We found another layer under these shingles…
When a second layer of shingles is installed over an existing roof, the top layer may not adhere as well as it should. Heat can make this issue even more noticeable as shingles expand, contract, and move over time.
On this roof, our estimator found nails that had completely pulled out, leaving the shingles above with little to hold.
It’s a good reminder that what you see on top of your roof doesn’t always tell the whole story. Multiple layers can hide what’s happening underneath, which is why inspecting the existing roof system is an important part of planning a replacement.
Do you know how many layers are on your roof?
A roof cricket is a raised, pitched structure installed behind a chimney to prevent water from sitting on the backpan.
In this case, the cricket creates a pitched roof with two valleys that guide water around the chimney. From there, the water is directed toward the diverter and kicked off the roof instead of collecting in one spot.
This kind of drainage detail is especially important because standing water and debris can lead to deterioration over time.
A roof isn’t just about the shingles you see. The way every part of the system handles water matters.
If you have an area on your roof where water seems to sit instead of drain, it’s definitely worth having it inspected.
Why do some chimneys have a raised structure behind them?
That’s a roof cricket, and its job is simple: help water and debris move around the chimney instead of collecting behind it.
Before this cricket was installed, water was accumulating at the back of the chimney with nowhere to properly drain. Over time, that constant moisture and debris buildup can contribute to deterioration and roofing problems.
In this video, our project manager puts the installation to a quick water test to make sure the water is moving the way it should.
Good roofing isn’t just about what looks good from the ground. It’s about making sure water has a clear path off the roof.
Take a closer look at your shingles.
If you can see the fiberglass mat underneath, that’s a major warning sign that your shingles have lost a significant amount of their protective granules.
As the granules wear away, the shingles become increasingly vulnerable to deterioration.
On this roof, the shingles are worn down enough that the fiberglass is exposed and large areas are essentially bare. At this stage, a roof replacement is typically the next step rather than simply making a repair.
The good news? You don’t have to wait for a leak to find out your roof is failing.
Take a look at your shingles from the ground. If you’re seeing excessive bare spots, heavy granule loss, or exposed fiberglass, it may be time to have your roof inspected.
You don’t have to climb onto your roof to start looking for warning signs.
One place homeowners can check from the ground is the fascia board. Water staining or discoloration along the fascia can be a clue that moisture is getting where it shouldn’t.
In this video, our estimator points out a real example where water staining is visible along the outside of the fascia. It may not look like a major issue at first, but signs of moisture around the roofline are worth paying attention to. Your home can sometimes show you there’s a roofing problem before you ever see an actual leak.
Take a walk around your home and look closely at the fascia, soffits, and other areas around the roofline. If you notice staining or signs of water damage, it may be time to have the area inspected.
So how do you actually fix a dead valley?
The solution is simpler than most people think, but it has to be done correctly.
Instead of letting water collect in a flat, dead spot, we create a slight angle in this area. That way, when water runs down the roof and reaches this point, it hits the flashing and is directed off the roof.
No flat spots. No standing water. No “dead” areas.
Because the reality is… nothing about a dead valley is good. If water has the chance to sit, it will eventually cause damage.
This small adjustment makes a big difference in how your roof performs over time, especially in wet environments like the Pacific Northwest.
If you’ve seen our previous videos, you know what happens when these areas are ignored. This is how we fix it the right way, so it doesn’t become a problem again.
This is what we call a dead valley, and it’s one of the most common problems we fix when replacing roofs.
When rainwater runs down and hits an area like this, it has nowhere to go… so it sits. And nothing about a dead valley is good.
Over time, that standing water leads to:
-debris and plant buildup
-shingle deterioration
-siding damage
-and eventually leaks
In this video, you can already see the warning signs: staining, cracking, and buildup.
That’s what happens when water is trapped instead of properly draining off your roof.
The reality is, issues like this don’t get better with time. They only get more expensive.
If you think your roof might have areas where water isn’t draining properly, it’s worth getting it checked before it turns into a bigger problem.
A roof shouldn’t have dips, waves, or drooping areas, and when it does, there’s usually a reason.
On this job site, our estimator found that water was getting into the valley area due to improper valley installation. Over time, that moisture made its way into the plywood underneath the shingles, causing rot and weakening the roof deck.
The result? Visible dips and drooping areas across the roof.
Problems like this often start small, but once water reaches the underlying structure, the damage can continue to spread.
Your shingles are only one part of your roofing system. Proper installation, flashing, valleys, and water management all play a role in protecting your home.
If your roof has visible dips or areas that don’t look right, it may be time to have it inspected.
Your chimney chase may be one of the most overlooked areas of your home.
Unlike other areas of your home, chimney chases don’t have eaves to help protect the siding from wind, rain, moisture, and constant exposure to the elements.
Over time, that exposure can lead to issues like siding damage, water intrusion, and deterioration if it’s not properly maintained.
Small details around your home can make a big difference. Don’t neglect the areas that take the most weather beating.
Think your chimney chase needs a closer look? Schedule an inspection and let our team help identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.
