Choosing the right, high-quality materials is one of the most important decisions you make when it comes to repairing your community. The quality of these materials, combined with proper installation, plays a significant role in the lifespan of your building components and in protecting your warranty. At True Group, we pride ourselves on consistently utilizing high-quality products on all projects.
Your roof is a pivotal component of building protection, as it’s one of the first layers of defense against water intrusion. The right materials and installation can protect your investment for decades – while the wrong ones can have detrimental effects which will increase your reserves.
Tile Roofs
Several factors contribute to failing tile roofs, including the use of wooden batons nailed through the underlayment. This practice can create tens of thousands of penetrations on each roof where water could enter the structure. When tile roofs are only loosely secured by batons, the tiles can “chatter” and chip during rainstorms and windy conditions. By adhering each tile to the roof individually, we eliminate the need for batons, giving each tile a wind uplift rating of 160 MPH.[RI1]
Additionally, if the underlayment is improperly installed or of a lower quality, water intrusion becomes a significant risk. At True Group, we use high-quality underlayment specifically designed for tile roofs to provide superior protection. We also install materials designed in the valleys to promote self-cleaning and prevent debris accumulation in the valleys.
Shingle Roofs
One of the simplest ways to ensure the longevity of your shingle roof is to opt for ring shank nails instead of smooth shank nails. Florida is home to humid weather and sees a lot of moisture, especially during the rainy season. Ring shank nails have grooves that help the nail stay in place, no matter the expansion or contraction of materials during varying weather conditions. As the nail penetrates the wood, its fibers lock into each groove along the shank, resulting in a nail that holds secure despite extreme wind or cyclical moisture conditions.
Smooth shank nails do not have these grooves to help them stay in place. They rely on the friction between the wood fibers and the shank, which is not sufficient to keep them in place during windy or rainy weather when the roof material expand and contract. Because of this, they are much more susceptible to slipping or popping out of place.
Roofs installed with ring shank nails outlast roofs installed with smooth shank nails. Roofs installed with smooth shank nails tend to last 15 years or less, while roofs installed with ring shank nails can last 20to 30 years. True Group is proud to only use ring shank nails. Over 99% of the roofs we replace from our competitors have smooth shank nails.
Roofing Cement
In Florida's hot and humid weather conditions, the choice between plastic and modified roofing cement becomes crucial for ensuring long-term roof integrity. Modified roofing cement is strongly recommended due to its superior flexibility and durability in such climates. This flexible asphalt product effectively seals roof penetrations such as lead boots, gooseneck vent, drip edge, chimneys, skylights, kitchen and attic ventilation. Properly sealed penetrations prevent water leaks into the interior of the building.
On the other hand, plastic cement tends to crack over time due to sun exposure. This cracking compromises the roof's ability to stay watertight on any roof penetration, leading to future leaks and damage to the interior.
Conclusion
Proper material selection and installation are key to the longevity and durability of your roofs and other building components. Choose wisely, and you'll see the benefits for years to come. This will greatly add value to your reserves and bring them under control.
Not sure if your roofs were installed with the right materials? Schedule a free consultation with us now to assess the longevity of your roofing components
