Questions and Answers
1. It
looks like I need to replace my roof. Can
I just shingle over what I have or do I need to
remove the current shingles?
2. What type of fasteners should be used on cedar trim, siding and decking?
3. I am going to be building a 24' x 24' garage, with a storage loft above. Should I go with a poured concrete slab or a poured concrete foundation?
1. Question:
It looks like I need to replace my roof. Can I just shingle over what I have or do I need to remove
the current shingles?
Answer: No. Even though manufacturers' warranties cover "roof overs", I personally do not
recommend them. Roof installation procedures have changed dramatically over the past 25 years. If your roof is 20-25
years old, chances are it was not installed with today's weather
preventative measures. Ice and water shield, which is manufactured by several
companies ( Grace, Iko), is a self-adhering rubber membrane applied to the eaves and
valleys. It prevents ice and water infiltration damage due to ice damming and water backup. In conclusion, even though the manufacturers say you can go over old shingles with their product, I would rather work on a clean, even, firm substrate where the products can perform to their highest level.
2. Question:
What type of fasteners should be used on cedar trim, siding and decking?
Answer: Stainless steel nails and screws should be specified in fastening any cedar product. Cedar has a high concentration of tanic acid which makes the wood naturally rot resistant. This acid reacts with fasteners that are galvanized and aluminum, turning the fastening spot black. This spot will, in turn, bleed through paint and stain.
3. Question:
I am going to be building a 24' x 24' garage, with a storage loft above. Should I go with a poured concrete slab or a poured concrete foundation?
Answer:
Generally speaking any new structure attached to an existing structure with a full cellar or frostwalls needs to also have footings and frostwalls. This keeps the new structure from moving.
Conversely, structures not attached to an existing structure can be built on what is called a floating slab. Therefore movement of the structure is not impacting any other structure.
| 
