Replies

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Mar 11, 2010 09:44pm | #1

   What do the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of the "composite shakes" say?

   Why don't you name the manufacturer and product?

1. 
   JDenkers | Mar 12, 2010 07:18am | #2

   I wasn't sure if I could . It's Enviroshake from Canada, There is another problem my lumberyard spoke to Enviroshake and they said to cover all with ice & water then the other salesmen said he spoke to them they said they would never tell anyone to do that. I just want to know if maybe this guy against it might be right because I can't figure why everyone else says go ahead and this guy id dead against. Thank you for the reply. On the Enviroshake website the only mention I could find was for a lowslope application to cover entire deck.

1. 
   DanH | Mar 12, 2010 07:42am | #3

   The only way the membrane could cause problems is if the attic is very poorly ventillated such that moisture is building up from below.  I don't know if it's justified cost-wise, but it generally can't hurt.

2. 
   Gene_Davis | Mar 12, 2010 08:15am | #4

   One thing I learned . . .

   . . . about building product information and product installation instructions, having worked in a HQ position for a large entry door manufacturer, products distributed nationally and abroad, is that . . .

   . . . you cannot always trust the word of their field reps to get it right.  Sadly, too often, they get it wrong.

   So when in doubt, go straight to the source, the people at HQ who develop the product, test it, benchmark it against competition, obtain independent lab certification, etc., and get the information you require from them.

   I found this at their website.  http://www.enviroshake.com/install-english.php

   So it looks as if you need to interweave felt with the courses, just as you would do with wood shakes.

   For those who are curious about what this product is about, I snipped this from their site.

   Enviroshake® is a composite "high tech" roofing product that replicates the look of a cedar shake but has the added benefit of performance and durability associated with Enviroshake® composite materials. Enviroshake® was founded in 1998 and is marketed in direct competition to natural cedar shakes and other premium roofing products.

   Predominantly all of the materials (95%) used in the product are reclaimed materials. The Enviroshake® composite blend is a mixture of post industrial plastic(s), recycled rubber elastomers and cellulosic fibre materials. What distinguishes the Enviroshake® is its formulation and the process that produces this superior product. As the manufacturer, Enviroshake® can justifiably claim strong environmental advantages in addition to a quality product.

   The Enviroshake® replicates the look of an antique cedar shake roof. This product will provide many advantages to the consumer due to it's enhanced physical properties. Major benefits include increased durability, UV protection, wind and hail resistance combined with superior mould, mildew and insect resistant properties. When you consider all the benefits, Enviroshake® makes an attractive alternative.

    

   The Enviroshake® can be installed efficiently with less waste than traditional cedar, does not require any pretreatment, and once installed is maintenance free. There are no added expenses for preservatives or coatings that are recommended with wood and other products. It will retain its physical properties and look for decades.

1. 
   edwardh1 | Mar 12, 2010 10:43am | #5

   I hate companies that refer you to field reps

   "you cannot always trust the word of their field reps to get it right.  Sadly, too often, they get it wrong."

   I agree. The company tries to save money by insulating the customer from the company tech reps at head quarters, so what you then get is the "opinion" of whoever answers the phone in the field, or worse the HQ min wage customer service reps.

   Sorta like if you ask a question how much is 2 =2 , you get diff answers.

   I had the head of a major hot tub customer service tell me twice in e mails and once over the phone that the water in the tub could not exceed 104 degrees F. He was positive that was the limit.

   turned out it was a misprint 140 degrees oh duh the other 104

   Maybe we need more japanese run companies- some of the us headquartered ones reall could do better.

2. 
   rjw | Mar 12, 2010 04:23pm | #6

   From the linked installations instructions;

   "NOTE: Enviroshake Inc. does not recognize the application of ice/water membrane over the entire roof deck as a substitute for the minimum 15 lb. felt interweaving procedure between the courses."

   Note also: that does not say you can't use it WITh the felt interweaving...