Q: The shingles on our roof are worn and we want to have the roof reshingled. We don't know whether to use asphalt or fiberglass shingles. What is your opinion?
A: Either type of shingle will work for you. Your choice depends on aesthetics, availability and your budget. Generally, the more expensive shingles come with a longer warranty, some of which can reach 20-25 years.Many people, even roofers, confuse fiberglass and asphalt shingles. Fiberglass shingles are made with asphalt and should be referred to as fiberglass-asphalt shingles.
An asphalt shingle consists of felt base mat made from rags, paper and wood pulp. The mat is saturated and coated with asphalt, then surfaced with mineral aggregates. Fiberglass-asphalt shingles have a glass fiber mat coated with asphalt and surfaced with mineral aggregates.
The difference between organic and fiberglass-based shingles is more of a concern to the roofer than the homeowner. Fiberglass-based shingles were developed because roofers found that asphalt shingles softened during hot weather installations, and were easily damaged. Fiberglass shingles are coated, not saturated, with asphalt and are not easily damaged during hot weather.
However, in the northern United States, organic mat shingles are often used. Fiberglass shingles are difficult to work in very cold weather because they become brittle and can crack if flexed.
Fiberglass shingles have a better fire rating than organic shingles. Nevertheless, the latter is considered acceptable.
Q: I've noticed small holes and insects in some of the beams in my 150-year-old frame house. How can I tell if these are carpenter ants or termites, and how can I get rid of them?
A: Damage from carpenter ants is often mistaken for termite infestation. However, ants tunnel only to construct nesting places. They remove excavated wood to the outside of their nests and keep the passageways clear. Termite galleries, on the other hand, are packed with sawdustlike material, which is actually a woody excretion. This difference in the appearance of infested areas is a positive means of identifying which pest is at work.
Carpenter ants may be seen entering and leaving wood. They vary widely in size, but a common variety is approximately one-half-inch long, and either all black or mixed with brown. All members of the colony are fully formed except the larvae, which are white and resemble grubs. Small, isolated colonies can be eradicated by injecting pesticide dust into the galleries or into holes drilled at intervals along infested timber. For best results, hire a licensed professional exterminator.
Q: I'm replacing some bad sections of copper water pipe. Can I use PVC pipe for the repairs?
A. Plastic water pipe can be joined to steel and copper pipe by means of plastic threaded adapters. Both male and female plastic adapters are available. One end of the plastic adapter is glued to the plastic pipe and the other threaded into a fitting or onto a pipe. When joining plastic water pipe to existing metal piping, wrap the male threads with plastic pipe joint sealant tape. Because plastic female adapters can expand when threaded onto male threads, a better choice is to use a plastic male adapter threaded into an iron or copper female adapter or fitting.