RoofSmart

Here's the strange thing about a flat roof: You don't actually want it to be completely flat.

Water needs somewhere to go, so a properly designed low-slope roofing system needs to direct water toward drains or scuppers rather than creating places where it can sit. That's where a taper system can come in.

Tapered insulation can be used to create slope and guide water toward drainage points. This matters in the Seattle climate because the membrane on top is only one part of the system.

When planning for a flat roof installation, you also need to think about:
• insulation
• drainage
• penetrations
• flashing and seals
• what's happening underneath the membrane

How Does a Geodesic Dome Roof Get Replaced?

How Does a Geodesic Dome Roof Get Replaced? Do you have a geodesic dome roof and want to know about the roof replacement process? Find out which materials are best and how much they cost to install.

What Should Your Roofer Do If Your Shingles Do Not Seal?

What Should Your Roofer Do If Your Shingles Do Not Seal? Worried that your asphalt shingles didn't seal after being installed in cold weather? Find out what the right fix for unsealed shingles is in Seattle.

How Do I Prepare My Roof to Sell?

How Do I Prepare My Roof to Sell? Do you want to sell your house in Seattle but are worried that you need a new roof first? Find out when you can get away with repairing vs. replacing.

Do you know what the board behind your gutters is actually doing? (Hint: It's not just trim)

The fascia board gives gutters a straight, solid mounting surface and makes it easier to create the slope needed to move water toward the downspouts.

It also provides a replaceable layer between the gutter and the rafter tails, which can protect the rafter tails from damage if the gutter leaks.

Without fascia, gutters can be attached directly to rafter tails, but creating proper drainage and protecting the framing becomes more difficult. It's another part of your roofing system that's easy to ignore until something goes wrong.

What’s the Right Way to Maintain Your Rooftop Deck in Seattle?

What’s the Right Way to Maintain Your Rooftop Deck in Seattle? Want to ensure your new rooftop deck stays in good condition for as long as possible? Learn the right way to clean each type of rooftop deck material.

This tiny piece of metal has one very specific job: Stop roof water from running behind your siding.

It's called kick flashing, and you'll find it where a sloped roof meets a vertical wall. Instead of allowing water to continue toward the wall, the flashing "kicks" that water away and toward the gutter.

It's a small detail most homeowners would never notice, but this is a great example of why a roofing system is much more than shingles.

Some of the most important parts of your roof aren't the parts you notice from the street. They're the details controlling where water goes.

Can a Flat Roof Really Cause That Much Hidden Rot?

Can a Flat Roof Really Cause That Much Hidden Rot? Wondering if your old torch down roof is hiding rot? See how we update this flat roof with PVC and foam insulation boards to prevent rot in the future.