Expert: Tom Souza - 6/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello:
My current cedar shake roof is 21 years old and has bees nests and holes showing via digital photos...I am going to replace it right away but do not know which type of "green" roof would best suit my area (wooded)...the only estimate I have so far is for an Enviroshake roof. Would this type of roof emit the strong rubber smell mentioned in a previous question to you and, since the company is relatively new.do you have any insight about whether or not this would be a risky venture?  Please give me other alternatives in this price range or lower...thank you so much!


ANSWER: Hi Juliette

Welcome back.
Well I have entertained using Enviroshake in the past for my installs, My finding were that the product 1. Had a bad smell, my question was the run off is it harmful, will it harm the plants, stain house paint, Will it harm the gutter system. 2. When it got cold if was very fragile. 3. very slippery to walk on when wet like glass. It seems to me to much like rubber.

The product has not been used much here in northern ca.

You might want to Entertain The metal roofing It looks like Wood shakes, It has been Rated Green, The product is made in Southern Ca.
( Gerard Tile ) And ( Decra Tile ).
These products have been used for a very long time and seem to be holding well in the roofing market.

Good luck
I am sure you will make the right choice

Tom Souza


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for such a prompt response to my question(s)...I only saw one panel of Enviroshake and could not discern whether or not it would haave a smell or not so you have really helped me, especially since I have a septic system and well on site and do not want to contaminate either...now, what should I do?  Esthetically, the Enviroshake would have looked good...going back to cedar shakes is costly and they don't last...metal might not look right here either...any other products out there that you might suggest???

Answer
Hi Again

First truly look up the metal roofing on there web site you might be surprised.

The only other one that comes to mind is certainteed fiberglass shingle. Called presidential T/L.

There are a few more shake look alike products out in the market but I don't trust them.

( Cal Shake #   Out of business
# Cemwood )     "          "
( Hardi Shake ) "          "
( permitec )    "          "

There has been a lot of products over the years, Most failed

Good Luck
If I can help in anyway please contact me.

Thank you
Tom