I own a 45 year old house with a low slope roof (1:12) of hot tar and gravel. No attic, so the ceilings are cathedral. Roof rafters run from front to back (i.e. gable to gable, not from peak to low ends). I am having problems: 1.Ice dams on one side. 2.Peeling paint on the ceilings of rooms at the one side of the house (there was some when I first bought it about twenty years ago, but resolved when the roof was replaced. 3. Dark areas on the ceiling where the paint is peeling. 4. The soffits are perforated on the two sides of the house. 5. On the front of the house, when it rains, am now getting water running down the face of the brick. I need to replace the roof soon. I would like to know how to increase ventilation, which I believe I need to do.
Answer:
You're on the right track. When re-doing the roof, you'll want to remove what decking is there, cross strap the horizontal rafters gable to gable with 2X3 @ 16" O.C., recycle the decking and re-roof over that. This gives you an opportunity to verify the integrity of the existing insulation and it will permit air movement from the soffits to a gable-to-gable, baffled ridge vent at the top.
In the interests of retaining credibility and in fairness to all, I cannot recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects.
Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.
"Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips" is a monthly journal that talks everything to do with HOME OWNERSHIP & MAINTANENCE.
It is sent out in time to have it in your mailbox or on your computer by the 20th of the month – every month.
To order, simply send a cheque or money order to: Ren, P.O. Box 9411, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 3V1
E-mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $17.95. Regular mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $33.95. (subject to change without notice) Credit card companies take a cut from payments so we are not credit card friendly - can't justify it. Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips makes the perfect gift any time for almost everyone: Be My Valentine, Easter, Christmas, Mothers’ Day, Fathers' Day, Birthday, Wedding, Congratulations New Home Owner(s), Thinking Of you, Good neighbour
Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com. I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Home Focus – The Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com.
