Roof Installation

Many homeowners are not aware of the skill that goes into putting on a new roof. They are inclined to take the lowest bid that they get and not worry about the quality of the end result. Don’t just consider price, look to results.

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We can fix what any roofer before us did wrong

Sometimes we are called by homeowners to fix what a roofer before us did wrong. To help our customers understand what needs to be done for a good roof installation we provide some of the things that other roofers have done wrong and we have found.

Shingles skipped or not butted up properly

Here is a photo a Bothell roofing job where the roofer just plain skipped putting in shingles. This is of course an obvious and willful act, but it did happen! What is a bit less obvious is that the shingle rows were also misaligned, as you can see in the callout.

Starter shingles required

This roof was installed without using starter shingles on the first row of shingles on the roof edge. Starter shingles include a sealant that is within 2” of the roof edge that keeps the shingles from blowing upward and tearing in a strong wind.

Underlayment must be smooth and flat

The underlayment is a layer under the shingles that provides a second barrier to water entering the home. It needs to be laid flat and smooth on the roof deck so that any water that does reach it drains off the roof. Here is a house where the underlayment was installed with wrinkles, trapping water and possibly funneling it into the home. Here the roofer left the underlayment buckled and creased.

Vent Pip Flashing Must Extend Out Over the Lower Shingles

Proper installation of vent pipe flashing requires the flashing to extend out over the shingles below the vent pipe so that water runs out over the roof.Likewise, the flashing above the shingle must be installed under the shingles so that water does not run in under the flashing. vent pipe flashing is incorrectly installed over the shinglesHere you see, on this Woodinville home, one vent pipe without lower flashing extending out and the other vent pipe with the entire flashing incorrectly placed above the shingles.

All roof penetrations need flashing

Any and all roof penetrations need to be properly flashed. Flashing is a metal skirt that surrounds the opening and directs water away from and around the penetration and down the top of the shingles. Here you can see where the roof neglected to put flashing around the skylights. Flashing is required to go around roof vents, stand pipes, walls, and chimneys. Flashing should be good quality so that it outlasts the shingles.

Valley flashing cannot have exposed nails

Valleys where two roof sections come together require valley flashing or overlapped shingles. If valley flashing is used the nails holding the flashing in place must be well up under the shingles so that no leaks occur. Here you see exposed nail heads on the valley flashing. A heavy rain will flood the valley and cause water to run into the house.

Less visible errors exist as well

These are just some of the errors that can occur. Less obvious errors are common with a rushed crew as well. Here are a few of the common ones due to cost cutting and rushing:

Skipping some of the nails on the shingles
Nailing above or below the nail strip
Driving nails in too deep
Driving nails in too shallow
Driving nails in at an angle
Skipping new rake and eave flashing
Leaving old pipe boots and old flashing
Gaps in underlayment

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Here's What Our Satisfied Customers Are Saying...

At Emerald State Windows & Siding, we take pride in providing exceptional window and siding services to our customers. We would be grateful if you could share your thoughts about our business with others. Your feedback helps us improve and helps others make informed decisions. Please take a moment to leave a review of Emerald State Windows & Siding and let others know what you think.

Found leak on ceiling inside house in winter. Called original roof installer and said not water leak. Called another roofer and price was way out of line. Called Emerald State and Jim inspected leak and explained what needed to be done. Made temporary fix in dark to stop leak until a crew was able to make permanent fix. Waited till weather was better and crew came and now everything looks good. Good company to deal with. Highly recommend to call for a quote.

Jim and the Emerald State team did a great job fixing our roof leak. They came out the same day, quickly fixed a faulty roof vent, and then proactively future-proofed every vent on our roof. They really went above and beyond. I appreciated Jim's honest advice and felt like he was invested in our home. This is the first review I have ever left for a business, and Emerald State easily deserves all 5 stars. I would happily hire them again in the future.

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