Roofing discussions and local services.
sailing_margaret
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Best way to lay deck boards on exposed trusses?
I get the logic behind flashing tape, but honestly, I skipped it on my last deck and just made sure to slope the joists a hair for drainage. Ten years in, no major rot yet - maybe I just got lucky with airflow under ther...
RE: Would you worry about lightning if your house had a metal roof?
I hear you on the surge protectors. I put a metal roof on our place a couple years back, and while it’s been solid through hail and wind, the lightning thing still makes me a little twitchy. We’re tucked in between a bun...
RE: QUICK FIX FOR ROOF LEAKS: DOES A TARP REALLY HOLD UP?
I’ve had almost the exact same thing happen. Last hurricane season, I slapped a tarp on my garage roof and used those big tube-shaped sandbags to hold it down. It worked fine for the first couple days, but after three da...
RE: Anyone else tried those heated driveway mats?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had decent luck with heated mats on my old, cracked driveway. It’s not pretty - there are definitely spots where the melt isn’t even, and sometimes I have to move the mat...
RE: Spotting wear and tear on used gear: my quick routine
Yep, that’s a big one. I once bought a dryer where the back panel looked suspiciously shiny compared to the rest. Turned out it was hiding a bunch of duct tape over a crack. Now I always run my hand along seams and look ...
RE: Roof upkeep through the seasons - did you see this?
Had to laugh reading this - tried putting down peel-and-stick on my shed roof last January, thinking I could beat the weather. Big mistake. Stuff just wouldn’t stick right, and by spring I had to redo half of it. Lesson ...
RE: Composite Shingles vs. Asphalt: Which Would You Trust Over Your Head?
I hear you on the price difference. When I re-roofed my place about six years back, I did the math and just couldn’t justify composites either. The asphalt was way easier on my wallet, especially since I was already stre...
RE: When the leaves fight back: a suburban drain mystery
You nailed it - maintenance-free gutters are like unicorns around here. I tried those fine mesh screens a couple years back, thinking I’d finally outsmarted the maple helicopters and pine needles. Instead, I just traded ...
RE: Solar attic fan install was supposed to be easy... right?
I hear you on the “universal” hardware being more hassle than it’s worth, especially with anything but the most basic roof. I had a similar headache with a skylight install - those chunky shingles just don’t play nice wi...
RE: ROOF SURVIVED HURRICANE, BUT WAS IT JUST LUCK?
I get what you’re saying about overdoing it. I helped a buddy re-roof his shed last summer, and we thought more nails would mean more secure shingles. Turns out, three months later, he had little leaks right where we’d g...
RE: Finally tackled that metal edging thing on my roof
Had a similar experience myself. When I first moved in, I used polyurethane around some flashing because that's what the guy at the hardware store recommended. It looked great at first, but after one winter it was cracki...
RE: Hypothetical scenario: your roofer suggests a contractor network you've never heard of
Had a similar situation when we redid our deck last summer. Guy we hired seemed solid, good reviews and all. About halfway through, I notice completely different people showing up to finish the job - turns out he'd subco...
RE: when do you usually tackle gutter cleaning?
Interesting story, but honestly I've had a different experience. I put in some higher-end aluminum guards about three years ago, and they've been pretty solid. Granted, I don't have pine trees around - mostly just maples...
RE: is it just me or are roofs wearing out faster these days?
Had the same issue here - roof replaced about 8 yrs ago, and last storm I found granules all over my driveway. Honestly, I think shingles just aren't made like they used to be... or maybe I'm just turning into my dad com...
RE: Thinking about a TPO roof? Here's a few things I learned...
I've gotta say, while installation is definitely key, I'm not totally convinced TPO itself is off the hook. Had a neighbor who went with TPO about 8 years ago - he was meticulous, hired a reputable crew, and even stood u...