Roofing discussions and local services.
jecho42
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Is it smarter to pay upfront or finance big purchases?
I get the appeal of financing for peace of mind, but I’ve seen that backfire after storms. Sometimes banks drag their feet on releasing funds, especially if there’s any dispute over inspections or paperwork. Had a neighb...
RE: Weighing the pros and cons: full roof removal vs. just adding a new layer
Had a client in Duluth who went the overlay route - looked fine the first winter, but by year two, ice dams were a nightmare. The extra layer trapped more heat, so the snow melted and refroze right at the eaves. Plus, wh...
RE: Why does picking between layering new shingles or ripping everything off have to be so confusing?
I hear you on the overlays - I've seen plenty of roofs with two layers holding up just fine, especially on lower-end rentals where the math just doesn't work for a full tear-off. But after that big hailstorm a couple yea...
RE: What I Wish I Knew Before Installing Gutter Guards
You nailed it about steep roofs - water just rockets off those things. I’ve seen micro-mesh guards work wonders on flatter roofs, but once you get a pitch over, say, 8/12, you start seeing that splash-over at the valleys...
RE: How Often Do You Really Need to Service Your Stuff?
I’ve seen those cheap meters swing wildly, too - sometimes they’re just guessing, honestly. But I’ll say, one time after a hailstorm, mine started reading high in the attic and I thought it was busted. Turned out a shing...
RE: How often do you actually get your business roof checked?
I hear you, but I’ve seen too many “nothing’s changed” roofs turn into surprise disasters after a couple seasons. Had a client skip their fall check because everything looked fine - come spring, a squirrel had chewed thr...
RE: how much does fixing up after a big storm usually set you back?
That “character” line from adjusters always cracks me up - heard it more times than I can count. Metal roofs are a double-edged sword out here. They’ll take a beating and keep the water out, but once hail’s done its thin...
RE: Did you know Tamko started out making roofing in a chicken coop?
That’s been my experience too - synthetic just shrugs off the crazy weather swings. I remember one job where we tried to save a few bucks with felt, and after the first big storm, it looked like someone had laid down a b...
RE: IS YOUR ROOF TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING?
That reminds me of a job after a pretty nasty hailstorm - homeowner was sure the roof had to be replaced because of some staining and a bit of musty smell in the attic. Turned out, it wasn’t storm damage at all, just a d...
RE: when do you usually tackle gutter cleaning?
I've definitely run into that sneaky debris issue you're talking about. Last spring, after a particularly nasty storm, I thought my gutters were totally clear - nothing visible from the ground at all. But when I finally ...
RE: How tricky is too tricky when fixing modern gadgets?
Ha, yeah, I know what you mean. Reminds me of the time my neighbor asked me to help set up his new security camera system after a storm knocked out the old one. You'd think it'd be straightforward - plug it in, connect t...
RE: when do you usually tackle gutter cleaning?
I've never messed around with copper strips either, but your foam insert experience sounds pretty familiar. I gave those a shot a couple years back, and yeah, they definitely cut down on the bigger stuff. But man, those ...
RE: best spot for ice barrier under shingles?
I've messed around with both synthetic and traditional felt over the years, and honestly, I haven't noticed a huge difference specifically for ice dams. Placement and sealing around edges always seemed way more critical....
RE: finally found a roofing company that didn't rip me off
I had a similar experience with peppermint oil at my place. Smelled great for about a day or two, but then the squirrels were back like nothing happened. Eventually had to bite the bullet and install metal mesh around th...
RE: struggling to decide between Tamko and CertainTeed shingles - anyone have thoughts?
Totally agree on ventilation - can't tell you how many times I've seen storm-damaged roofs that could've held up way better if the attic had proper airflow. Had one homeowner last year who splurged on top-tier shingles b...