AboutDan Merrill Expertise We are a "green" roofing company. We offer information and advice on metal and synthetic cedar, tile, and slate roofing products.
We also address good, sound installation practices for lifetime and slate roof installations.
Generally speaking, we are experienced with any materials that have 50 year or longer, lifespans, such as copper, terne coated steels, Kynar painted Steel or Aluminum, etc.
We offer no advice on asphalt or fiberglass roofing products.
Experience Was a hobbiest/home remodeler for over 30 years. Restored over 30 homes.
After retiring from engineering (27 years), I studied materials and installation practices of high-end roofing materials. This information was tempered by my engineering experience.
We have developed and sell roofing "kits" to roofing contractors who do not have the time to research rarely used roofing products. We ensure that they have all the required materials, tools and information to offer their customers a solid 50 year installation.
Organizations National Association of Home Builders
Fox Valley Builders Assoc.
Illinois Association of Home Builders
Remodelers Council of NAHB
Metal Roofing Alliance
EnergyStar provider
Publications Our website www.ecowiseinc.com,
Fox Tails, publication of the Fox Valley Builders Association
Education/Credentials Tech certificate in Mechanical Drafting, 1978.
Self-taught Engineer.
Many certificates held.
Have achieved NAHB "Certified Graduate Remodeler" designation.
Licensed, insured & Bonded Roofer in Illinois.
Awards and Honors Holder of many Patents,
Member of Mensa
Expert: Dan Merrill Date: 7/5/2008 Subject: granular surface rolled roof
Question I have a semi-detached, about 90 years old, with a granular surface (asphalt) rolled roof. There appear to be multiple layers of previous roof surface underneath the current layer. How many of these layers can be placed on top of one another?
Also, I am planning to install a small sun tunnel skylight on this flat roof. However, it seems like these extra layers will complicate the process. Will I be able to install this skylight without leaks, despite the multiple layers? Thank you.
Answer Building codes allow you to install 1 layer of new roofing over 1 layer of old roofing. Anything more than 1 layer must be torn off.
Adding additional layers adds a lot of dead weight to a structure that may already be overloaded.
Also, having multiple layers of roofing will always leak, it traps water or moisture between layers which can rot roof structure and/or prevent your new layers from adhering well.
You are right, with multiple layers, it is highly unlikely that you can flash / any penetrations well enough to last long.
