Expert Advice
Interlocking shingles are simple, attractive wall siding
December 23, 2011
Steve Maxwell
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Q: What kind of inexpensive exterior wall siding can I install on top of the painted roll roofing that’s above the two doors of my garage? What’s there now has lasted two decades, but needs replacing.
A: If you’re happy with the overall look of what you’ve got, then interlocking asphalt roof shingles are definitely worth considering. They work fabulously well as inexpensive, attractive, long-lasting exterior wall siding. They’re also simple to install and nail down easily over the material you’ve got now.
I’ve installed them on three buildings. My first installation is 21 years old and shows no sign of deterioration.
Regular roof shingles work well as wall siding too, but you’ll need to glue down their lower edges after installation with tar to stop them from flapping in the wind. Interlocking shingles connect together mechanically and their more visually intricate joints look nicer on walls.
They’re rarely stocked by building supply dealers, but they can be ordered.
Reliable Skylights
Q: What’s the life expectancy of skylights? Mine are 25 years old, they’re leaking and a roofer hasn’t been able to fix the problem. Where can I turn for reliable skylight replacement?
A: Skylights are beautiful things because they improve the atmosphere of interior spaces so much. They should also keep out water indefinitely. That said, many skylights are not designed nor installed to live up to this potential.
I’ve made it my business to monitor skylight technology over the last 20 years and I have yet to see any brand that’s technically better than Velux ( www.velux.ca, 800-888-3589).
The company founder, Villum Kann Rasmussen, invented skylights in the early 1940s and this family firm still makes the best products I’ve seen. Contacting the company directly is the easiest way to get reliable replacements for what you’ve got now. Velux offers a trained installation workforce that knows what they’re doing.
Also, depending on where your replacement skylights will be located in the house, consider units that open. It’s amazing how much summertime ventilation in the entire house is improved when hot air is allowed to escape upwards and out through the roof. The difference is often enough to make air conditioning unnecessary on days you’d normally require it.
Troubleshooting an HRV
Q: Why isn’t my HRV working? We’ve had the unit installed when our home was new five years ago but windows still get wet with condensation each winter when it gets cold.
A: Heat recovery ventilators offer a powerful way to eliminate damaging levels of window condensation, while also improving indoor air quality.
When I decided to install an HRV in the house I built for my family 20 years ago, it eliminated very wet windows just 12 hours after switching it on. The only time we have wet windows now is when we don’t run the HRV at a high enough speed.
HRV technology works, and while there are a few possible causes behind your trouble, most are easily fixed. If you have a furnace, it’s possible that it has a humidifier that’s pumping too much moisture into the air. Depending on window design and insulation values of the glass panes themselves, it’s often necessary to set interior humidity levels dryer than ideal for comfort during winter in order to eliminate window condensation.
It’s also possible that the balancing flaps, fan speed or controls of your HRV aren’t set properly. To operate effectively, every HRV needs to move a balance of air into and out of your home.
Though not likely, another possible cause is faulty HRV selection or installation. If the unit doesn’t move enough air for the size of your home, or it was connected improperly, poor performance could result.
If wet windows persist after turning your humidifier off, have a heating and ventilation specialist inspect your HRV for proper installation and set-up.
Steve Maxwell, syndicated home improvement and woodworking columnist, has shared his DIY tips, how-to videos and product reviews since 1988. Visit him at www.SteveMaxwell.ca, Facebook at Canada’s Handiest Man or @Maxwells_Tips on Twitter.