FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. What is #15 asphalt saturated felt paper?

#15 felt is a shingle underlayment composed of a fiberglass reinforced organic felt which has been impregnated with asphalt.

#15 felt is considered a shingle underlayment and is mainly used in shingle roof applications. It's main purpose is to serve as a secondary water resistant layer beneath roofing shingles to prevent water infiltration to the interior of a structure.

2. What is an ice and water barrier?

An ice and water barrier is a self adhering waterproffing membrane which is composed of a composite reinforcement that is impregnated and coated with a rubberized asphalt material.

Essentially, an ice and water barrier is designed to protect the most vulnerable areas of your home from ice damming in the winter months, wind driven rain, and water damming in your gutters.

Rhode Island state building code requires the application of an ice and water barrier at all eave edges, extending 2' beyond a heated, inside wall and at all valley locations.

3. What are the normal aging characteristics of a shingle roof?

There a variety of normal aging characteristics, including:
Curling, Surface Cracking, Blisters and Staining.

4. When do I need a new roof?

Major signs that new roof is needed are:

Extreme Granule Loss - Granules serve as a protective UV filter which protects the asphalts in the roofing shingle. If these asphalt layers are exposed to ultra violet radiation accelerated aging of the asphalt layers occurs.

Reinforcement Cracking - Cracks occurring along the reinforcement of certain styles of shingles and jeopardizes the waterproofing characteristics of the roofing material.

Open Blisters - Expose critical asphalt layers to excessive ultraviolet radiation which in turn may cause premature roof failure.

Improper Installation - Major cause of premature roof failure. Improper nailing into insufficient roof decking or "skip nailing" may lead to shingle blow-offs resulting in water penetration.

6. Why use a fiberglass shingle versus an organic shingle?

Fiberglass Shingles:

Are more resistant to heat; are more resistant to humidity; are more resistant to curling (a natural process in the life cycle of a roof); provide a higher fire resistance rating compared to organic shingles (because the shingle reinforcement is fiberblass and not made of a cellulose fiber which contains wood and other cellulose fibers); use less asphalt which makes them more cost effective to use.