guides

Standard asphalt shingles don’t melt under normal conditions, but they soften significantly at temperatures between 140-180°F. The confusion comes from two distinct phenomena: thermal softening during hot weather (normal) and localized melting from concentrated heat sources like window reflections (a growing problem with modern Low-E windows). After working construction supervisor from couple of years across multiple … Read more

Most roof sheathing should not be exposed longer than 30-60 days maximum. Building codes and manufacturer specifications typically limit exposure to 30 days, with some products rated for extended exposure up to 180 days under specific conditions. The actual safe exposure period depends on sheathing type, manufacturer ratings, weather-resistive barrier presence, and climate conditions. Exceeding manufacturer … Read more

The question itself needs clarification. A single 2×4 board spanning as a beam maxes out at 6-8 feet for floor joists and 8-10 feet for roof rafters depending on load and spacing. An engineered truss system built with 2×4 members can span 20-60+ feet because the triangulated design distributes loads completely differently than a single board. After 20+ years … Read more

Most professional roofers don’t work at night, and for good reason. After 20+ years in the roofing industry, I can count on one hand the number of legitimate nighttime roofing jobs I’ve done. The exceptions are emergency tarping after storm damage or critical leak containment—not full roof installations or replacements. Here’s the reality: Any roofing company offering routine night roofing … Read more

Straight Answer: Most roofs take 12-24 hours to dry after rain. Metal roofs dry fastest (4-8 hours), asphalt shingles need about a day, and flat roofs can take 2-3 days. After 20+ years of roofing in everything from desert heat to Pacific Northwest rain, I can tell you this matters more than most people think. Why it … Read more

Yes, a leaking ceiling can collapse. I’ve seen it happen multiple times in my 20+ years as a contractor. The good news? Collapse doesn’t happen immediately—you have time to act if you know what to look for. Quick reality check: When Ceiling Collapse Is an Emergency? Evacuate the Area NOW If You See: Don’t wait. Don’t … Read more

Yes, roofing felt can get rained on, but it’s not ideal. Traditional felt paper (15# or 30#) will absorb water, get heavy, wrinkle, and lose strength when wet. After 20+ years of roofing, I can tell you that wet felt is one of the most common headaches on job sites—and honestly, it’s why I switched … Read more

Yes, synthetic roof underlayment is designed to get wet—that’s the whole point. It’s waterproof and can handle rain, snow, and moisture without breaking down. I’ve been roofing for over 15 years, and I’ve seen synthetic underlayment sit through weeks of rain and come out just fine. The real question isn’t “can it get wet” but … Read more

A roof should NOT go without shingles for more than 7 days maximum if the underlayment is exposed. With high-quality synthetic underlayment intact, you may have up to 2-4 weeks before severe damage occurs, but immediate temporary protection and professional repair within 72 hours is strongly recommended to prevent structural damage, water intrusion, and voided warranties. Table … Read more