SERVICES ABOUT GALLERY CONTACT US ROOFING & GUTTERSRESTORATIONNEW CONSTRUCTIONREMODELINGCHIMNEY REPAIR & STONE WORK GET A QUOTE (203) 453-5571 Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a ridge vent? And if I have a ridge vent, do I also need soffit vents? If I have a mechanical vent do I still need a ridge vent? What kind of flashing should I use around my chimney? Is lead better than copper? Where do I need Ice & Water? Does my whole roof need Ice & Water? What is the difference between felt underlayment and synthetic? How many roofing nails go into a shingle tile? Should I put a new roof over my existing roof? Should I power wash my roof? How do I keep my roof free from mildew or other growth? How do I prevent Ice Dams? Do I need a ridge vent? And if I have a ridge vent, do I also need soffit vents? Yes. A ridge vent is needed if your attic has open space that can collect air. It is always a good idea to have Soffit vents, they make a more efficient ventilation system by pushing air out more quickly. If I have a mechanical vent do I still need a ridge vent? It is always a good idea to have both a ridge vent and a mechanical vent. Mechanical vents are used as a back-up for your ridge vent on extremely hot days. What kind of flashing should I use around my chimney? Is lead better than copper? Both lead and copper flashing are equally efficient. The benefit of using lead vs. copper is that lead is less expensive and it is pliable. It makes a tighter form around the brick, especially field stone. However, it should be noted that squirrels can chew through the lead flashing. Something to keep in mind if squirrels can get up on your roof around your chimney. Where do I need Ice & Water? Does my whole roof need Ice & Water? 3 ft is code. We recommend 6 ft along the drip edge and 1 1/2 ft to 3 ft along the rake boards and ridge. It should be installed in all valleys, penetrations, and under all step flashing. What is the difference between felt underlayment and synthetic? Both work equally as well. The main difference is price. Felt can be cheaper depending on the weight. We prefer felt because it has been around longer than synthetic and is still very effective. How many roofing nails go into a shingle tile? Six nails per tile fastened in designated area. Should I put a new roof over my existing roof? This is NOT recommended. The best option is to always remove all existing roofing and to make sure that all of the decking is not compromised. Also keep in mind that a "re-roof" is not under warranty unlike a "rip & replace" that has a full warranty. Should I power wash my roof? How do I keep my roof free from mildew or other growth? We do not recommend power washing your roof. Power washing a roof can remove granules on asphalt shingles which then will compromise the life of your roof. The best option we offer is to pump spray your roof with an environmental friendly solution to kill the growth or lichen and then install zinc or copper strips. The strips work together with rainfall to prevent new growth. How do I prevent Ice Dams? Living through New England winters can be very hard on a roof. Ice Dams have become a common place for many homeowners. The best way to prevent Ice Dams is to prepare for them. First your roof should have at least 3 ft of Ice & Water shield but we recommend 6 ft. You should remove gutters where they are not needed or install standing seam metal 3-4 ft up the drip edge. Taking these steps can and will prevent future ice dams from forming. https://home-partners.com/articles/ice-dams-quick-fixes-cure Longevity and quality begin with excellent products ENH Restoration, LLC services the entire Connecticut shoreline from East Haven to Old Saybrook and all of New Haven County.