The Challenge
A homeowner in Topsfield contacted Master Roofers after
noticing moisture problems in the attic and water stains on the second-floor
ceiling. The home was a Cape-style house built in the late 1930s or early
1940s. Over time, remodeling and an addition had altered the home's ventilation
system, resulting in condensation buildup, moisture accumulation, and rusty
nails in the attic.
The root cause was the loss of a gable end vent during the
addition, which was not properly compensated for by enlarging other vents or
adding new ventilation. The attic was warmer than normal, worsening the
moisture issues. The homeowner found Master Roofers through a referral from a
family member pleased with our work.
The Solution
After a thorough inspection, we recommended reroofing the
house with GAF HDZ architectural shingles for improved durability and curb
appeal. We installed a ridge vent along the roof peak and soffit vents at the
eaves to create a balanced airflow system. The cool, dry air enters through the
soffits and rises through the attic, exiting via the ridge vent, preventing
moisture buildup.
We also addressed flashing issues around the addition where
improper installation was contributing to moisture problems. By carefully
removing and reinstalling vinyl siding, we added ice and water shield membranes
and proper metal flashing to ensure long-term protection against water
intrusion.
The Installation
The reroof was completed smoothly and efficiently. The old
asphalt shingles were removed, and modern synthetic underlayment was installed
to allow the roof decking to breathe. New ridge vents were installed after
cutting back decking where needed, and soffit vents were added to enhance
intake airflow. The problematic gable end vent was closed off to maintain
proper ventilation balance.
The flashing upgrades around the addition were handled
without visible disruption, preserving the home's exterior appearance while
significantly improving waterproofing.
The Result
The homeowner, an engineer by profession, monitored attic
temperatures following the upgrade and noted a dramatic temperature drop before
summer arrived. This confirmed the effectiveness of the ventilation
improvements. The moisture issues were resolved, no more nail rusting or water
stains appeared on the second floor, and the home's exterior now features a
fresh, attractive hunter green architectural shingle roof. The homeowner was
very satisfied with the results and praised the professionalism and thoroughness
of Master Roofers.