Signs To Look For:

1. Leaking In Attic

After experiencing a strong storm or wind-driven rain, it is important to check your attic for signs of a roof leak/leaks. If you are noticing leakage in your attic, this could be a sign that your roof does not have adequate shingle underlayment or could possibly have an issue with flashing deterioration. Underlayment is meant to be the roof’s waterproof layer; if it is damaged or improperly installed, it allows water to seep through the roof deck, which could potentially seep into your home. Flashing is the aluminum or steel used over roof joints like chimneys or pipes and can cause many issues if they are deteriorated, and they must be replaced. These issues can lead to severe water damage and mold growth if left untreated.

2. Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls: Mold or Mildew Growth

If you are noticing stains or mold growth inside your home, it could be a sign you may have inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment that is allowing water to seep into your home. Another culprit could be a home with inadequate attic ventilation, which causes excessive moisture conditions or high humidity that mold or mildew growth will thrive in. Some common signs of this are condensation, musty odors, and peeling paint.

3. Blistering or Peeling Interior and Exterior Paint

When paint begins to peel off, it is likely caused by trapped moisture in your home due to excessive temperatures or high humidity from poor attic ventilation. The air in your attic needs to be able to flow freely from the soffit to the ridge to reduce humidity. It is important that your home has vents in areas like your kitchen and your bathroom. Dryers should also vent to the outside. To fix issues causing peeling paint and prevent further costly damage, it is crucial to repair leaks, improve ventilation, and take preventative measures to control humidity in your home.

4. Exterior Decay, Sheathing and/or Siding

Sheathing is a structural layer applied to the exterior of a home’s walls to act as a base for siding. Siding is the exterior finish that covers the sheathing, providing a protective layer. Again, poor attic ventilation is often a possible cause, but any condition that is resulting in your home having excess moisture can contribute to exterior decay. One way to combat this problem is by placing a vapor barrier between the insulation and the inside of the house to reduce the amount of moisture that goes into a wall and to help moisture escape from the wall.

5. Missing, Cracked or Curled Shingles

Shingles with curling edges, cracks, and missing granules are a good sign that your roof has reached the end of its lifespan. If you notice that your shingles appear dry or practically break when touched, it is also an indicator that it is time to invest in a new roof.

6. Dark, “Dirty Looking” Areas on Your Roof

If you notice any dark or “dirty looking” areas on your roof, it could mean that your roof has vegetation, fungus, mold, algae growth, or that the protective granules on your shingles have been lost. These issues can typically be caused by overhanging trees, flat roofs with poor drainage, ample shade, or clogged gutters, and they are most prevalent in the spring and summer when there is a lot of rain and humidity. While dark or “dirty looking” areas on your roof do not necessarily mean the roof needs to be replaced, these stains can drastically decrease the curb appeal of your roof. Cleaning your roof shingles is an option, but it can sometimes shorten their lifespan. Luckily, StainGuard® protection is available on many GAF Shingles.

7. Excessive Energy Cost

A possible cause of higher cooling costs could be insufficient attic ventilation, requiring the cooling system to run excessively. In warm weather, inadequate ventilation will trap hot air in the attic, causing air-conditioning systems to work harder, or leaving your home’s interior hotter and less comfortable. In both hot and cold weather, moisture in the attic can become trapped and condensed on the rafters if it’s not insulated properly. This moisture can drip down onto the insulation and reduce its effectiveness, potentially increasing energy costs.

These seven signs are helpful to keep an eye out for on your roof. Checking on your home preemptively is important because it is easier to catch an issue earlier on. If you notice anything on your roof that needs professional attention, please feel free to call Renaissance Roofing, Inc. at 734-495-0996, and we would be happy to help.

What is a Skylight?

Skylights can vary – some are made of glass and others are made of plastic. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and installation types. In short, skylights are a window installed on a roof or ceiling that allows natural light to enter your home.

Velux Background

With Renaissance Roofing Inc’s 30 years in business, Velux has been our only source for skylights. Velux has been around since 1941, totaling over 80 years of business. They work globally with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 40 countries all over the world. Two of the many roof-related window solutions they offer are skylights and sun tunnels. These skylight systems are available in fixed and venting models, as well as in curb-mount, deck-mount, and self-flashed installation configurations. The venting models of skylights are also available in solar-powered, electric, and manual!

The Complete Velux Skylight System – Skylight Options Consists of:

• Velux Glass Unit Skylight

These unit skylights are industry-leading and have many different glass options available.

• Solar-Powered Room Darkening White Skylight Shade

This solar-powered shade offers total light control, increasing the skylight’s energy performance by up to 45%. This is standard on most skylights that Renaissance Roofing, Inc installs.

• Pre-Paired Remote Controls for each Skylight & Shade

Factory-paired remote controls for shades are straightforward to set up, have easy operation, and come included in most skylight systems. This remote control is used to open and close the skylights.

• Standard Safety Glass

Laminated glass with low e-protective coating that’s dual-sealed and injected with argon glass for extra protection.

• Rain Sensors

Sensors that close the skylight automatically at the first signs of water.

• Insect Screens

The skylights come with insect screens made to prevent bugs and debris from entering your home through your skylight.

• Weathertight Guarantee/Compatible Velux Flashing Kits

Velux Flashing has a weathertight seal around deck and curb mount skylight systems, which is required to qualify for their 10-year installation warranty.

Velux offers a warranty to provide peace of mind so that homeowners can be confident that their Velux Skylight system with a flashing kit will withstand a variety of harsh weather conditions. The warranty provides 10 years of workmanship protection backed by a patented three layers of water protection on deck-mount and curb-mount skylights. The three layers of protection are the skylight’s pre-attached seal, adhesive underlayment, and engineered flashing. All three of these components come together to provide a watertight guarantee.

Solar Tax Credit

Another one of the great perks of installing a Velux Solar Skylight is that it qualifies for the Residential Clean Energy Property Credit, which would provide a tax credit of 30% of the installed cost of the skylight. Despite most skylights being eligible for this credit, Renaissance Roofing, Inc. is not a legal or tax advisor and always recommends reaching out to your personal tax advisor for advice on qualifying for this credit.

IRS Fact Sheet Residential Clean Energy Property Credit

Below is a snippet from the IRS Tax Credit Fact Sheet published in 2022. Tax credits have to be approved by congress and can change from year to year. At the time of this blog, the tax credit is valid through December 31st, 2025.

Upgrade your home today with a beautiful new skylight system to add more light and clean energy to your home! For more information on Velux Skylights, visit Velux’s website at https://www.veluxusa.com/

It takes more than just shingles to build a roof. The roof over your head is a combination of different roofing materials and components that protect your home from the elements. Every layer of the roof is important; however, your roof’s decking is extremely crucial. Roof decking is the base of your entire roof system. If you are looking to replace or repair your home’s roof, it is important to know what type of decking your home has and its condition.

Renaissance Roofing, Inc. helps teach homeowners all the fundamental aspects of their roof and educates them on exactly what they are paying for. This blog will cover everything you need to know about roof decking.

Types of Roof Decking

Roof decking encompasses the wooden boards that make up the framing of your roof. These boards are what your shingles and other roofing components are installed on and supported by. The two types of roof decking are plank decking and sheet decking.

Plank decking was the main type of decking used before the invention of plywood. This decking is made up of rectangular wooden boards that come in multiple different sizes, but the most common are 1×6, 1×8, and 1×10.

Sheet decking is flat sheets of wood. There are two types of sheet decking: OSB and plywood. OSB (oriented-strand board) is the most common type of decking used on roofs today. OSB is made of wood chips/strips compressed together to form a flat 7/16” sheet. Plywood comes in several thicknesses (⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, and ¾”) depending on the size of the rafters. Both OSB and plywood are great options, and which one you use depends on your budget and the availability of the wood.

When should Roof Decking be Replaced?

When meeting with a Renaissance Roofing estimator, we will always make sure to check your roof decking’s integrity to get an idea of what will need to be replaced. Furthermore, when replacing your roof, our team will inspect the decking underneath and determine whether any decking is unsalvageable. This could include decking that is rotted, water-damaged, warped, delaminated, or compromising the integrity of your roof. We will never install a new roof over poor decking, as that is the foundation of your roof for the next 20+ years.

In most cases, there are going to be a few boards or sheets that need to be replaced. We can provide an estimate of a range of how much it would be to replace your boards or sheets; however, we won’t know the exact amount until we finish tearing off the old roof.

How much does roof decking cost?

The cost of roof decking is not standard due to the fluctuation of wood prices. In 2021, wood prices were through the roof, which adds a pretty big expense to your roof investment if many sheets or boards need to be replaced. Plank decking is priced out per linear foot, while sheet decking is priced out per sheet.

After factoring in labor and materials, plank decking usually costs about three times more per square foot than sheet decking costs. If you must replace a lot of your damaged plank decking, it’s actually cheaper to go over the top of the existing plank decking with OSB 7/16”.

Roof Codes:

Roof codes are crucial to ensure your roof is installed correctly and complies with Michigan’s inspection codes. One of the most important roofing codes has to do with roof decking.

According to code R905.2.1 of the 2018 International Residential Code: asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solidly sheathed decks. This means that your roof decking must be able to properly withstand and hold your new roof when it’s installed. Renaissance Roofing always follows the shingle manufacturer’s installation instructions and ensures that each roof installation is up to code.

Decking is a crucial part of your roof and must be in good condition to ensure your home is protected from the elements. Roof decking is one of the most important aspects of your roof replacement, which is why it is so important for every homeowner to be educated on what product will be going on their home.

Renaissance Roofing, Inc. takes pride in completing our work the correct way. After all, it takes more than just shingles to make a roof!

Conventional organic felts can absorb moisture, causing buckling and wrinkling that can impact the look of your roof.

Deck-Armor™ Premium Breathable Roof Deck Protection combines strength and breath-ability to help protect your home against wind driven rain and trapped moisture.

Deck-Armor™ Premium Breathable Roof Deck Protection is a key part of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System, and has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.

To learn more about Deck Armor or any other GAF roofing products please contact us at 734-495-0996 or fill out the form to the right.