.. Curb-appeal. Roofs that are too steep tend to
make a home look top-heavy. (Except for Aframes,
which look great!) Roofs that are too low
tend to make a home look boxy or bottom-heavy.
Many manufactured homes have this problem.
Again 4:12 to 6:12 just looks right.
. Quantity of Material Required. The steeper
the slope, the more framing, sheathing and roofing
needed. For example a roof with a 12:12 slope
uses 30% more material than a 5:12 slope.
. Quantity of Labor Required. The steeper the
roof, the more labor required. Not only is there
more material to be installed, but it is much slower
working on steep roofs. A 12:12 slope can take
twice as long to shingle as a 5:12. A near-vertical
mansard can take four times as long.
. Compatibility. Roofing systems are designed
to function properly within a certain range of slope.
Violating these requirements invites roof failure,
and can void your warranty.
For example: “Steep-slope” roofing systems such
as asphalt shingles require at least 2:12. Many
architectural metal roofs require at least 3:12.
“Low-Slope” roofing systems such as built-up roofs
single-ply and modified bitumen are typically used
below 2:12. But quality low-sloped roofing systems
cost about double what steep-slope systems
cost… and may not last as long!
. Special Requirements. Some roofing systems
require special considerations for marginal
applications. Asphalt shingles for example, may
require a two-ply underlayment on roofs less than
4:12. That can be a pricey little add on, especially
if you’re using one of the new premium
underlayments.
. Contractor Interest. The best roofers (which
are the only kind you want) often have all the work
they want. They can afford to pass on dangerous
jobs. They don’t want to risk injuries on steep roofs
if they don’t have to.
If they bid a steep roof at all, you can expect high
prices, because they probably don’t really want the
job. However, roofing projects that fall in the 4:12
to 6:12 range are highly desirable.
www.macgregorroofing.com

A Couple Details That Save Money and Prevent Roof Leaks!

Details in How To Save Money Towards Your Roof. 

1.  Ventilation. Attic

Ventilation is required to get the maximum life out

Of your shingles. In fact, shingle manufacturers

Reserve the right to void your warranty if you don’t

Have it. It will also lower your attic temperatures,

reducing your AC bills in summer and minimize

leak-causing ice dams in winter.

There are many different ventilating products on

the market, but aluminum ridge vents are your best

choice by far. When combined with soffit vents,

they are one of the very best ideas ever invented

for roofing.

The air in the attic heats up and rises… as hot air

likes to do. It goes all the way up to the peak and

exits out the ridge vents. That lowers the air

pressure in the attic which pulls in cooler air from

the shaded soffits. The cycle continues naturally,

cooling your attic, reducing your air conditioning

bills and prolonging the life of your shingles.

For hip roofs that don’t have enough ridge for the

proper amount of ridge venting, a good alternative

is an attic fan. They are very efficient at cooling the

attic but do cost money to operate.

Just don’t try to install one yourself unless you

know exactly what you’re doing. I knew a guy who

was electrocuted putting one in.

A good choice for the intake vents is continuous

ventilated aluminum soffit panels around the entire

house. Be aware that screening over vents

reduces their capacity by approximately 50%.

2. Eave Overhang. There are some

big advantages to having your roof overhang the

exterior walls by a foot or two.

• First off, the overhang provides a natural place

for the soffit vents, which are an important part of

the ventilation system.

• The overhang also helps to keep roof water

from running down the side of the house, causing

siding and window leaks.

• But the biggest benefit is that many roof leaks

which would otherwise be in your home doing

damage to your interior, are now outside, dripping

through the soffit, causing much less damage.

And since the leaks are on the outside of the

home, they are a lot less urgent. In fact,

sometimes a repair can be postponed until the

home is reroofed. The work can be done much

cheaper then, because all of the old roofing

material is out of the way. A thousand dollar valley

repair might cost less than a hundred dollars to fix

some rotted wood.

3.  Flashings at the Walls. There is

an “L” shaped flashing that is installed wherever

there is a transition between the roof and an

adjacent wall.

This flashing typically gets buried under the roofing

and siding, so you don’t see much of it, but it

serves the important function of keeping the

transition watertight.

When it comes time for a new roof, that flashing

should be replaced if possible. It may be damaged

from rust or from the tear-off process. It’s easy to

poke a hole in the flashing while trying to scrape

off the old roofing.

However, the problem in replacing it is that the

vertical part of the flashing is buried under the

siding. Depending upon the type of siding, that can

be a big problem. And regardless of the type, most

roofers don’t like to mess with siding, especially if

they aren’t getting paid extra to do so. The result is

that many times the flashing doesn’t get replaced,

and won’t last the life of the new roof.

The best way to avoid this problem is to install a

two-piece counter flashing over the “L” flashing.

The first-piece is installed several inches up the

wall, before the siding or stucco is installed. It is

designed to receive the lower-piece after the “L”

flashing is installed.

This detail allows easy replacement of this

important flashing. It is more common on

commercial buildings, but the problem is just as

prevalent on residential ones.

Alternately, some roofers install a new “L” flashing

counter-flashed by a surface-mounted “caulkflashing”.

That can work, but it creates a couple of

additional issues:

First, stucco cracks above the caulk flashing can

allow water intrusion behind it. Also, caulk

flashings need to be monitored and maintained

periodically. That’s not the end of the world, but

wouldn’t you agree a maintenance-free detail is

better?

4. An Excellent Way to Flash Your Electric

Mast. The electric service for some homes is

provided through underground cables, but many

areas still provide it through a pipe penetrating the

roof. In the trade, that is called an electric mast

(like the mast on a ship).

On new installations, a pipe flashing is usually

installed over the mast before the electric cables

are hooked up. Unfortunately, the type that is

typically used has a rubber collar. The rubber

deteriorates after several years in the sun, creating

leaks around the pipe.

But it is better than nothing, which is ALSO a

common practice. That’s right, no flashing at all

around the pipe. The roofer just slops some

flashing cement around the mast… and somehow

it passes inspection.

When it leaks, (notice I said WHEN, not IF) it can

rot the wood around the hole. Then the heavy

weight of the electric cables can pull the mast right

over, creating a dangerous and unsightly

condition.

The main problem with installing a new flashing

around an old electric mast is the cables prevent

you from sliding the flashing over the pipe (like you

do with plumbing vent pipes).

Some roofers make a pitch pan around the pipe to

seal it. That’s basically a little metal box which is

packed with sealant. There are some permanent

sealants which will work in that application, but

more commonly the roofer will just pack the pan

with flashing cement. The cement eventually dries

out and shrinks, creating a leak. It also becomes a

maintenance task to repack the pitch pan every

year or two.

That’s not the end of the world, but there is a

better solution. Just take a lead boot (the 2” size

normally fits just right) and cut one side all the way

from the top to the bottom of the flange. Then you

can wrap the boot around the pipe.

Position the boot so the lap is on the downhill side

of the pipe. Seal the lap with a good grade of caulk

and secure the top with a stainless steel hose

clamp. Then just shingle around the pipe like you

would with any other pipe flashing.

But whatever you do, stay clear of those electric

cables… They can kill you.

5. A Clever Solution to the Dryer Vent Problem.

When a dryer is vented through the roof, it is

normally covered with a 4” goose-neck vent hood.

It’s not long before it gets clogged up with lint,

making the dryer work poorly. But these vents are

not designed to be easily serviced. Typically the

vent gets plugged up and a homeowner or

handyman tears it apart to clean it out. Then he

tries to seal the vent back up with duct tape which

fails after a few months, creating a leak. There’s a

much better way to deal with the dryer vent

problem. It costs a little bit more, but it is well worth

it. Here’s what to do…

To start with, use the 10” goose-neck vents

instead of the 4” ones. It’s a lot tougher to clog the

bigger ones. Then remove the flapper valve, if the

vent comes with one. They just rattle in the wind

and get clogged shut with lint.

And use two vents. Cut the top off one and mount

the bottom part to the roof in the normal way. Cut

the bottom off the other vent and slide it over the

first one, securing it with a few stainless steel

sheet metal screws. When the vent needs to be

cleaned out, it’s a simple matter of removing a few

screws to remove the top half.

This method will minimize how often the dryer vent

needs to be serviced… and greatly simplify the

task when it’s needed.

6. Equipment Stands. From a roofing

perspective, it’s better to leave AC units and other

mechanical equipment on the ground. It’s also a lot

less expense and hassle when that equipment

needs to be replaced.

But if it’s going to be on the roof, at least put it on

elevated equipment stands that allow enough

room under them to install and service the roofing.

You shouldn’t have to go to the expense and

inconvenience of disconnecting the equipment to

work on the roof.

Check out Macgregor Roofing at www.macgregorroofing.com

10 Roofing Hassles in Northeast Ohio

If you have roofing problems, you are probably
well aware of the hassle and expense that go with
them. Unfortunately, it could be far worse that you
realize. Here are 10 ways you may be at risk:
1. High Initial Cost. When you buy or build a
home, the cost of the roof and roofing is normally
just part of the deal… and not given much thought.
But did you know that a wide variety of roof
designs and roofing systems can accommodate
the same floor plan? You could be paying much
more for your roof than necessary.
2. Roof Leaks. Ever since mankind first crawled
into caves, we have been trying to get out of the
weather. When our roofs fail us, we feel exposed
and vulnerable… in addition to the expense and
irritation factors.
3. Interior Damages. Those leaks can quickly
damage your valuable furnishings and
possessions. Carpets, furniture and drywall usually
get hit first. Computers and other electronics can
easily be destroyed. Irreplaceable family heirlooms
and artwork can be wrecked.
4. Structural Damages. Leaks that go unnoticed
or ignored can result in damage to the structure.
Deteriorated roof framing and sheathing is
common. Small problems turn into big ones.
5. Toxic Mold. Under the right conditions, mold
can start growing within 24 hours of a roof leak.
Certain types of mold are toxic… and can be very
expensive to eliminate. In severe cases the interior
may need to be gutted down to the bare framing!
6. Unsightly Roof Repairs. Attempts to repair
the leaks can leave your roof with nasty blemishes.
Those scars hurt the curb appeal of your home
and announce to the world you have had roof
problems.
7. Loss of Property Value. Appraisers see all
those nasty roof repairs and downgrade the value
of your home based on condition.
Home inspectors notice roofing problems in the
attic, scaring off buyers (or cause them to lower
their offers).
And then you find out that insurance companies
report roof leaks to a national database. They are
reluctant to take on mold liability, so home buyers
may not be able to get affordable insurance. Since
banks insist on insurance to protect their
investment, financing options may be more
limited… and more expensive.
This all results in a less desirable property for
buyers… and lower property value for you.
8. Premature Roof failure. Nobody wants to
keep putting up with roof leaks, so many people
bite the bullet and opt for a new roof… long before
the old roofing is actually worn out.
9. Expensive Reroofing. When that reroofing
decision finally comes, many people pay far more
than they should. They choose roofing systems
that cost much more, yet under-perform their other
options.
10. Roofing Hazards. As if all the expense and
trouble is not enough, some roofing conditions are
just down-right dangerous. Every year, thousands
of people are injured and property damage is in
the millions.
www.macgregorroofing.com

Roofing in northeast ohio

macgregorroofing.com Roof Repairs are being done in the Mentor area today.

 Macgregor Roofing completed a new Roof in Mentor on the Lake. This was a complete Tear off and re roof. There was 20 sheets of plywood replaced and new seamless gutters installed. Macgregor roofing works in Mentor, Willoughby and surrounding areas. Here is are link Macgregorroofing.com