ROOFING EXCELLENCE BLOG

Capillary Action: How Water Defies Gravity on Shingle Laps

One of the most misunderstood phenomena in Virginia Beach roofing is capillary action. This occurs when liquid water is drawn into tight spaces between shingles, even when the roof has a steep pitch. Surface tension allows water to "climb" upward under a shingle lap. If your roofing contractor used a standard 5-inch exposure without accounting for the high-wind pressure of a Nor'easter, water can bridge the gap and reach your plywood decking, causing rot that remains invisible for years.

The Triple-Coverage Solution

To defeat capillary action, we advocate for shingle systems that feature a heavy-duty "sealant line" located higher up the shingle mat. By creating a physical chemical barrier that water cannot bypass, we ensure that surface tension works in your favor, forcing the water to break its bond and fall cleanly down the roof slope toward the gutters.

BUR vs. Modified Bitumen: The Multi-Layer Defense Standard

For commercial facilities in Norfolk and Newport News, the debate between Built-Up Roofing (BUR) and Modified Bitumen is critical for long-term ROI. BUR relies on multiple "plies" of felt and hot asphalt, while Modified Bitumen adds rubber (SBS) or plastic (APP) modifiers to the mix. While BUR is incredibly puncture-resistant, Modified Bitumen offers superior elongation—meaning it can expand and contract with the extreme temperature shifts common in the Hampton Roads area without cracking.

Heat-Welded vs. Cold-Applied

We specialize in heat-welded torch-down applications for Modified Bitumen. This process melts the asphalt layers together to form a monolithic waterproof skin. Unlike cold-applied methods that can suffer from inconsistent adhesion, heat-welding ensures the seams are actually stronger than the membrane itself, providing a 25-year structural warranty.

Polyurethane vs. Silicone: Choosing the Right Sealant for Virginia

Every roof penetration—from pipe boots to chimney reglets—requires a sealant. However, the cheap "roofing cement" found at hardware stores will dry out and crack within 24 months. For a permanent seal, we utilize high-solids polyurethane sealants. Polyurethane creates a high-strength mechanical bond to metal and masonry, whereas silicone is better suited for non-porous surfaces. In the high-salt air of Virginia Beach, the chemical resilience of your sealant determines whether your roof lasts 10 years or 30 years.