Roofing, Flashing & Waterproofing, is a book in the “For Pros By Pros” series by Taunton Press. A great book for pros and seasoned do-it-yourselfers. Reasonably valuable for curious homeowners passionate about making informed decisions and ensuring projects are completed correctly. Only a few step by step instructions may be tedious for those not actually performing the work. Although even these passages have kernels of valuable construction wisdom.
The Good: This well written but short (150 page) book, full of photos and illustrations, does one thing really well – convey a philosophy of quality construction through time honored flashing and water resistant practices. If every builder and do-it-yourselfer understood the practices detailed in these pages, the world’s housing stock would be much more durable.
The Bad: Not much is bad about this book. Perhaps it doesn’t cover newer flashing products like Grace’s Vycor, self adhered window flashing. “Sticky” membrane has recently become a preferred product of top pros for wrapping openings before window installation. A description of this technique can be found by downloading the Vycor Installation Guide. Surprisingly, the book covers approximately the same technique using old fashioned felt splines.
Some readers may also want more information about less popular roofing products like clay, concrete and composite tiles. Only short sections explaining the benefits of these products can be found. Little is said about quality installation practices. Slate tiles are covered in more detail. But even slate is sacrificed for sections covering safely and other important, but less valuable information for homeowners.
The Bottom Line: Buildwise highly recommends this book for everyone interested in building or owning a durably built home.
Full Citation: From the Editors of Fine Homebuilding.
Roofing Flashing & Waterproofing: For Pros-By Pros
Newtown CT: Taunton Press, 2005. Paperback.
150 pages, 8.5×11 size, copious color photos and 3D technical drawings.
Roofing, Flashing & Waterproofing
Pros
- Well Written
- Well Illustrated
- Covers Basics
Cons
- Could Be More Indepth
- Some Systems Lightly Covered
- Could Be Longer