Roofing discussions and local services.
dthomas55
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Quick Fixes for Cracked Shingles: Does Sealant Actually Help?
Those green patches are a running joke in our crew - seen more of them in gutters than actually sealing anything by spring. I get why folks reach for sealant or tape when the weather’s closing in, but up here, freeze-tha...
RE: When sparks fly: imagining a wildfire-proof neighborhood
That’s been my experience too - those “fire-resistant” sprays or coatings are more of a stopgap than a real solution. Like you said, they might slow things down, but once you’ve got embers landing on an old shake roof, t...
RE: Keeping algae off Atlas shingles: My quick hack
Couldn’t have said it better. People get fixated on algae or shingle type, but I’ve torn off plenty of roofs where the real issue was a clogged valley or a gutter packed solid. You keep that water moving and most of the ...
RE: Keeping algae off Atlas shingles: My quick hack
Copper strips do inhibit algae, but I wouldn’t say they’re much less noticeable than zinc. In my experience, both stand out, especially on lighter shingles. Copper can develop a greenish patina over time, which some fol...
RE: Eye and hand protection: disposable vs. reusable gear?
That’s been my experience too. Those bamboo/latex gloves just don’t hold up to sweat and grime - by July they’re stiff as a board or start to smell like old gym socks. I’ve switched to the nitrile-coated fabric ones for ...
RE: How long can you wait before that leaky roof becomes a real problem?
Stretching things until spring is always tempting, but I’d be careful with that, especially on a low-pitch roof from the 40s. Tarps are a decent stopgap, but they’re not foolproof - wind can shift them, and water finds i...
RE: how much does fixing up after a big storm usually set you back?
Can’t argue with your logic - metal’s a big pill to swallow upfront, but it’s tough to beat for storm resistance. I’ve seen plenty of folks patching shingles every spring, and after a few years, those “cheaper” repairs a...
RE: Thinking about installing leaf filters - worth the hype or waste of cash?
That’s pretty much been my experience too. I’ve seen a lot of folks get sold on the “never clean your gutters again” pitch, but honestly, even the high-end systems need some attention, especially if you’ve got a lot of p...
RE: Thinking about replacing my roof - are shingles really worth it?
That paperwork grind is no joke - I've had inspectors ask for photos of every single underlayment seam, which felt a bit much. On the noise, I’ve worked on both metal and shingle roofs, and honestly, neither is whisper-q...
RE: Roof checkups saved me big bucks - anyone else?
That’s a classic. I’ve seen similar, and honestly, it’s more common than folks think. If the baffles aren’t secured properly, blown-in insulation will just push them right out of place over time. As for powered attic fan...