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study guide: siding & Roofing
Learning Objectives:• Thefeaturesandbenefitsoftheproductsyousell.
• Howtoansweryourcustomers’product-relatedquestions.
• Howtohelpyourcustomerchoosetherightproducts.
• Howtoincreasetransactionsizesbylearningmoreaboutadd-onsalesandupsellingtechniques.
Product Knowledge:
Chapter 1: SidingModule 1: Vinyl and Metal Siding
Vinyl Siding
• Vinylsidingismadeofpolyvinylchloride(PVC).
• Thetopstriponthesidinghasnailslotsanditinstallsoverhousewraporhousepaper.
• Itiseasytocleanandmaintain.
• Thefaceofvinylsidingisavailableinavarietyofcustomcolors,whichvarywiththemanufacturer.
• Thedoublepanelstylehastwolapsperpanel.Otherstylesareavailablewithmorelapsperpanel.Itisavailablein4”or5”widths.
• Thesinglepanelstylehasasinglelapperpanel,andisavailablein8”widths.
Vertical Panel
• Averticalpanelmaybeinstalledverticallyorusedasasoffittrim.
• StylesincludeV-grooveandboardandbatten.
• Itisavailableinsmoothandwood-grainfinish.
• Soffittrimisinstalledundertheeaveoroverhangoftherooforonporchceilings.
• Panelstobeusedforsoffittrimmayhaveperforationsthatserveasaventfortheeaveoftheroof.
Corner Post
• Thecornerpostcanbeaninsideoroutsidestyle.
• Itisusedtotrimthecornersandprovidesaplaceforsidingpanelstosnap.
Trim
• Trimisalsoknownasanundersilltrim.
• Itisusedtoholdthetopofsiding,especiallyifitiscut.
• J-channeltypetrimisusedtoholdsidingaroundwindowsandotherplaceswherearunofasidingpanelends.
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Starter Strip
• Thestarterstripisanotherpiecethatgoesaroundthebuildingperimeteratthebottomandsecuresthebottomofthefirstrowofsiding.
Aluminum Siding
• Aluminumsidinghasabaked-onenamelfactoryfinishgenerallyavailableinalargeselectionofcolors.
• Itiseasytomaintainandshouldbewashedannually.Itcanalsobepainted.
• Aluminumsidingispronetodenting,butgenerallycanberepairedwithoutreplacingtheentirepanel.
• Sincealuminumcanconductelectricity,itneedstobegroundedafterinstallation.
• ItmaybeusedwithaninsulatedpanelthatcanaddR-valuetothewall.
• Thistypeofsidingisavailableinsmoothandtextureddesigns.
• Themostcommonstyleisthelapstyle.
Steel Siding
• Galvanizedsteelsidingisapremiumsidingwithaprefinishedvinylfinishthatisstrongerthanaluminumbutusuallymoreexpensive.
• Steelsidingisasuperiorsidingproductbecauseitiseasytomaintain,canberepainted,isstrongandresistsshrinkingandbulgingduetotemperaturechanges.
• However,scratchesinsteelsidingmustbepaintedtoavoidrusting.Itisalsomoredifficulttocutthanaluminumsiding.
• Steelsidingispopularintheconstructionof“polebarns”orothershedsandcommercialbuildings.
• Somecompaniesofferseamlessinstallationtoavoidtheseamsthatresultwheninstallingfactory-cutpanels.
• Thistypeofsidingisavailableinlapstyleprofiles,aswellasverticalpanels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I paint my vinyl siding?A:Youmaybeabletopaintvinyl,butcheckwiththemanufacturer.Paintingmayvoidthemanufacturer’swarranty.
Q: How do I clean my vinyl siding? A:Useasoft-bristled,long-handledbrush.Youcanevenuseoneattachedtoagardenhose.Ifneeded,useageneralpurposecleanerforordinarydirt.Ifyouuseapowerwasher,holdthewasherstraightorateyelevelsoitcancleanmosteffectively.Donotpointthepowerwasherupward,aswatermaycollectbehindthesiding.
Q: Do I need any special tools for installing vinyl?A:Yes.You’llneedanailholepunchforpunchingslotsincutpanels,asnaplockpunchfordimplingpanelswheretheywillbepressedintotheutilitytrimandanunlockingtoolforseparatingpanels.Q: Do I have to tear off my existing siding before installing metal siding? A:Youdon’thavetotearoffexistingsidingbeforeyouinstallsteeloraluminumsiding.Youdo,however,needtomakesurethattheexistingsidingwillholdnailsandisstable.Youcaninstallitoverwood,stucco,concreteblockandothersurfacesthatarestructurallysound.Q: What are the advantages of vinyl siding? A: Thebiggestadvantageiseaseofmaintenance.Vinyldoesnotrot,moldorneedpainting.Betterqualityvinylsidingincorporatesinsulationtoraisetheenergyefficiencyofyourhome.
Taking it to the Floor:
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Q: Do I have to tear off my existing siding before installing steel siding? A:Youdon’thavetotearoffexistingsiding.Youdo,however,needtomakesurethattheexistingsidingwillholdnailsandisstable.Q: Can I paint aluminum siding? A:Youcanpaintaluminumsiding.Besuretoprepitproperlybysandingwithafine-gritpaperandcleanit.Replacedentedsidingorrepairwithfillermadeformetal.Alsoprimeanybarealuminumusingametalprimer.
Upselling
• Premiumvinylsidingproductshavecolorthatgoesallthewaythroughsoscratcheswon’tshow.
• PremiumproductsalsohaveUVinhibitorsthatresistfading.
• Qualityvinylsidingisjudgedbyitsthickness;thethickerthesiding,thebetterthequality.
• Alsoconsiderfactorssuchasthedesignofthelockingmechanismthatholdsthepanelstogetherandthedesignofthenailinghem.
• Somemanufacturersoffervinylsidingwithabuilt-infoaminsulationbacking.Thebackinghelpssealoutmoisture,protectsagainstinsectsandaddsR-valuetothehome.
Add-On Sales
• Thereareseveralspecialtoolscustomerswillneedtoinstallvinylsiding:anail hole punch,asnap-lock punchandanunlocking tool.
• Customerswillneedautility knifeandtin snipsforcuttingsiding.
• Askiftheyneedameasuring tape, combination squareandafelttippenformarkingforcuts.
• Suggestachalk lineandlevelforlayingoutthestarterstripsofthevinylpanels.
• Makesurecustomershaveenoughnailsforattachingvinylpiecestothehouse.
• Aftercustomershaveinstalledsiding,theymayneedcaulkforsealingaroundwindowsanddoors.
Product Knowledge:
Module 2: Wood and Composite Siding
Wood Lap
• Woodlapsidingistypicallymadefromredwoodorcedar,asthesetypesofwoodarehighlyresistanttodecayanddimensionallystable.Pine,spruce,firandCyprusmayalsobeused,dependingonyourregion.
• Thistypeofsidingisappliedhorizontally.Piecesoverlapeachotheratthetop.
• Piecesrangeinthicknessfrom3/4”to1”,andmaybe4”to12”wide.
• Thereisachoiceofstylesandshapes,withedgesthatarebeveledortapered.
• Stylesincludewidebevel,drop,tongueandgrooveandDollyVarden.
Wood Plank
• Woodplanksidingisappliedverticallyandplywoodsheathingorblockingisusedtoprovideanailingsurface.
• Woodpiecesaregenerally6”to12”wide.
• Theymayberoughsawnorsmooth,dependingonthetypeoffinishdesired.
• Thewaytheboardsarearrangeddeterminestheirstyle.Commonstylesincludeboardandbatten,reverseboardandbatten,boardonboardandchannelrustic.
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Plywood
• Panelsofplywoodorhardboard,oftenusedbecauseofitseaseofinstallationandlowcost.
• Availableinavarietyofwoodspeciesandfacetreatments.Firandpinearetwocommonlyusedtypesforpanelsiding.Theyareeconomicalandcanbepaintedorstained.CedarandRedwoodarepremiumsidings,andcustomersaremorelikelytostainthem.
• Itisavailablein4’x8’or4’x9’sheets.
• Commonthicknessis3/8”,1/2”and5/8”.
Structural Panel
• Someplywoodandcompositepanelsaredesignedtocombinewallbracingandsidinginasingleapplicationstep.Usethemassidingeitheroversheathingordirectlyoverstuds.
• Thisisaperformance-ratedpanel,gradedaccordingtoitsstructuralcharacteristicsratherthanbyitsappearance.
• Itisavailableaspanelandlapsidingandinvarioussurfacetreatments,includinggrooved,roughsawn,smoothortexturedface.
• Commonthicknessesrangefrom11/32”to5/8”.
Shingle
• Shinglesidingiscommonlymadeofredwood,cedarorcypress.
• Theshinglesaremachinecuttobeuniform.
• Onedisadvantageisthattheymaybepronetowarpingandcracking.Theyalsofade,whichcancreateadesiredrusticappearance.
• Panelizedcedarsidingpanelsapply8’ofshinglesinonestep,withthebackingmaterialalreadyapplied.
• Onetypeisthefancycutshingle,alsocalledafancybuttshingle,whichhasadecorativecutatthebuttend.Theseareusedforareasofthehomewhereamoredecorativeappearanceisdesired,suchasthegableofaVictorianstylehome.
• Anothertypeisawoodshakeshingle,whichishand-splitanddoesnothaveauniformsize.
Fiber Cement
• Fibercementsidingisapopularalternativetowoodorvinyl.Itismadeofcement,sandandcellulosefiber.
• Therearemanyadvantagestothistypeofsiding.Itisstrong,durableandwillnotbuckleorwarplikewood.However,itisheavierthanwood.
• Mostfibercementsidingisavailableinavarietyoftexturesandcolors.
• Itisavailableaslapsidingforhorizontalinstallationoraspanelsforverticalinstallation.
Engineered Wood
• Engineeredwoodsidingismadeofwoodstrandscoatedwitharesinbinderandcompressed.Then,theboardiscoatedwithamoisture-resistantoverlaythathasawood-grainappearance.
• Thistypeofsidinginstallsandcutslikewood.However,manufacturerinstallationinstructionsmustbefollowedcarefullytoavoidproblemswithmoisture.
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Hardboard
• Hardboardsidingismadefromreconstitutednaturalwoodfibersandresins.
• Itistemperedtobedenseandmoistureresistant.However,itmustbeproperlyprimed,paintedandsealedagainstmoisture,oritissusceptibletoswelling.
• Someproductsareavailablepre-primed.
• Hardboardsidingisavailableinplanksforlapinstallationorinpanelsforverticalinstallation.
• Thequalityofpanelsisratedonnailheadpull-through,hardness,lateralnailresistanceandweatherabilityofthesubstrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the advantage of wood siding over other types of exterior sidings?A:Woodactsasanaturalinsulator.Italsocanadddimensionalstabilitytothestructure.Q: How do I finish or treat wood siding? A: Mostwoodsidingcanbestainedorpainted,orfinishedwithaclearcoattoletthenaturalgrainshowthrough.Q: What kind of nail should I use to install wood siding? A:Useastainlesssteelnail,ahightensilestrengthaluminumnailorahot-dippedgalvanizednail.Thenailshouldhavearing-threadedorspiral-threadedshankforimprovedholdingpower.Q: What is back priming? A:Itmeansprimingthebacksideofthesiding.Youshouldalsoprimethecutedgessothewoodiscompletelysealedfrommoisture.Hardboard,fibercement,engineeredwoodandlapwoodsidingisoftenavailablepre-primedonbothsidestosaveyouinstallationtime.Q: How do I cut and fasten fiber cement siding? A:Tocutfibercementsiding,useasawbladespeciallydesignedforcuttingfiber-cement.Or,useshearsandascore-and-snapmethod.Tofastenit,usecorrosionresistantnails,eitherstainlesssteelorgalvanized.Youcanalsousegalvanizedscrews.Wedonotrecommendusingstaples.
Upselling
• Suggestfibercementproductswithlongmanufacturerwarranties.
• Somemanufacturersofferengineeredwoodsidingthathasself-aligningedgedesignsthatmakethemeasiertoinstall.
• Betterengineeredwoodsidingalsohasaspecialtreatmentthatprotectsagainsttermitesandrot.
• Whensellinganywoodorcompositesiding,suggestboardsthatarepre-primed,asthatwillsaveinstallationtime.
Add-On Sales
• Customersinstallingwoodsidingwillneedseveraltools,includingahammerandasaw.
• Theywillalsoneedatape measureandsquareformarkingcuts.
• Makesurethecustomerhasplentyofnails,andsuggestanail apronforconvenience.
• Customerswillneedbuilding paperforwrappingthestructurebeforeinstallingsiding.
• Foranyonenotbuyingpre-primedboards,recommendprimerforbackprimingbeforeinstallation.
• Customersmayneedcaulkforsealingedgesafterinstallation.
• Recommendcustomersuserespiratory protectionwhencuttingfibercementsiding,asthedustcanbehazardous.
• Alsorecommendusingsafety glassesandgloves.
Taking it to the Floor:
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Product Knowledge:
Asphalt Shingle
• Asphaltshinglesconsistofaheavymatsaturatedwithasphaltandcoatedwithceramicgranules.
• TheceramicgranulesgivetheroofcolorandprotecttheasphaltfromdamagefromUVrays,whichcanseverelyshortenthelifeofasphaltproducts.
• Theyuseself-sealingadhesivepatchesthatmeltintheheatofthesunandsealtheoverlappingtab.
• Asphaltshinglesareinstalledwithroofingnailsandoverthetopofsoliddeckingandroofingpaper.
• Theyareavailableinavarietyofstylesandcolors.
• Themostpopulartypeisthefiberglassshinglewherethematismadeoffiberglass,whichweighslessandcontainsmoreasphaltthanorganicshingles.
• Theorganicshingle,alsoknownasacompositionshingle,hasamatmadeofaheavypaper-likematerialmadefromwoodpulp.Itistypicallyheavierthanafiberglassshingleandnotasfireresistant.
There are two styles of asphalt shingles.
Three-tab Shingle
• Thethree-tabshingle,alsocalledthestripshingle,hasasinglethicknesswithanywherefromtwotofourtabsperstrip.
• Itcomesinvariousedgepatternsandsurfacetexturetreatments.
• Therearethreeorfourbundlespersquare(100sq.ft.).
• Commonsizesarewidthsof12”to13-1/4”,andlengthsof36”to40”.
• Typicalexposure(orhowmuchofoneshingleisexposed)is5”to5-5/8”,dependingonthemanufacturer.
• Weightis215to300lbs.persquare.
• HasaULfireratingofA(forfiberglassshingles)orC(fororganicshingles).
Architectural Shingle
• Anarchitecturalshingle,oftencalledlaminatedordimensionalshingle,consistsoftwolayersofshinglestogethertoachievethelookofawoodshake.Itisconsideredahigh-endshingle.
• Somehaveaself-sealingstripandsomedonot.Withtheaddedweightandthicknessofalaminatedshingle,theadhesivestripisnotasimportant.
• Thistypehasthreetofourbundlespersquare.
• Commonsizesare12”to13-1/4”widths,and36”to40”lengths.
• Thetypicalexposureis5”to5-1/4”.
• Itsweightis250to340lbs.persquare.
study guide: siding & Roofing
Chapter 2: RoofingModule 1: Asphalt Roofing
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Selvage Edge Roll
• Selvageedgerollroofingisanasphalt-typerollthatisappliedlikeshingles,whereaportionoftherolloverlapstheother.Itisalsocalleddoublecoveragerollroofingbecauseoftheamountofoverlapitprovides.
• Thelowerpartoftherolliscoveredwithgranulesandthetophalfissmooth.Thisallowsforabetteradhesiveactiononthetoppartthatisdoublecovered.
• Thistypeofroofingshouldbeusedonlow-sloperoofs,orthosewitha3-in-12pitchorlower.
• Itisinstalledwithroofingnailsandasphaltlapcement
• Tworollscoveronesquare.
• Rollsare36’longand36”wide.Thestandardoverlapis19”withanexposureof17”.
• Selvageedgeroofingisavailableinseveralcolors,includingblackandwhite.
Surface Roll
• Surfacerollroofingisanasphalt-basedroofcoveredwithcoloredgranuleslikeshingles.
• Wheninstalled,ithasanoverlap,butnotasmuchasselvageedge.Itisconsideredasinglecoverageroll.Itisalsoheavierthansmoothrollroofing,soitlastslonger.
• Whileselvageedgerollroofingisusedonlow-sloperoofs,surfacerollroofingisforroofswithahigherpitch.Donotuseitonroofswithlessthana3-in-12slope.
• Itisusedforutilitybuildingsorasatemporaryroof.
• Itisinstalledusingroofingnailsandlapcement.
• Itcomesin36’to38’longrollsandit36”wide.
Smooth Surface Roll
• Aheavyasphaltsheetthatcomesinroll.
• Weightis40to65lbs.persquare.
• Foruseasatemporaryrooforasalayerofacommercialbuilt-uproofsystem.
• Doesnothavegranulescoveringit,butisdustedwithmicaflakestogiveitprotection.
• Rollsare36’longand36”wide.
• Endlapis6”andtoplapis2”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the shingles I just installed already blowing off the roof?A: Onepossiblecauseisthattheshingleswerelaidinthefallorwinterandtheself-sealingtabneverhadtheopportunitytoproperlyseal.Thisdoesn’talwayshappen,butcan.Apossiblesolutionistoputasphaltadhesiveinacaulkinggunandtackdownthetabs,onebyone.
Q: What’s the difference between a roofing nail and a shingle nail?A:Aroofingnailhasalargeheadforholdingdownasphaltroofing,whichistypicallyasphaltshingles.Thelargeheadhelpsreduce“tearthrough.”Ashinglenailisjusta3dgalvanizedboxnailusedtofastenwoodshingles.
Q: Can dirt and debris buildup hurt my roof?A: Yes.Dirtanddebrissuchaslimbs,leavesorpinestrawcanholdmoisturethatcancausemildewanddamagetotheroof.
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Q: What is a “square” in roofing terms?A:Asquareis100sq.ft.ofshinglesonaroof.Shinglesaretypicallysoldinbundlesandwilltellyouhowmanybundlesittakestomakeasquare.
Q: What are some signs my roof is getting old or has problems?A:Wheninspectingyourroof,checkforcracked,warpedormissingshingles.Alsolookforseamsthatarelooseandflashingthathasdeteriorated.Lookintheguttersforexcessivegranulesthatarecomingloosefromtheroof.Also,ofcourse,checkinsideforleaks.
Q: How much should the roll roofing I’m using overlap?A: Itdependsonwhattypeofroofingyou’reusing.Forselvageedgerollroofing,therecommendedtoplapis19”withanexposureof17”.Usea6”endlap.Forsurfacerollroofing,therecommendedheadlapis2”to4”withanexposureof32”to34”.Therecommendedsidelapis6”.
Upselling Skills
• Someasphaltshingleshavecolorsdesignedtoreflectsunlight,whichcanreducearoof’stemperatureinthesummerandsaveoncoolingcosts.TheseshinglesmaymeetENERGYSTAR®standards.
• Anotherfeatureofaqualityasphaltshingleisahighimpactresistancethatminimizesthedamagecausedbyhailorotherobjectshittingtheroof.
• Somemanufacturersofferastainprotectionfeatureforasphaltshingles.Thisprotectsfromalgaestainsandstreaking,whichisacommonproblemthatcanleaveunsightlydiscolorationonaroof.
Add-on Sales
Herearesomeotheritemscustomerswillneediftheyarebuyingshingles.
• Anyoneputtingshinglesonaroofwillneedplentyofnails.
• Customerswillneedbuilder’s felttouseasanunderlaymentoranice barrierforextraprotection.
• You’llalsowanttohelpthemgetenoughstarter rollsforstartingtheshingleinstallation.
• Remindcustomerstogetenoughrollsofflashingandroof cementfortheproject.
• Askifthecustomerneedsaroof bootforflashingaroundventpipes.
• Toolsyourcustomersneedincludeautility knife andextra bladesforcuttingasphaltshingles;tin snipsforcuttingflashing;andachalk lineandmeasuring tapeforgettingthefirstrowofshinglesstarted.
• Suggesthand cleanerforcleaningupaftertheproject.
• Alwaysaskifcustomershavetheappropriatesafetyequipmentforworkingonaroof,includingaroofsafety harness,glovesandasafety helmet.
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Product Knowledge:
Wood Shingle
• AwoodshingleistypicallymadeofWesternredcedar,althoughcypressandredwoodarealsoused.
• Ithasasmoothsurfaceandistapersawn.
• Thisshinglecomesinrandomwidthsandlengthsof16”(calledFivex),18”(calledPerfections)and24”(calledRoyals).
• GradingdesignationsareNo.1(bluelabel),No.2(redlabel),No.3(blacklabel)andNo.4(undercoursing).
• Fourbundlescontainenoughshinglestocoveronesquare(100sq.ft.)atstandardexposure.
• Maybepressuretreatedtoprotectagainstdecay.Somemanufacturerswillalsotreatwithachemicalthatisfireresistant.
• Somemanufacturersoffera20to25yearlimitedwarranty.
Wood Shake
• Awoodshakeissimilartoawoodshingle,butitishandsplitinsteadofsawnandhasaroughsurfaceforamorerusticappearance.
• Shakesareinstalledlikewoodshingles,butthebuttsareoftenlaidoutunevenlyforamorerusticappearance.
• Exposureisgreaterthanbetweenwoodshingles:7-1/2”for18”shakes,10”for24”shakesand13”for32”shakes.
• Anothertypeisatapersawnshakethatisahybridofashakeandashingle.Itissawnonbothsidesbutthedimensionsaresimilartoashake.
Clay Tile
• Claytileismadefromclayfiredinakiln.
• Itisabletoendureharshconditionsandprotectagainstwind,hail,rainandfire.
• Sinceitishighlydurable,manymanufacturersofclaytileofferlongwarranties(asmanyas50years)ontheirproducts.
• Claytileistypicallyaterracottaredclaycolor,althoughothercolorsareavailable.
• MosttilesareunaffectedbyUVrays,whichmeanstheircolorwillnotfade.
• Heavierthanothertypesofroofing,soadditionalstructuralsupportmaybeneededtosupportaclaytileroof.Itisalsomoredifficulttoinstallthanothertypesofroofingmaterials.
• MissionstyleisthefamiliarroundedorS-shapedtile,oftencalledSpanishorBarreltile.
• Anothertypeistheflatclaytile,whichhasaflatoverlappingorinterlockingdesign.
• Othershapesandstylesofclaytileareavailable.
Module 2: Wood, Slate & Tile Roofing
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Slate Tile
• Slatetilesarecutfromnaturalstoneintoshinglesquares.
• Itisconsideredahigh-endroofproductandisexpensive.
• Ithashighstrength,durability,fireandwaterresistanceandrequireslowmaintenance.
• Slateisaverydurableroofproductandsomemanufacturersclaim75yearsoflifefromaslateroof.
• However,itsweightisthreetimesthatofasphaltshingles.
• Slatetilesareattachedtotheroofbynailingthroughpre-drilledholesintheshingle.
• Installationisdifficultandbestdonebyaprofessional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to put some kind of finish on my wooden shingle roof?A:Thereareseveraldifferentkindsofproductsyoucanputonyourwoodshingleorshakeroof.Dependingonthelookyouwant,youcanusetransparent,semi-transparentorbleachingoilpenetratingstain;solidcolorstain;orpaint.Checkwiththemanufacturer’sinstructionsfirsttoreviewfinishingrecommendations.
Q: What are the advantages of using wood shingles on my roof?A:Besidesthebeautyofnaturalwood,awoodenshakeorshingleisarenewableresourceandishighlydurableinextremeweathersuchashail,highwindandearthquakes.
Q: Can I just replace tiles instead of replacing the entire roof?A:Usuallythebestchoiceistoreplacetiles.Claytileslastaverylongtimeanditislikelythatmostoftheroofisingoodcondition.Aclaytileroofisalsoexpensivetoreplace.Anexperiencedroofercanreplaceindividualclaytiles.Checktheconditionofyourclaytileroofbyusingbinocularstocheckformissing,crackedorslippedtilesandmissingmortar.Besuretochecktheridge,horizontalrow,valleysandanyplacetheroofchangesdirection.
Q: Does a tile roof have a good insulation value?A:Thecombinationoftherooftiles,deckingandtheairspaceunderandbetweenthetilesmakesrooftilesgoodinsulators.
Q: Aren’t clay tile roofs expensive?A:Theyareeconomicalifyouconsidertheirlonglife,typically50yearsorlonger.Youmayreplaceanasphaltroofseveraltimesduringthelifespanofaclayroof.
Q: What type of sheathing do I need under wood shingles?A:Woodshinglesmaybeinstalledoversolidorspacedsheathing.Open,sheathingsavesmoneyandallowsshinglestodryoutquickly,andisoftenusedinmildclimates.Solidsheathingaddsinsulation,reducesairinfiltra-tionandisoftenusedincolderclimates.Ifyouareusingwoodshakes,usesolidsheathingundershakesandafeltunderlaybetweeneachcourseforareasthathavewind-drivensnow.
Add-on Sales
• Customersinstallingwoodshingleswillneedtofirstcovertheroofwiththeappropriatetypeofunderlayment.
• Suggestachalk lineandmeasuring tapeforensuringproperspacingforeachrowofshingle.
• Makesuretheyhaveacircular sawandutility knifeforcuttingshingles.
• Askiftheyhaveenoughgalvanized nailsfortheproject,aswellasahammer.
• Customerswillalsoneedaridge cap,speciallymadeforwoodshingles.
• Next,askcustomersiftheyplantostainorfinishtheshinglesinanyway,andthenhelpthemfindtheappropriateproduct.
• Aswithanyroofingproject,suggesttheappropriatesafetyequipmentforworkingonaroof,includingaroofsafety harness,glovesandasafety helmet.
Taking it to the Floor:
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Product Knowledge:
Steel Panel
• Steelpanelsaresometimesusedtocoveraroof.Thesepanelsaregalvanizedandoftencoatedwithabaked-onenamel,siliconizedpaintorotherfinish.
• Thisisoftencalleda“standingseam”roof.
• Thesesteelpanelscanbeinstalledoverexistingroofordecking.Incommercialoragriculturalbuildings,itmaybeinstalleddirectlyontoframingmembers.
• Theyarecommonlyusedincommercial,farmandresidentialapplications.
• Panelsareinstalledwithnails,althoughsomemanufacturersmayofferaspecialinterlockingsystemthatcoversthenails.
• Steelpanelsaremostlyavailablecorrugated,butotherprofileshapesareavailable.Theyarealsoavailableinavarietyofcolors.
• Themostpopularlengthsforpanelsare8’,10’and12’.
Steel Shingle
• Asteelshinglecanbemadetomimictheappearanceofcedarshingles,slatetilesorclaytiles.
• Sincetheyarereflective,theyreflectthesun’sraysandaidincoolingcosts.
• Fire-resistantandrot-resistant.Alsoresistsrotting,cracking,splittingandbreaking.
• Maybesusceptibletodamagebyhailorhighwinds
• Steelshinglesarelonglasting.Somemanufacturerswillwarrantytheirproductupto50years.
• Theyareavailableinavarietyofcolorsandtextures.
Composite Shingle
• Compositeshinglesaremadeofcompositematerialsandmadetoresembleslate,woodorotherhigh-endroofingmaterialswithoutthehighcostassociatedwiththosematerials.
• Theyareeasytocutandinstall.
• Theyarealsolightweightandeasytomaintain.
• Theseshinglesusuallycomewithpreformedhipandridgeshingles.
Rolled Rubber Roof
• Rolledrubberroofmaterialsareusedprimarilyonflatroofs.
• Itiscommonincommercialandindustrialapplicationsandrequiresprofessionalinstallation.
• Rubberroofisthegenericnamecommonlyknowntoconsumers.Thereareseveraldifferenttypesandthefollowingaretwocommonclassifications.
• Polymer-modifiedbitumenormodifiedbitumen(MB)membraneisarollmaterialthatattachestotheroofwithhotasphaltorheat-welding.Itisalsocomposedofmultiplelayers.Itrequiressometopsurfacelikegravelormetalfoil,muchlikeabuilt-upmembraneroof.
• EPDM(ethylenepropylenedienemonomer)isarollmembranecomposedofethyleneandpropyleneandisthemostcommonlyusedroofmembrane.TheproductmostconsumersknowasrubberroofingisEPDM.
• Easy-to-useEPDMkitsforhomeownersareavailableandsomehaveaself-stickbacking.
Module 3: Metal & Snythetic Roofing
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Fiberglass Panel
• Someroofingpanelsaremadeoffiberglassorothertypeoffiberglassreinforcedplastic.
• Theyarepopularwithdo-it-yourselfersastheymakeagoodcoveringforapatioarea,garden/greenhouse,carportorboatshed.Theycanalsobeusedincommercialbuildingsorbarns.
• Fiberglasspanelsusuallyallowsomenaturallighttopassthrough,butopaquepanelsarealsoavailable.
• Theiradvantageistheywillnotrot,rustormildew.
• Fiberglasspanelsarecorrugatedorshapedtosomeprofile.
• Theirlengthsareusually8’,10’and12’.Acommonwidthis26”.Whenlapped2”,itcanbeplaced24”on-centerspacing.
Rubber Shingles
• Shinglesmadeofrubberanddesignedtosimulateslateorwoodshakes.
• Availableinathree-tabdesignandeasytoinstall.
• Verydurable.Manufacturersgenerallyofferalongwarranty.
• Insulateswellagainstextremeheatandcold.
• ResistsUVraysandresistsimpactfromhail.
• Doesnotrequireextrastructuralsupport.
Aluminum Shingle
• Lightweight.
• Canbemadetomimictheappearanceofcedarshinglesortile.
• Sincetheyarereflective,theyreflectthesun’sraysandaidincoolingcosts.
• Mostinstallbynailing,butsomemanufacturersofferaninterlockingsystemthatsealsallfouredgesofthetile.
• Longlasting.Somemanufacturerswillwarrantytheirproductupto50years.
• Doesnotrust,rot,attractinsects,dryorsplit.
• Fireresistant.
Mineral Copper Shingle
• Lightweight.
• Usesalockingsystemtosealoutweather.
• Longlasting.Manufacturerstypicallyofferlong-termwarranties.
• Easytoinstall.Installsdirectlyoverdeckingandrequiresnospecialtools.
• Installswithnails.
• Weatherstoagreencolor.
• Canbeusedoncommercialandresidentialroofs.
• Highresistancetofireandwind.
13
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will a metal roof be noisy in the rain or attract lightning?A: Analuminumorsteelroofwillnotnecessarilybenoisyintherain.Aluminumshinglesshouldbeinstalledoverasoliddeck,andtheinsulationintheatticaswellasanyinsulationbetweenthedeckingandtheshingleswillhelpdeadenthesound.Theydonotattractlightningeither.However,iftheroofwerestruckbylightning,itwouldsafelydissipatethechargethroughoutthestructure.Theseroofsarealsofireresistant,sotheywillactuallyhelppreventthehousefromcatchingfireifthehousewerestruckbylightning.Q: Why are some metal roofs called “standing seam”? A:Astandingseamroofisonewheretheseambetweensheetsisraisedtobeabovethesheet,andthereforeislesslikelytoleak.Q: What kind of nails do I use with a steel panel roof? A:Themostcommonnailtouseisanailwithawasherthatsealstheholefromleaking.Thisisusedbecause,unlikeshingles,thenailonasteelpanelroofisexposed.Q: What is the advantage of a steel roof? A:Asteelroofdoesnotsupportthegrowthofmoss,mildeworfungus.Theyarealsolightweightandcanwithstandsevereweather.Theyalsolastlongerthansometypesofroofing.Q: Can I use an asphalt patching material to patch a rubber roof? A:No.Asphaltisnotcompatiblewithrubberroofing.Patchaccordingtothemanufacturersspecifications.Q: Does an EPDM roof require gravel on top? A:No.UnlikeanMBmembrane,EPDMisinstalledusinganadhesiveatthelappedjoints.Q: Can I install an EPDM rubber roof over an existing roof? A:YoucannotinstallanEPDMrubberroofdirectlyoverasphalt,tar,shinglesorfeltpaper.Installon5/8”plywoodorOSB.YoucaninstallitoverexistingroofingonlyifyoufirstplacetheplywoodorOSBdeckingovertheexistingroof.OilsintheasphaltandtarroofingwillcauseproblemsintheEPDM.Q: How thick of an EPDM rubber roof do I need? A:Formostapplications,a40or45milrollissufficient.Useathicker60or90miliftheroofwillbeinanareawhereyouneedgoodpunctureresistance,suchasanareawheretreelimbsmayfall.
Add-on Sales
• Forcustomersinstallingametalpanelroof,askiftheyneedsnipsorshearsforcuttingmetalpiecestosize.
• Askiftheyneedvent boots,andthenthemanufacturer’srecommendedcaulkforsealingaroundtheboot.
• Makesurecustomershavetheappropriateunderlaymenttoinstallundertheshingles.
• Alwaysrecommendcustomersusetheappropriatesafetyequipmentforworkingonaroof,includingaroof safety harness,glovesandasafety helmet.
Taking it to the Floor:
14
Product Knowledge:
Builder’s Felt
• Builder’sfeltisanasphalt-saturatedfeltusedasanunderlaymentmaterialforshingles.
• Itisavailablein15or30lb.weights.
• A15lb.feltrollis36”x144’(432sq.ft.).Whenappliedwiththerecommendedheadlapof2”andendlapof4”,itcovers400sq.ft.
• A30lb.feltrollis36”x72”(216sq.ft.)Whenappliedwithrecommendedlaps,itcovers200sq.ft.
• Besureyouknowthelocalcoderequirementsforwhichweightoffeltisrequiredforroofinginyourarea.
Flashing
• Flashingisarollof28-gauge,galvanizedsteel,paintedsteeloraluminum.
• Ithelpsshedwaterinareasthatarepronetoleaking,suchasvalleysandridges,wheretheroofmeetsachimneyoraroundventpipes.
• Flashingisavailableinrolls16”to24”wide.
• Itmaybereferredtoasopenvalleyflashing,wheretheshinglesarecutbackandflashingisvisible.
• Wheretheroofjoinsawall,theflashingiscalledstepflashing.
• Anothertypeofflashingthatdoesnotusemetalisclosedvalleyflashing.Here,90lb.mineralsurfacedrollroofingisusedandcenteredinthevalleyfromtoptobottomwiththeshingleswovenoverthetopofit.
• Someroofersmayusemetalroofedgingasflashingaroundtheedgeoftheroof.ThemostcommonistheDstyleandhelpsmakeaneatroofedge.
Hip and Ridge Shingle
• Ahipandridgeshingleisdesignedspecificallytocovertheanglesformedbytwointersectingroofplanes,otherwiseknownasthehiporridge.
• Availableforeachofthevarioustypesofshinglesortiles.
• Installationissimilartofieldshinglesortiles.
Starter Roll
• Ashinglestarterrollfunctionsasthebeginningrunofanasphaltshingleinstallation.
• Itisinstalledalongaroof’seaveorrakeline.
• Astarterrolleliminatestheneedtouseshinglesasastarterstripandsavestime.
• Useitwithfiberglassandasphaltshingles.
Ice / Water Barrier
• Aniceandwaterbarrierisaproductappliedonthedeckofaroofundertheshinglestopreventwaterleakagecausedbyicedamming.
• Ithelpssealaroundnailstofurtherreducewaterleakage.
• Ithasaself-adhesivebackingforeasyinstallationandisavailableinrolls.
Module 4: Roofing Accessories
15
Roof Cement
• Roofcementisusedtofillgaps,openingsandpenetrationsintheroof.Itcanalsobeusedtosealdownshingletapsandtofillaroundflashingjoints.
• Roofcementcanalsobeusedonfloorsandwalls.
• Itisavailableinquart,1-gal.and5-gal.cans,andincaulkingcartridges.
Roof Coating
• Roofcoatingisusedonlow-sloperoofareas,includingmobilehomesandR.V.s.
• Applyitwithabrush.
• Therearetwotypes.Theunfiberedtypeisusedtorecoatoldroofsaspartofregularmaintenanceortohelpprotectmetalroofsfromcorrosion.
• Thefiberedtypeisheavierandusedinthesameplacesastheunfiberedwhenaheavier-dutyproductiswanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an ice dam?
A:Anicedamisaconditionwherethetemperatureisjustbelowfreezingandthesnowhasfallenontheroof.Thecombinationofheatfromthesunandtheescapingbuildingheatcausesthesnowabovetheheatedspacetomelt.Themeltedsnowrunsdowntheroofuntilithitstheunheatedeaveoverhang.Iftheweatheriscoldenough,therunofffreezesandformsasmallridge.Astheprocesscontinues,theridgegrows.Soon,waterisbackedupoverthehouseandflowsundertheshingles,leakingintothehome.Q: So how do I prevent ice dams from happening on my roof? A:Threeways.Ifyouareinstallinganewroof,youcaninstallanice/watershieldasanunderlaymenttotheshingles.Second,youshouldhaveadequateinsulationintheattictokeepheatfromescaping,whichcausesthesnowtomelt.Third,theatticshouldhaveadequateventilationtoallowtheroofdecktoevenlycoolandhelppreventsnowontherooffrommelting.Q: How do I know if my attic is properly ventilated? A:Ingeneral,theformulaisbasedonthesquarefootageoftheattic.Youshouldhaveoneventforevery150sq.ft.ofatticfloorspace.Theventsshouldbesplitbetweenhighandlowvents.Ifyouhaveavaporbarrier,you
Taking it to the Floor:
Q: How do I know if my attic is properly ventilated? A:Ingeneral,theformulaisbasedonthesquarefootageoftheattic.Youshouldhaveoneventforevery150sq.ft.ofatticfloorspace.Theventsshouldbesplitbetweenhighandlowvents.Ifyouhaveavaporbarrier,youonlyneedoneventforevery300sq.ft.Q: How do I install the final shingle on a roof ridge? A:Themostimportantthingtorememberistotakecaretoensurethatanailisn’tleftuncoveredandbecomesapossiblesourceofaleak.Withasphaltshingles,thefinalshingleintherunmaybenailed,thenthenailcoveredwitharoofcementtopreventleaking.Anothermethodistoattachthefinalshinglewithasealant.
Add-On Sales
• Customersbuyingroofcoatingwillneedtofirstcleantheroof.Suggestawirebrush,TSPcleanerandabroom.
• Toapplythecoating,suggestabrushorarollerandtray.
• Roofcoatingandcementisalsomessy,sosuggesttheappropriatecleaner,suchasmineral spirits.
• Customersbuyingbuilder’sfeltorashinglestarterrollwillneedautility knifewithextra bladesformakingcuts.
• Suggestsnipsforcuttingmetalflashing,andglovesforprotectingtheirhandswhilecutting.
• Theyalsomayneedcaulk forsealingtheareaswhereflashingmeetsachimney.
• Customerswillneedgalvanizedroofingnailsforattachingflashing,starterrollsorbuilder’sfelt.
16
Product Knowledge:
Guttering
• Gutteringcollectswateranddirectsitawayfromthehome.
• Agutteringsystemconsistsoflonglengthsofgutteringaswellasavarietyoffittingsandconnectors.
• Popularsizesofguttersare4”,5”and6”.
• Itisavailableinavarietyofcolors.
• TheK-styleisthemostpopular,whileahalf-roundstyleisalsoavailable.
• Continuousgutteringispopularandavoidsjointsinthegutter,butisusuallyinstalledbyaprofessional.
• Gutteringcanbemadeofseveraldifferenttypesofmaterial.Aluminumisthemostpopulartypeofgutteringandusedonmosthomestoday.
• Galvanizedgutteringissturdy,butisunpaintedandrequiressometypeoffinish.Thistypemustalsobecleanedregularlyifitistolast.
• Vinylgutteringiseasytoinstallandismanufacturedspecificallywiththedo-it-yourselferinmind.
• Plasticgutteringistheleastexpensiveoptionbutnotverydurable.Prolongedcoldandhotweathercancauseplasticgutteringtobedamaged.
Downspout
• Adownspoutattachestotheguttertocarrywaterdownthesideofthehouse.
• Rainfallcapacityofagutteringsystemislargelydependentonthesizeandnumberofdownspoutsratherthanstrictlyguttersize.
• Downspoutsareusuallyrectangularinshapeandcomein10’lengths.
• Popularsizesofdownspoutsare2”x3”,3”x4”and4”x5”.
Itisoftenusedwithasplashblock,whichdivertswaterawayfromthefoundationofthehouse.Strap
Astrapattachesthegutterdownspouttothesideofthehouse. Elbow
• Anelbowdivertsthedirectionofthedownspoutby45°.
• Asquareelbowisavailableintwodifferentstyles.
• Asquareshoestyleelbowisusedatthebottomofthedownspouttohelpdivertwaterawayfromthehouse.
Mitre
• Amitrechangesthedirectionofarunofgutter.
• Anoutsidemitreisusedforaninsideturnofagutter.
• Aninsidemitreisusedforanoutsideturnofagutter.
study guide: siding & Roofing
Chapter 3: Guttering
17
End Cap
• Anendcapstopsarunofgutter.
Spike & Ferrule
• Spikesandferrulesareusedtoholdaguttertotheeaveoftheroof.
• Thespikeisinsertedthroughtheferrule.
• Theferrulehelpsholdthewidthofthegutter.
Gutter Leaf Guard
• Gutterleafguardskeepleavesoutofthegutterwhilelettingrainwaterin.
• Avarietyofstylesareavailablefromdifferentmanufacturers,buttherearetwomaintypes.
• Onetypeisplacedinsidethegutter.Thesemaybemadeoffoamormadetolooklikeabottlebrush.
• Anothertypesitsontopofthegutter.Thesemaybescreensorsolidcoversthatallowleavesanddebristopassoverthegutterwhilelettinginwater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I fix a leak in my gutter?
A:Forsometypesofguttering,therearerepairtapesthatquicklyandeasilypatchholes.Or,youcanpatchitusingcementandapatchofthesamematerialasthegutter.Forlargerholes,youmaywanttoreplacetheentiresectionofgutter.
Q: How much of a slope should my gutters have?
A:Allowafallofabout1-1/4”forevery20’lengthofgutteringmaterial.
Q: How often should I inspect the gutters on my house?
A: Inspectthematleasttwiceayear,inthespringandfall.Besuretoclearoutallleavesanddebris.
Q: What are some problem areas in the guttering system?
A: Checkforhighspotswherewatermightnotfloworlowspotsinthegutterwherewatermightcollect.Correctthatproblembyeitherinstallingadditionalspikesandferrulesorbybendingthehangerthatsupportsthegutter.Fixleaksorholesinthegutterbypatchingorreplacingasectionofthegutter.
Taking it to the Floor:
Add-On Sales
Herearesomeproductsyoucansuggesttocustomersforeithergutterrepairornewinstallation.
• Theywillneedsheetmetalscrewsalongwithascrewdriverforconnectinggutteringpieces.
• Customersmayalsoneed rivets andarivet gunforattachingpieces.
• Askifcustomershaveahacksawforcuttinggutterstolength.
• Remindthemtheywillalsoneedtheappropriatelength ladder.
• Suggestatapemeasureandachalklineforplanningtherunofgutter.
• Customerswillalsoneedguttersealantforsealingjoints.
• Finally,don’tforgettorecommendgloves.