Yes. The heat from direct sunlight or temperatures above freezing allow the glue tabs beneath the edge of the shingle to become tacky. This causes the top shingle to seal to the shingle beneath it. In some cases, a separate cold application sealant is applied to the bottom of the shingle edge to ensure a proper installation. When the roof is snow covered or winter weather is expected, it’s best to wait due to safety concerns.

Yes, if you only have one layer. New Jersey Building Code allows a new roof to be installed over one layer of old roof. The reason why you cannot have three layers in total is because of the weight. Each layer of roofing materials is very heavy, and with a snow load on top, this added weight could cause the rafters in the attic to break or a complete structural failure. Most homes have one or two roofing layers.

As the summer sun hits a dark colored roof, it has been found that the temperature directly underneath the shingles can reach 150 degrees. This thermal transition enters into the attic causing temperatures to reach around 110 to 120 degrees. When the roof color is changed to a lighter color, the temperature beneath the shingles drops approx. 10 degrees. At 150 or 140 degrees, this 10-degree difference is still hot. Homeowners have found this to be true as well, so selecting a lighter colored roof will not accomplish the goal of making a noticeable temperature change within the home. Attic air sealing and added insulation would be the better solution.

The national average intended service life of an older roof is between 18 – 20 years. This doesn’t mean the roof will start to leak at that point, but the materials themselves will show significant signs of deterioration, staining, and granule loss. It’s best to be proactive vs reactive when replacing a roof that protects everything within the home.

Yes. Unfortunately, one large drawback to metal roofs (aside from their 2x cost), is the unaccounted for noise created by intense rain and hail. Installing insulation or an acoustic barrier beneath the metal roof can help to dampen the noise but will not eliminate it entirely. Additionally, choosing a thicker gauge of metal roofing material or adding attic insulation can further help to reduce some noise transmission.

Depending on your style of home, installing ridge vents, soffit vents, intake vents, passive vents, or gable vents can improve attic ventilation by allowing hot air to escape and fresh air to enter. Proper attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, extending the lifespan of the roof, helps to prevent mold in the attic, and protect the wood sheathing from deteriorating.

Regular roof inspections, prompt repairs of damaged shingles, and proper attic ventilation can help prolong the life of an asphalt shingle roof. Additionally, cleaning debris and maintaining gutters can prevent water damage.

Yes, solar panels can be installed on asphalt shingle roofs as long as the proper waterproof membrane system is installed underneath the roof shingles and age of the roof is generally under 10 years old. It’s essential to work with both a qualified roofing installer and a qualified solar panel installer to ensure the systems are installed correctly without compromising the integrity of the roof.

While it’s possible, it’s generally not recommended as it can void warranties and add excess weight to the structure. It’s best to remove the old roof to inspect for any underlying issues and ensure proper installation of the new one.

The lifespan of a roof depends on various factors such as the material used, climate, and maintenance. Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 18-22 years, while metal roofs can last 50 years or more. It’s advisable to inspect your roof annually and consider replacement if you notice signs of damage or wear.

Attic fans can be ineffective due to their disruption of the natural stack effect in homes. This effect pulls conditioned air from inside the living space up into the attic, where the fan then acts as a vacuum, expelling this air outside. This reversal of airflow can make the home inefficient by increasing energy consumption as HVAC systems work harder to maintain indoor comfort levels. Additionally, attic fans may introduce moisture issues during humid weather conditions and pose potential fire hazards if not installed or maintained properly. Considering these drawbacks, passive ventilation systems like ridge vents and gable vents often provide more effective attic ventilation solutions without the drawbacks associated with attic fans.

The short answer is no. Due to NJ Building Code, the primary concern with combining ridge vents and gable vents is that they can create competing ventilation pathways, disrupting the intended airflow dynamics. When ridge vents and gable vents are both present, there’s a risk of short-circuiting the airflow. In essence, the air entering through the gable vents may follow the path of least resistance and exit through the ridge vents, bypassing the intended soffit route. This can result in ineffective ventilation, inadequate air exchange, and potential moisture buildup in the attic. In light of these considerations, it’s generally best to choose one type of ventilation system and optimize it for maximum efficiency. For a gable vented style house, gable vents alone can provide adequate ventilation when properly sized and positioned. Alternatively, if ridge venting is preferred, the gable vents should be closed off or sealed to prevent interference with the ridge vent’s functionality.