Did You Know?
Are there any basic roofing maintenance tips?
Remove any tree limbs that overhang the roof and gutters. At the end of the fall season make sure that your eavestrough are cleaned out and that the down pipes are not blocked with sticks, leaves, toys or balls to ensure proper water drainage.
How should I inspect my roof?
Take a good look at your roof at least once a year. This can often be done with a set of binoculars from a safe/nearby location. Look for missing or loose shingles and flashings, debris and similar signs of damage.
Can I walk on my roof?
Yes you can, but as a general rule, when you have the urge to climb on the roof, sit back, read the paper and wait for the urge to pass. Many roofs are damaged by people who don’t know how to walk properly on a roof. And remember falling off a ladder or roof is not much fun.
I've got a few quotes to replace my roof and the prices vary? What else other than price should I be concerned about?
- Is all their work insured?
- Is the work guaranteed?
- Do they have a WSIB Certificate?
- Do they have business insurance?
- Are the products being used comparable and from a reputable manufacturer?
- How long has the contractor been working in your area? Will they still be around in a year or two if a problem arises?
- How long does it normally take to complete a job my size?
My roof is leaking. Does that mean I have to replace my whole roof?
Most roof leaks can be repaired and don’t require the immediate replacement of the roof – depending on the age of the roof. If you have a leak on a newer roof (under 12 years) the leak can be fixed. If the roof is older, you may want to consider redoing the leaking section(s) properly such that it won’t have to be replaced when the remainder of the roof is replaced. Most roofs should last 20 plus years.
Can I power wash my roof?
No – most roofing surfaces should not be power washed.
I am seeing moss develop on my roof, what should I do?
Slopes that don’t get much sun, usually north facing as well as heavily shaded areas and damp flat roofs tend to develop moss. There are zinc strips that can be installed to help prevent moss from growing.
What is a roof "pitch"?
Roof pitch is the slope of the roof. A steep slope is dangerous and difficult to walk on. Safety precautions such as ropes and harnesses are required by law. Jacks and planks are also used as platforms from which the work can be done.
What is flashing?
Well, we’re assuming you’re not talking about that thing that can get you arrested. Flashing, in roofing terms, are building components (metal, roll roofing rubber or tar) used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys.
What is a gable?
A gable is the upper portion of a sidewall that comes to a triangular point at the ridge of a sloping roof.
What is a gable roof?
It is a type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge. Contains a gable at each end.
What is a dormer?
A dormer is a roof gable that is usually located at right angles to the main roof structure. It is used to increase headroom or as an architectural detail.
What is a soffit?
The soffit is the external area under the overhang of a roof. The soffit gives your home a finished look and provides ventilation for your roof to help prevent moisture build-up and heat damage in the attic. Air comes in through the soffit and circulates through the attic then, the air exits through the vents on top of the roof. A ventilated soffit helps improve the thermal performance of your home, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
What is facia?
The facia is the board that trims the edge of the roof. The eavestrough is attached to the fascia.
What is an eavestrough?
The eavestrough is the channel that collects water from the roof. The most common eavestrough is 5″ aluminium, however it also comes in plastic, copper and galvanized metal.
What is a skylight?
A skylight is a window in a roof that allows natural light to illuminate a room. They can be fixed or operable.
What is ventilation?
Ventilation is the act of moving air – out with the hot, in with the cool. A vent uses the natural force of wind and air pressure to vent out stale attic air. Poor ventilation will cause a roof to age prematurely.
There are many different kinds of vents but the most common is a static vent that looks like a hat. Another common vent is a turbine vent, which sticks up higher from the roof and spins around in the wind drawing the air out of the attic. Power vents require electricity and must be wired by an electrician. Power vents come on automatically when the attic gets to a predetermined temperature.
Exhaust fans from bathrooms must always be vented directly outside through a proper vent.
More Questions?
If you have a question that still hasn’t been answered, please contact us.