Weather Damage To Homes in Fridley: A Note To Homeowners

I actually have/had worked in the construction industry. My knowledge is pretty extensive, and although I am not a roofer, I have encountered many issues with roofing problems. I can drive by many homes whose owners are waiting for work to be done or having it done, and would like to offer a few tips for these homeowners.

All roofs now require, by Minnesota code, an ice and water barrier before roofing felt and shingles are applied. The severe ice damming problems we had this last winter did a lot of damage to homes, and this application is very necessary when putting on, or repairing roofs.

I was just at a home not too long ago where the ice damming caused water damage through a plumbing vent protrusion on the roof. The ice had crept up under the shingle so badly that it had made its way under the "boot" of this plumbing vent and all the way down to the basement level causing a lot of damage (three stories of damage). The freeze and thaw weather we had meant that this had continued on and off until most of the ice on the roof was melted. 

Now that I see so many homes hit by the last large tornado/wind storm in Fridley, I would like to offer some very important tips to the homeowners getting work done, especially to their roofs.

Ice and water barrier applied at the eaves is not only code, but very important. It is applied first at the eaves, before the roofing, felt and shingles. Make sure that the contractors you are using are applying this, and the proper weight of roofing felt on the roofs.

It is also recommended this ice and water barrier is also applied at the valleys/flashing and protrusions on the roof for extra protection. These are most vulnerable places of damage. Chimneys, plumbing vents, exhaust flashing or roofing vents are commonly where problems start. Flashing and ice and water barrier being used together can be a good solution.

I know that many homeowners take really good care of their homes in Fridley. You can tell just by driving by and looking at the homes. I also know that sometimes it easy to forget to to look into attics regularly to check for water stains or other problems on roofs that may be happening without noticing.

Even if your home was not harmed by the last storm, it may be a good idea to take a look. Do a little maintenance check inside your attic as well as on your rooftop. The attic should be properly vented so that in the winter it stays cooler along the sheathing of the underside of the roof in your attic.  The summer warm air should have some circulation as well. Roofing vents, as well has eave vents are very important. Talk to your roofing contractor for roofing vent options.

Check to see if you do actually have proper holes under your soffits of your eaves, and a baffle application in your attics. I found siding application where the siding company had just applied new soffit applications over old, but there were not any holes in original soffits for circulation, and the homeowner did not know it.

It is also very helpful to have any exhaust type ducting wrapped in proper insulation, as well as checking connections to exhaust to roof vent. A good example of this would be the bathroom exhaust ducting. This duct carries warm humid air, and in the winter that meets cold air in the attic, causing condensation. Better ducting products are available, and in some situations the type of ducting that was previously used is outdated.

Insulation that has been wet will often make it less effective, and if it did get wet for a time, you can bet so did the materials that your insulation rests on, making prime conditions for mold. Replacing wet items, and ensuring the attic is dry very important.

Roofing contractors may not understand the other areas of your home, so it is important for homeowners to do a little research on their own. Siding contractors do not always have the knowledge that roofing contractors know, and insulation contractors may not understand what a structural contractor may know, and so on. This can cause problems because all these applications affect one another. Homeowners may think their contractor should know something that they may not. Sometimes you get lucky.

It can be terrifying and stressful having your home damaged for any reason. Now that many have had to do repairs, or have complete new roofing installed, it is a good time to think about damage protection. There have been some good changes to building practices and materials available  to help homeowners do just that.

If homeowners are worried, they can have a qualified inspector to thoroughly look at the damage of your home. Choose someone who is not connected to the contractor that is doing the work and has whole house knowledge, not just one specific area. A good one will know where to look for related damage beyond what you may see, and may give good information of all applications of work being done. This will also help ensure what your insurance adjuster needs to know as well.

Best regards and good luck. 

Your neighbor,

Amy Paddock