When should roof valley be used

Professional roof installers always install it however lately one can see newly installed roofs without any valley at all. The shingles are wrapped to act similar to a galvanized valley flashing. When speaking with a few Home Hardware Building Centres, I was told it's not really required and that shingles can work without valley. This blew me away so I had to write you home owners to let you know the truth.

The truth on roof valley.

First of all one must understand that roof valley is called this as it acts much in the same way as a valley in nature. Rain and snow melt and flow into the valley. Valley flashing acts as a trough steering the water rapidly downward and off your roof. That is simple to understand and it is sound engineering and common sense. So why are so many roofs being installed without galvanized metal valley these days?

These are 25 year rated shingles cracked, worn and ugly after only a few short years. Asphalt shingles crack and leak when used to make valleys. This causes expense for interior damage and premature roof replacement.

Cha Ching, cha ching ! ! ! !

The NO-VALLEY roof; The PROS & CONS.

The PROS - When a roof is properly installed it works well for decades keeping your home dry. You aren't surprised with un-necessary expense. A proper good roof consist of only roof valleys and flashing plus a good roofing job. That's it! When it's done correctly, you will find it's relatively affordable and last. You won't have nasty water stains begin to appear on your ceiling. You won't have higher heating bills caused from wet insulation. And you won't have to spend your money to replace or repair the planks or sheeting under your shingles. That one is expensive.

The CONS - Some Home Hardware Building Centre would have you believe they are saving you money if you simply shingle your valleys. This is not good at all. Oh it is true that you will save a minimal amount of cash now but please be aware that you will be giving a lot more money to your Home Hardware Building Centre in the years just ahead. All multiple slope roofs expand and contract. One slope may be extremely hot while the adjacent slope is relatively cool or cold. The shingles that are being used without valley are being physically worked by temperature. One side of these shingles is expanding while the other side is contracting plus the shingles have been forced to bend in the valley area. Bend one into your valley and look at it. On the underside you may already see tearing or small cracks and it hasn't even weathered yet.

The Con is that although some are adapting to roofing in this manner, the roof will not last long. The shingle manufacturer is off the hook as they don't recommend bending shingles that way. The builder or roofing company is off the hook and you are left holding a massive repair and replacement bill. Some will even have greater water damage if this roof is not repaired or replaced immediately.

SO WHO BENEFITS?

Government does as you spend more taxable dollars,

Waste management companies see an increase,

Roof installers are working more frequent jobs,

Shingle manufactures see a rise in revenue,

and who benefits the most?

Home Hardware Building Centres.

And in my opinion, that's Home Owners Helping Home Owners.

My Recommendations

We all dislike pushers and I recommend buying your materials from businesses I've found to be trustworthy. Rona, Timbr Mart, Tru-Value and other stores are where I shop. I avoid businesses with thousands of television ads every day as it's your money and mine that paid for them.

For money saving tips see: How to buy roofing shingles. and How to install new shingles.

BIG MONEY SAVING Tips - Heating - Drywall - Windows - Insulation

* Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any misleading information here as it is provided to every Canadian via television, websites, flyers, advertisers, or employees thereof. Availability and prices are subject to change without notice. *

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Send mail to woodsmansdb@hotmail.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright 1993 - 18 Nov 2009 Woodsmans International All rights reserved. Last modified: 11/17/09

Send mail to woodsmansdb@hotmail.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright 1993 - 18 Nov 2009 Woodsmans International All rights reserved.
Last modified: 11/17/09