FAQs

WHAT IS A CHIMNEY CRICKET

A chimney cricket is a peaked area that serves as a water diverter usually behind a chimney.

WHAT ARE SOFFIT VENTS

Ventilation installed under eaves or at the roof edge.

WHAT IS FLASHING

Metal material used to waterproof around sidewalls and chimney projections.

WHAT IS AN UNDERLAYMENT

This is a layer of roofing material that is installed on the roof deck beneath shingles or other roof-finishing layer; a water barrier (e.g. 15 lb. felt) that serves to protect against water penetration prior to shingle installation. There is a 15 lb. felt and a 30 lb. felt, the 30 lb. felt is typically used for steeper roofs. Never install new felt on top of old felt, the old felt must be removed when replacing your roof.

WHAT IS A SHINGLE OVER RIDGE VENT/ VENT-A-RIDGE

This is the vent installed at the peak, or ridge, of the roof that allows the hot air in the attic to escape through an opening approximately 5″ wide that runs the length of the vent. The ridge-cap shingles are nailed on top of this vent. Vent-a-ridge is not used with any other ventilation and is the most effective in ventilation because while vent-a-ridge expels hot air from the attic as the soffit vents serve as the intake of cool air. There is an industry calculation used to determine how much VR is needed on your home so that the intake and exhaust balance.
Soffit vents must be present on your home in order to install VR.

WHAT IS A SECONDARY WATER BARRIER/ MODIFIED BITUMEN APPLICATION

This is a self-adhering membrane composed of rubberized asphalt and an inorganic glass mat that has either a smooth surface or an embedded granular surface (e.g. GAF Stormguard or Johns Manville Ice and Water Guard). This is usually used for low pitched or flat roofs to help with standing water.

WHAT ARE EXHAUST VENTS/ VENTILATION

These cover the hole in the roof created to provide exhaust outlets for bathrooms, dryers, stoves, etc. Different types of ventilation include mushroom vents (also called a turtle vent), turbine roof vents, airhawk vent, and power fan. Dryer vents should be cleaned out periodically.

WHAT IS AN EAVE DRIP

 Also known as drip edge, this is the flashing at the edge of the roof that provides extra protection for the roof decking and fascia. This flashing comes with a factory mill finish, or a baked-on enamel finish (white, black, grey, dark brown or beige) to protect it from stains and rust. We typically try to match a color with the trim on a house.

WHAT ARE BOOTS

These seal the roof penetrations created by the plumbing stacks that terminate above the roof. The typical types are lead and plastic. While plastic is cheaper and easier to use, it will usually split or collapse after 10 or more years in the sun in this area. We do many repairs replacing these for homeowners. We use lead boots when we do a roof replacement because they will last for the life of the roof, but can be damaged by squirrels. These are also called leads or roof stacks.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY HOME IS HIT BY HAIL OR SEVERE WINDS

Visually inspect the roof FROM THE GROUND for any bruised, damaged or missing shingles. If any of these conditions are noted or if your roof is leaking, call Acura Roofing Inc. for an immediate inspection and Free Estimate. We may be able to repair the damage on the spot. Contact your insurance company to report the damage and set up an appointment for your claim. Be sure to obtain a copy of your claim statement so you know how much the insurance company is willing and expecting to pay. When working with insurance claims, our goal is to work closely with your insurance company to insure that all covered damages are properly noted and repaired accordingly.

WHAT ABOUT HAIL DAMAGE

Our central Texas area experiences sporadic moderate to severe hail and wind storms. Hail and wind can damage your roof. Hail and wind damage are covered losses for most homeowner insurance policies.

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