How Roofers Deal With Unique Features of Your Roof: Top 3 Challenges we see here at Lenox Roofing. The fact is that most roofs do not have a perfectly smooth, flat, or square surface. There are several components installed on a roofing system to enhance its performance, waterproofing, and energy efficiency. These items can include chimneys, dormers, turrets, or vents, to name a few. However, these features and shapes can make any kind of roof replacement project a little more complex.

How to Work Around the Various Components While Installing a Roofing System?

It can be challenging to replace roofs that have certain unique shapes and features installed on them. In absence of an absolutely flat surface, roofers need to create a ridge, seam, or valley to work around these components.

Now, these valleys and seams can become potential sources of water penetration if not handled properly. For this reason, roofers need to customize the basement and use special flashing to fit your roof’s unique features for a seamless look and performance. Roof ventilation is another important factor to consider. Poorly vented roofs can deteriorate your shingles and even lead to premature roof replacement.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways your roofing contractor can work around your roof’s unique waterproofing and ventilation features while installing a new roof.

1. Exhaust Vents and Chimneys

Cricket can be installed to divert the water away from your chimney. You can also achieve the same results with a vertical step flashing. A typical cricket consists of two wooden pieces that are joined at a ridge. For the best results, you also need to install special flashing for your chimneys. The most effective ones include step flashing, corner flashing, and cap flashing. To prevent water intrusion at the chimney deck, a waterproof underlayment such as Owens Corning® ProArmor® Synthetic Roof Underlayment is a good option

Exhaust pipes can also provide extra space for water infiltration. In this case, installing a pre-formed flashing flange is an excellent solution. The flange fits perfectly at the top but it has a wide and seamless bottom to direct water away from the pipe base.

2. Roof Style and Shape

Your roofing valleys are also vulnerable to roof leaks. That’s why they should be reinforced to optimize their performance and weather resistance capabilities. Contactors apply waterproof underlayment to the roof decking under the valleys to create a waterproof base layer.

The best flashing for the valleys is the metal valley flashing. Roofers usually install them in open or closed style, based on the type of shingles used. Sometimes the shingles need to be woven to add an extra protective layer to the leak-prone areas.

The type and amount of ventilation required also depend on your roof’s shape, style, and unique features. Each angle and shape that interferes with your roof’s flat surface can obstruct the airflow to these areas. The good news is that exhausts and intake vents are all your need to allow proper circulation in such vulnerable areas.

3. Complex Architectural Features

Certain unique architectural features on a roof including turrets, dormers, and cones need special attention during any roof installation or replacement. One such feature is dormers. To prevent water intrusion through dormers, a step flashing and waterproof underlayment are installed at the sidewall. Turrets and Cones are also among the most time-consuming features to work around during a roof replacement.

Need A Roof Replacement? Get In Touch the Leading Experts

Our roofing experts can help you understand how different features on your roof work and the best options for your roof replacement. To learn more, give your local roofer, Lenox Roofing Solutions a call at 843-839-2445 to schedule a FREE consultation and to get a FREE estimate today.

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