Tinner666's Blog

Leaking Houses

tinner666 — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:41:53 +0000

Wow. I’ve been busy on my website again. I had been re-taping my window flanges after all the flashing went into place. I was never happy with that. Now, I’ve got the answer to making windows leakproof. I’m adding 1 more layer of metal to fit tightly inside the flange and extend over the tape covering the nailing flange.
http://www.albertsroofing.com/Window%20Flashing.htm So far, I haven’t added those 2 pictures, but I did Hi-Lite the change in the first few paragraphs on the page.
Even if I don’t add any sealant there, it will be nearly bulletproof! If any water made it behind the newest, outer piece, it would be 99% less than without it. And it was nearly bulletproof without it!
Overkill? Yes, but No also. Other than roof leaks which show up early, window leaks literally destroy your home before the damage is noted, And I can tell you, the damage will be extensive by then. Cruise to the bottom ot the page if you don’t believe me.

Slate Roofs

tinner666 — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:06:21 +0000

Done correctly, they are a thing of beauty. And the more random the pattern, or lack thereof, the better they look.

A roof done in slate, with copper nails can last hundreds of years. And though the initial cost is expensive, consider that it’s as near a permanant roof as you will ever get. No regular replacement of the roof to worry about like asphalt shingles.

Considering the state of the world, I’ll keep to tradition and continue to install natural, green materials.

The Economy and Repair Work

tinner666 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:18:45 +0000

The economy is on everybody’s mind. Because of this, many are remodeling and/or repairing as opposed to replacing. I’m finding that part of this attitude leads to accepting ridiculously low bids. DON’T fall into this trap! If the bid is that low, there are some serious shortcuts being taken. These ‘repairs’ will come back to haunt homeowners and the 2nd. time around, the repair cost will be ridiculously high! I know. I’m the guy that often comes back for the second go-around.

The influx of immigrant workers has created a market of repairs on roofs as young as 2 years old. Most of the roofs I repair nowadays are less than 12 years old. The migrants are here to do the work, get paid, and go back South of the Border. That’s where I come in. I’m still here and I can usually fix the problems some of them create. It saddens me to see the poor quality our industry turns out today. A few of them are craftsmen, but the majority aren’t. They’re just unskilled hard workers. And it’s because nobody has bothered to train them.

Please be careful and spend wisely. If it can’t be done right, try to mitigate damage while saving to get it done correctly!

Shingle Underlay

tinner666 — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:41:34 +0000

Anybody here wonder what the big deal is? I discuss this with other roofers ad-finim! It’s the current industry buzzwrod and all roofers unsure of what they are doing stress it to clients every day. It’s the only thing that seems to matter when it comes to water-proofing. Damn the actual roof!

On my website are pictures of roofs I’ve done that were applied straight to the substrate. I guess it’s becasue I know what I’m doing and confidence in my ability to ‘roof’. I use felts and Ice and Storm shield as a back-up under shingle and slate roofs where there is a chance of ice damming. But my faith is placed in the roof itself, not the material under the roof.

Of course, I have seen a lot of shingle roofs that appeared to let water seep through the roof material itself and die an early death. And I’ve seen many last 20+ years. Could those that lasted have done because of the underlay? If so, what good is the material we use for the ‘roof’ itself??

Make you wonder?? Me too.

I prefer the long lasting slate and tin roofs of old. No doubts about the material when using ‘green’ roof materials such as slate and copper. Tin is also considered ‘green’ too. These products are renewable.

Tin Roofs

tinner666 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:52:25 +0000

This is a picture of an 8 year old tin roof I just looked at. Along with the popped up nails wearing holes through the roof in Petersbyrg Va. The roofers failed to renail the entire roof deck with 8cc’s to prevent this. AND ON AROOF THAT’S SUPPOSED TO LAST 100 YEARS+! Just irksome.

The roof has sprung leaks in several places and the built-in gutters failed in their 4th. year.

Here’s how the deck is supposed to be prepped.

Since I started Albert’s Roofing in 1988, I’ve always renailed the decks and to this day, I have no knowledge of any nail coming back up on one of my roofs. And I’ve been back to a few to inspect them! My roofs will last 100+ years.

Jackleg Roofers

tinner666 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:40:49 +0000

Typical jackleg roof

Ever wonder why some roofers have much lower prices than others?

Some of them like to hit you with extras. Some don’t have clue what’s needed to install a roof that will last a long time.

And what about asphalt shingles? I wouldn’t put the 20 year 3-tab shingles on a dog house. Some of them are good for only about 7-8 years. A 50 year shingle will probably only last 20 years.

Me personally, I prefer the long lasting slate and copper roofs that will last 100 to 600 years.

Hello world!

tinner666 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:20:10 +0000

I’m Frank Albert and a professional roofer in Richmond Va. Much of my work is historical renovation. I specialize in slate, tin, and copper roofing and I’m the owner/operator of Albert’s Specialty Roofing Co.

I have little use for the newer materials made today and stick with traditional materials and methods. For more about my methods and pictures of work I’ve done, along with jackleg photos, visit my site at .
I’m into installing roofs that will last 100+ years and have an enduring beauty along with functionality.