Why Chimney Inspections are Important Tools to Help Gauge Roof Condition

Did you know that your roof may not be as solid as you think it may be? Regular chimney inspections offer an excellent opportunity to get an expert on your roof to see the condition of your roof as well as inspect the condition of your chimney. Of course there are other reasons why routine chimney inspections, prior to each winter, are advisable. Over time and with exposure to the elements, your chimney can fall into a state of disrepair. It is much easier to fix a small problem than it is to bail out a sinking ship. Small problems that are noticed each year can be manageable to repair or replace. Much more manageable to most people than replacing an entire chimney. Some of the problems that may be noted through routine chimney inspections include: cracks in the mortar, issues with the flue, broken bricks, damage to the flashing, and other potential problems. If your service includes a video inspection of the chimney even more strengths and weaknesses within your chimney may be revealed. Failing to repair damage can lead to a wide range of problems like fires or poisoning by carbon monoxide. The longer the damage is in place, the more difficult it will become to repair. This is one reason that yearly inspections are a wise idea. They allow you the opportunity to repair the damage before it become to cumbersome or costly to manage. Not all issues that damage fireplaces and chimneys are merely aesthetic. It is important to repair any structural or potentially harmful damage to your fireplace as quickly as possible. It is also wise to have regular cleaning of your chimney in order to remove potential hazards from the interior. The cap is also inspected during the process of chimney cleaning. If this is damaged it is important to repair it right away. This cap prevents water and animals from getting into your flue and causing all manner of damage. If you need to replace your cap it's a good idea to consider the benefit of screened caps so that birds will not become a problem. If you haven't had a chimney inspection in quite a while now is an excellent time to do so. Keep in mind that the months of fall are often the busiest for most chimney inspection and repair companies as people are preparing for using their fireplaces during winter. Book your appointment early for the greatest availability. It is a wise idea to double up a chimney inspection with a whole roof inspection whenever possible. Some companies may offer a package deal that includes a rate for both and may include chimney cleaning services as part of the package. The better care you take of your roof the longer it will last. Routine yearly examinations are a great way of identifying and repairing potential problems before they get out of hand.

GAF/ELK Roofing Products - Stateline Shingles Series

GAF/ELK Roofing Products - Stateline Shingles Series

By Joseph Vann Hamby Sr.


Stateline shingles are a new and improved shingle. They offer a lifetime warranty; they have 110 miles per hour limited wind warranty. The new Stateline shingles duplicate the rich look of slate tiles that are often very expensive. Also, the large size offered is easier to install and reduces labor for the installer.
For someone who is looking to install the Stateline shingle, you would first use a starter strip for all Stateline shingle projects. Or if you would like, you can trim off 7 ½" of bottom tabs to align the self seal with the eaves. You would then trim 4" off the rake edge to ensure the first course will overlap the starters. The overhang drip edge should be at 3/8 at both the eave and the rake edges.
Then you would fasten 3"-4" for the eaves above the self sealant. Continue this across the eave with full length trimmed shingles. Installing the first course of shingles is the next thing to do. You start with a full shingle which gets installed over the starters which needs to be flush at the eave and the rake edges. You will use six fasteners to properly secure the Stateline shingles to the roof.
Fasten 5/8" above each cut-out with fastening below the self seal and above each cut out. High nailing comes with a precaution though. High nailing reduces any wind resistance and high nailing also can cause shingles to slip off of the roof deck itself. You are to drive the fasteners flush to the shingle, if you over drive the fasteners it can lead to damage to the shingles on the roof. If you under drive the fasteners it can lead to shingle blow-offs during inclement weather.
You are to continue laying the first course of shingles and then start across the eave using full shingles. Also, avoid crowding the shingles, place the shingles close but not too close. Crowding the shingles can cause the shingles to buckle.
Installing the second course of shingles you will trim off 12" off the rake edge to properly set the design pattern. Align then with the alignment notch of the underlying shingle, giving 3/8" overhang at rake edge. Align the bottom to the top of cut-outs of the shingle below, these results in a 7 ½" exposure. Avoid over-exposing though. This can result in high nailing and can alter the Stateline pattern.
Finally, fasten in place to secure to the deck and continue this across the eave with full shingles. Following these instructions will make sure that your new Stateline Shingles will last for many years to come.
To find out more about how to install asphalt roofing products please visit the following links: Douglasville Roofing Companies or Dunwoody Roofing Contractor. This article was Authored and Submitted by Joseph Vann Hamby. All editing and summaries are Authored by Joseph Vann Hamby in a collective effort to encourage proper roofing installation practices.

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