Synthetic Shake Roof Repair
If synthetic shake is installed according to or exceeding the manufacturer’s guidelines, and performs as advertised, it should be many years before any repairs are needed unless there is storm damage. Keeping the synthetic shake roof clear of debris is the typical needed maintenance. There are synthetic shake roofs by DaVinci Shake, Carlisle EcoStar shake, Inspire Shake, MaxiShake, Monier Life Tile Shake, and Monier Shake Split Shake (see tile section). Synthetic Shake roofs that are no longer manufactured include HardiShake, FireFree Shake, CalShake, Cemwood Shake, Permateck Shake, Tampco Lamorite Shake and others. Synthetic shake roofs are designed for most existing structures for re-roofing. Contact Eastman Roofing to discuss your Synthetic Shake Roof Repair today!
Manufacturers have repair guidelines for their products. Follow these to avoid any problems with their warranty.
Tree/Bush Growing Over Roof
This can break the shakes and damage the roof. Trim the tree away from the roof line.
Protective Coating Worn OffThis material is designed to be recoated periodically or the synthetic shakes will break down prematurely and have to be replaced. Recoat the shakes before there is any further deterioration.
Ridge Open at TopOver time, the ridge pieces will separate. It is difficult to re-align the ridge pieces. Flash under the ridge pieces that have separated.
Broken ShakeIt is difficult to remove the broken shake and install a new one. Some synthetic shakes are no longer manufactured and no longer available. Some manufacturers recommend flashing under a broken shake and adhering everything with Lexan or a comparable adhesive.
Hole in ShakeRain water has washed over a weak spot in the synthetic shake, creating a hole. Fill hole with Lexan or comparable. Flash under broken shake and adhere everything with Lexan or a comparable adhesive.
Skylight/Flashing/No OverlapThe flashing does not go up high enough for the skylight frame to overlap the flashing and the wood curb is exposed. This is open and will allow seepage. Remove the skylight and install a counterflashing on top of the curb that overlaps the flashing on the side.
Broken SkylightThe amount of time it takes for the plastic dome to break down depends upon the quality of the plastic used to make the skylight. The dome can sometimes be replaced. It is easier just to replace the whole skylight. Some manufacturers give a lifetime warranty, even for plastic domes. Glass is heavier and more expensive than plastic. Glass has a higher R-value and lasts indefinitely.
Collar not SealedThis space between the flashing and the pipe should be sealed. Some people use sealant, which has to be resealed. Some people seal with tape, which is better. Some people seal with an EPDM collar, which is guaranteed for the life of the roof and is the best solution. Reseal to prevent seepage.
Debris on RoofThis can cause water to back up and allow seepage. It can also cause dry rot in the roof deck, which in turn leads to premature roof failure. Remove the debris.
Gap at Plumber’s FlashingThis space between the flashing and the pipe should be sealed. Some people use sealant, which has to be resealed. Some people seal with tape, which is better. Some people seal with an EPDM collar, which is guaranteed for the life of the roof and is the best solution. Reseal to prevent seepage.
Open Hip and Gable EndThis is sealed with mastic which is old and cracked. The area should be flashed underneath, then resealed to prevent seepage.
Solar Penetration / No DiverterApply elastomerics and install a water diverter above the penetration.
Chimney Chase Leaks at TopA chimney chase is usually a wood framed box. The pipe for the fireplace goes through the box and out the top. Typical roof chimney flashings are installed then siding covers the framing and overlaps the chimney flashing. Last a metal top is installed which allows the chimney flue to go through to the outside air. The metal top usually has a metal piece that prevents water from flowing down the opening in the metal top. The flue usually has a collar that overlaps the metal piece on the metal top. The flue usually has a metal top to prevent water from going down the inside of the flue. Any one of these items in this assembly can leak if not done correctly or if it has deteriorated. Invest all the potential issues and effect a repair.
Plastic GutterPlastic gutters do not come with a wing. The plastic gutter company makes a plastic diverter to divert the water into the gutter. If it is not installed, the edge of the roof deck will develop dry rot.
Gutter in StuccoWhen the house was built, the sheet metal installer put the gutter too close to the stucco paper. When the stucco was applied, it went around the gutter, not behind it. Over time the gutter joint can deteriorate, allowing seepage in the wall. Remove the gutter, cut the end back, reinstall the gutter end, repair the wall with waterproofing materials, then reinstall the gutter.