Preventing Roof Edge Damage in Row Homes and Twin Homes

South Jersey has a plethora of communities with row homes and twin homes, which are structurally unique compared to many single homes these days. For homeowners and renters of these kinds of properties, taking care of your roof comes with special considerations. Since you share a roof with a neighbor—or two—the roof edges tend to be vulnerable to damage. In fact, many leaks begin at transitions in the fascia, drip edges, parapets, and shared walls, rather than open roof fields. To help your roof last longer, let’s discuss how to prevent roof edge damage in row homes and twin homes.

Structural Characteristics That Increase Roof Edge Stress

Why are row homes and twin homes more susceptible to roof edge issues? It’s all in the design. Row homes and twin homes tend to have more narrow roof widths that concentrate water runoff. Furthermore, there are many structural elements that are shared. The shared walls can expand and contract differently, creating differences in the connected houses as the building ages. For instance, older framing can shift unevenly, causing depressions on one roof and not the other (particularly in the case of low-slope or flat areas).

Another reason roof edge damage occurs is trapped moisture. Homes with shared walls often have limited attic ventilation. That leads to increased moisture.

Common Roof Edge Failure Areas in Row Homes and Twins

There are three key areas where roof edge failure can be spotted on row homes and twins:

• Fascia and Soffit Deterioration: Wood fascia can absorb moisture when gutters are clogged or when sections of paint disintegrate, leaving wood exposed.
• Drip Edge and Starter Shingle Damage: Missing or improperly installed drip edges allow water to seep into fascia or behind gutters. Wind uplift can also cause drip edges and starter shingles to loosen. Ice dams, in the event they form, can damage these areas and make them susceptible to water intrusion.
• Parapet Walls and Roof-to-Wall Transitions: As mortar ages, it may crack along parapet caps. Flashing may also separate from masonry and roofing materials. In these places, water can intrude and then move laterally into neighboring units.

Weather Conditions That Accelerate Roof Edge Damage

South Jersey as a whole has four distinct seasons with dramatic temperature shifts. It can be hot, steamy, and stormy in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. These temperature fluctuations accelerate normal wear and tear on roofing materials. Freeze-thaw cycles widen small flashing gap. Wind-driven rain may enter under lifted shingles and loosened flashing. In the summer, sealants dry quickly around edge flashing.

All of these temperature swings and environmental conditions create gaps of various sizes that allow water to reach the underlayment or roof deck.

Gutter and Drainage Problems That Lead to Edge Failure

One major issue that can cause water problems in any building, be it row home, twin home, single or commercial, is poor drainage. Clogged gutters or improperly pitched gutters don’t send water where it needs to go. Instead, the backed up water is driven behind fascia boards. Detached downspouts can cause an overflow at the corners of the building, where water is going to pool around the foundation. When that happens, you may get moisture in the foundation.

Neighboring Property Factors Unique to Attached Housing

Now, while most homeowners conduct some form of maintenance, there may be discrepancies in how you and your neighbor go about it. That can lead to some differences in how adjoining homes and their roofs age. For example, if one side gets a full roof replacement, the transitional area may be disturbed. Additions or siding changes can alter water flow patterns. Lastly, tree coverage between closely spaced homes can increase debris buildup in the gutters and along roof valleys.

Warning Signs of Roof Edge Damage to Watch Out For

Fortunately, if you’re worried about roof edge damage for your row or twin home, you will see signs. When conducting visual inspections, look for the following:

• Peeling paint or staining along fascia boards.
• Sagging gutters or loose fasteners.
• Shingles lifting or curling along roof edges.
• Vegetation or moss growth near gutter lines.
• Water stains near exterior walls or ceilings inside.
• Drafts along upper-floor concerns.
• Musty smells near attic edges.
• Ice buildup forming repeatedly at roof edges.
• Increased pest activity around soffits.

See any of these? Consider scheduling a roof inspection with a South Jersey roofing contractor to learn the extent of the damage.

Preventive Maintenance to Protect Roof Edges

Routine maintenance is preventive, meaning it stops issues before they begin. While any roofing contractor will tell homeowners to conduct roofing maintenance, it is all the more necessary for row homes and twin homes throughout South Jersey. Warding off damage and keeping the transitions between your home and the neighbors’ is key in keeping everything inside safe and dry.

Here are several key maintenance tasks to perform (or have a roofer do) that will protect your roof from roof edge damage:

• Annual or biannual roof inspections focused on flashing and drip edges.
• Routine gutter cleaning and drainage testing.
• Sealant replacement around flashing before flashing occurs and flashing replacement if broken.
• Post-storm inspections after high winds.
• Attic airflow evaluations to prevent condensation damage.

Call a South Jersey Roofing Contractor for Roof Edge Protection

Roof edge damage can cause many roofing issues, particularly in homes with shared walls and roof lines. Row homes and twin homes are more susceptible to roof edge damage due to discrepancies in maintenance, aging materials, and environment. Keep any eye out for damage and schedule roof inspections regularly.

RGB Construction is an experienced roofing contractor that has been in business for over two decades. Our team is licensed, insured, and bonded, and we utilize only the highest quality roofing materials. Your safety matters. See why excellence is our standard. Give us a call today.