Now that spring is finally here, many homeowners are going around their homes and getting to work repairing any damage that might have occurred during the long winter months, and making sure their homes are ready for whatever the upcoming season might hold. There are a number of important features around your home that require attention, but one of the most important of these is going to be your home’s roof.

Here are three tips to get you going in the right direction for the seasons ahead...

Clean Out Your Gutters.

Once the snow and ice clears away enough for you to do so, one of the first things you are going to want to do is ensure that your gutters are properly cleaned out.

As soon as you are able, break out the ladder, or hire a professional and make sure any lingering debris is cleared out of your gutters,  to ensure they are working properly when the spring rains finally start to come down.

Get Your Roof Cleaned

​After it is safe to do so, you are going to want to ensure that your roof is completely cleaned off, whether you do it yourself or again have a professional come in and do so.

If your roof is still covered in debris that might have come down throughout the course of the fall or winter, now is the time to clean it off so that you can get a good idea of the condition of your roof underneath. Any lingering debris can not only make your roof that much more dangerous to navigate, but can also hide smaller issues when you are having your roof inspected for damage.

Get A Professional Inspection

​One of the most important things you can do for your roof to ensure it is prepared for the coming spring is to have it professionally inspected.

Our team at Class Eh! Roofing are experienced professionals and would be happy to help you out if you'd like assistance with this.

From loose or damaged shingles, to rust, fungus, algae, or any areas where your roof might be sagging, our team will go over your roof thoroughly and give you a detailed report of any issues we find and what needs to be done about them. 

CONTACT US HERE FOR A FREE ESTIMATE.

​And now, enjoy the warmer months ahead!

We have freezing cold temperatures and more snow in the forecast. It’s a good time for some winter weather roof tips from Class Eh! Roofing.

Drainage
First up let's look at drainage.  Drainage is a critical element of any roof system.
Snow and ice don’t move until they melt. When that happens they must drain so it is imperative that drains and eavestroughs are clear. 
Gutters and roof drains are designed to divert water away from your home, and allow for the proper flow of water during a heavy rain, reducing the risk of interior water damage caused by water backing up into the roof. When there is snow, they also provide a conduit for melting snow in order to reduce the weight loads on a roof.
If you’ve noticed water overflowing from eavestroughs in the past couple of months, that’s a sure sign of a drain issue and it may be wise to call in a pro before a bad situation turns worse.

Roof Top Trips
In a word. DON'T.  Especially in winter, it is slippery and hazardous to attempt to get up there this time of year.  If you do sense an issue of any kind or drainage problems as mentioned above, a professional is the way to go to give yourself peace of mind.

Sooner Rather Than Later
As with anything, when you notice a problem, taking action sooner rather than waiting until later can mean the difference between a small fix up or a large one that costs more.

If you need any assistance this winter season with roof issues, our team is here for free estimates.  Contact us today by filling out the form HERE.

Having a solid roof over your head means you need to take care of it, however sometimes we can do things with the best of intentions not realizing they are harmful.
With that in mind, lets talk about some of the roofing myths out there and learn the correct way to take care of yours.

1. Cleaning Your Roof With a Pressure Washer

Cleaning your roof can help enhance its appearance and prevent mold from growing. Many people will use a pressure washer to do the job but this can actually damage the surface of your roof. Next time you clean your roof, opt for a hose instead.

2. Over-Insulating Your Home

Insulation is good, too much can be bad however. If your home has an attic, too much insulation won’t allow the room to ventilate properly which can cause mold to grow and other issues.

3. Not Regularly Checking Your Roof

Just because you don’t see any leaks doesn’t mean there aren’t issues with your roof. Take the time to inspect your roof so you can handle small repairs when needed.

4. Not Checking Your Attic

If you only inspect the outside of your home, you may be missing out on some obvious signs that your roof needs to be replaced. Always check your attic to look for signs of mold growth or excessive humidity.

5. Roofing Over Shingles

No matter what you do, do not simply put new shingles over old ones. You’re only making things worse. Old shingles need to be removed and replaced by new ones for a proper seal.

Call a Professional!

Roofing problems can be complicated and that's where a professional team like Class Eh! can help you out.  We offer FREE estimates, so what are you waiting for?  To contact us please visit the link HERE.

There are lots of things to think about when choosing a roof.

Thе lіfеѕраn оf a rооf іѕ a really important соnѕіdеrаtіоn, especially when you tаkе іntо account that it will bе оnе оf the most еxреnѕіvе hоmе mаіntеnаnсе projects performed on уоur home.

There аrе mаnу dіffеrеnt types оf roofs, all wіth different соѕtѕ аnd lіfеѕраnѕ. Whеn you аrе paying someone tо іnѕtаll a nеw hоmе roof, it is recommended that you do yоur hоmеwоrk іn order to fіgurе out whісh type wіll bе bеѕt fоr уоur home, although a qualified roofer will be able to assist you if you have questions.

Whіlе a раrt of thіѕ decision wіll be bаѕеd оn personal рrеfеrеnсе, thеrе іѕ muсh more than meets the еуе, so let’s take a look.

Aѕрhаlt ѕhіnglе rооfѕ аrе аmоng thе mоѕt рорulаr аnd аrе соmmоnlу uѕеd on mаnу homes. One reason for thіѕ іѕ thеіr соѕt. Aѕрhаlt rооfѕ are nоt as expensive аѕ other rооf tуреѕ, but do actually have a shorter lifespan thаn mаnу оthеrѕ. 

Asphalt ѕhіnglе rооfѕ will last аррrоxіmаtеlу tеn years (or more) bеfоrе thеу need tо be rерlасеd. Insurance роlісіеѕ wіll соvеr vаrіоuѕ rераіr аnd replacements соѕtѕ іf thе rооf іѕ damaged оr dеѕtrоуеd bу natural еlеmеntѕ, but you wіll dеfіnіtеlу want tо think about ѕаvіng uр fоr a new rооf within аbоut tеn years of іtѕ installation.

Another tуре used оn ѕоmе nеw hоmе rооfѕ is сеdаr shingles. This type, аѕ a gеnеrаl rule іѕ not аѕ practical because it іѕ not very resistant to fіrе. This makes іt rіѕkіеr than other roofing types аnd may mean a muсh ԛuісkеr rерlасеmеnt than оrіgіnаllу рlаnnеd.  The upside however is that this is a really beautiful looking roof and adds a lot to the curb appeal of your home, so if this is important to you it may be worth considering.

Mеtаl rооfѕ, on thе оthеr hаnd, lаѕt lоngеr thаn asphalt and сеdаr shingled rооfѕ.  Metal will cost you more as a result though in the short term.  Again, depending on what your situation is, it may be the better choice.

Slаtе roofs are another choice and also ԛuіtе еxреnѕіvе, but wіll often outlast thе оwnеrѕ of the hоuѕеѕ on whісh they sit. Thеу аrе quite delicate, but thеіr lіfеѕраn is what really mаkеѕ thеm a desirable сhоісе. Thеу are ԛuіtе аttrасtіvе but are one оf thе mоѕt еxреnѕіvе rооfіng tуреѕ in the market today.

Bottom Line: If you want a roof remember to educate yourself as much as possible as to how long its lifespan is projected to be and then weigh in on whether the cost is worth it for your lifestyle and future plans.

At Class Eh! Roofing we are always a phone call away if you need professional advice, installation or repairs. Contact us HERE if you need assistance.

​It is hard to believe summer is done, but the first offical day of fall this year was September 22nd.

Before the cold weather and heavy winter ice kicks in, it is a perfect time to make sure the state of your roof is in good shape.

Here are some helpful tips for you this autumn season to get you on your way: 

1. Clean your gutter to allow water to flow properly off your roof. When your gutters are clogged, water will just splash back onto your roof and that can lead to damages like cracks and mould.  

2. Trim trees, especially if there are branches that are way too close to your home. They may pose a danger to your roof later. Doing this before those autumn leaves start falling can minimize your job of removing them from your gutter system, too. 

3. Have a pre-winter inspection done. It is possible that your knowledge of roofing is limited so it’s better done by a professional. 

4. Perform necessary repair work and replace what needs replacement. After an inspection, you'll have a clear idea of the status of your roof. 

Remember, the coming winter months call for strong and really sturdy roofing. Maintaining your roof prior to this harsh season means you can relax and not worry about any roofing problems when fixing it is not a possibility.

​If your roof needs any repair work or inspection, my team and I at Class Eh! Roofing would be pleased to assist.  Please contact us HERE.

Updating your old roof helps you increase the curb appeal and value of your home.

But when it comes to choosing the right roofing material for your new roof, you may get confused with various roofing materials. Yes, there are lots of roofing material available in the market and choosing one of them is a very daunting task. Because every material has its own some advantages and disadvantages. Before making your decision, you need to take some important things into consideration such as cost, style, and color.

Below are some roofing material explained.
​

1. Asphalt shingles: This is the most common material used by almost every homeowner. This material is popular because it is budget friendly and easy to install. Asphalt shingles are designed for at least twenty to twenty five years. Means once you install it, you don’t need to think about your roof for the next twenty years. The main disadvantage of this material is it does not provide the insulation. 
2. Wood shingles and shake: Wood shingles are made from western red cedar, southern pine, cypress, and redwood trees. Wood shingles and shakes require care and maintenance. It is better to repair and maintain your wood roof before the fall wet season starts. If you live in a fire prone area, this material is not good for you. It can mold, split and rot easily. It comes with twenty five to thirty years lifespan.
3. Clay and concrete tiles: Clay and concrete tiles are heavy, but these are extremely durable. These tiles come in lighter color option and provide enduring aesthetics to your house and also added value to your home. These tiles are versatile and offer greater protection to you and your family members. The main advantage of this material is, it is long lasting and non-combustible. But a heavy weight and price, both are disadvantage of clay and concrete tiles.
4. Metal roofing: Metal roofs are available in different varieties such as copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. This material provides high insulation solar reflectance and durability. This material is lightweight and long lasting. It is also a recyclable. High price is the disadvantage of metal roofing material. This roof is designed for 40 to 75 years.
5. Slate: Just like clay and concrete tiles, slates are also heavy. This material is fire resistance and natural appearance is the main advantage of it. You can expect a life of hundred years and easy maintenance. This material is available in different styles and colors. Slate tiles are easy to break and due to the high cost, every one cannot afford it.

For all your roofing needs please contact my team at Class Eh! Roofing and we would be pleased to assist you with a free estimate.  Please contact us and fill out the form HERE.

It has been a hot one in Niagara this summer!

So as a roof expert, I often get asked the question of if a roof can make a difference in keeping things cool inside.

Believe it or not, your roof does make a difference. There are a number of different roofing factors that can change the amount of heat that’s either absorbed into your home or reflected off. It’s important to note that these factors don’t change in the winter, either. Roofs that absorb more heat in the summer will also absorb more heat in the winter, which can actually be a positive when it comes to melting snow and keeping your home warm in the winter. Let’s look at the four most important roofing factors that affect the temperature of your home:

COLOUR
As you’ve probably heard from many, the colour of your roof does affect how much heat is absorbed into your attic. A study has shown that the plywood under dark roofs in direct sunlight is consistently 10 to 15°F hotter than the plywood boards under light colored roofs. Lighter colors are reflective and cause much of the heat to from light rays to bounce off, meaning they hold much less heat than a darker roof.

At this point you might be thinking, then why do I see so many dark colored roofs? Well, it can often be beneficial to have a darker roof, because the heat they absorb helps melt off snow before it gets too heavy. While the color of your roof does change the amount of heat that’s absorbed into your home, there are so many other factors that can change your home’s interior temperature that you shouldn’t shy away from a darker roof color if that’s what your prefer.

ROOFING MATERIAL
The material of your roof can also have a big impact on how much heat is absorbed into your home. For example, an asphalt roof only reflects an estimated 30% of light that hits your home, regardless of if you have dark or light shingles. A metal roof is very reflective, which means that a majority of light rays are reflected away from your home, keeping your home and attic at an even temperature year round. Though these are the top two most common types of roofing material, every option, from tile roofs to concrete flat roofs, offer a different rate of light and heat absorption. If you have a favorite roofing material that you’d really like to install in your new home, but are worried about its energy efficiency, it’s good to know that most materials do have a cool roof option.

ROOFING TECHNOLOGY
Cool roofs are a great way to get the roofing color and material that you wanted, at a better energy efficiency rate. A cool roof is a roof that has been designed to absorb less heat and reflect more sunlight than a standard roof. Some roofing materials come in “cool roof” options, and others can be altered with a highly reflective type of paint or coating to absorb less heat. In most cases, a cool roof will stay a great deal cooler than a non-cool roof of the same color and construction. Though these materials often cost a bit more upfront, if you’re looking for energy savings, that’s what you’ll get. These types of roofs are sure to keep your home nice and cool, even on the hottest days of summer. They’re a great way to reduce air conditioning needs and save a bit of money on your energy bill.

ROOF AND ATTIC CONSTRUCTION
It’s important to note that regardless of what type of roofing material you end up with, roofing construction and attic ventilation are the two most important factors that go into keeping your home a comfortable temperature.  If your home is well-built, and your attic has the right amount of insulation, and ventilation so that excess heat can escape, then the heat coming in from the roof really shouldn’t have a major impact on the temperature of the rest of your home. Proper ventilation should provide cooling properties for your roof’s shingles, while insulation will keep any excess heat from reaching past your attic.

In the end, it’s important to choose a roof that works best for your home first. While shingle color, roofing material, and technology all can have an impact on the temperature of your home, a roofing professional can also offer assistance in making the right choice.

For all your roofing needs, my team and I at Class Eh! Roofing would be pleased to assist you. Please contact us on the link HERE.

Unfortunately, no roof is going to last forever and when your shingle roof is leaking, it is time to think about two options.

Simply put: You can ignore the leak or you can get it fixed!

While it’s tempting to ignore it and hope that it goes away on its own, usually the recommended thing to do is get it fixed. Waiting can lead to bigger problems down the road and to hit that point home, here are just a few of the things that can happen if you decide to  ignore a shingle roof leak.

More Money Down the Drain

A shingle roof leak isn’t going to repair itself over time. Water damages things when it is left sitting and even a small leak can soak into your insulation, ceiling, deck, and other areas. The longer that water sits and hits those areas, the more damage they will do and the more cash you will have to spend in repairs.

Mold 

A small leak might not seem like a big deal if you don’t care about water stains, but water does a lot more than make things wet, it can lead to mold. When you let water leak into your walls, insulation, and ceiling and sit around, it’s the perfect location for mold, which can lead to a large clean-up situation and an even larger bill. It can also be a safety risk for your family and pets. 

Shorten the Overall Life of Your Roof

Replacing your roof isn’t something you want to do very often. In fact, you’ll put it off as long as you can because of the expense and the hassle. So if you can make it last longer, you should. One of the ways to expand its life instead of shortening it is to fix small leaks right away... even the small ones so that the existing roof you have lasts.

So, to sum it up, if you have noticed a leak in your roof, even if it’s small and doesn’t seem like a big deal, I strongly recommend to get it looked at right away by a pro.  My team and I at Class Eh! Roofing would be glad to help you out and we offer a free estimate service to get you going.  Go to the link here to start the process and have a dry summer!

Maybe with the spring like weather out there you have had a chance to glance up at your roof and see how it’s faring after the winter…

Are you facing a roof issue and not quite sure whether you need a repair job or a total replacement?

Perhaps you have noticed some leaking or see a crack and are feeling a little indecisive how to move forward.

That’s where a qualified roof contractor comes in and can offer some advice.  However, that being said it is still important the homeowner is decisive in how they want to move forward, so here are some things for you to consider for shingled roofs:

1.  Is your home’s ceiling stained? Signs of moisture stains, concrete flakes or discolored paint on your residential ceiling and adjoining walls, could mean there is an underlying issue of leakage. If this is excessive, you should consider a roof replacement, if the leak is small, repair work could be all you need at this time.  Generally, if your roof is currently damaged above 25 to 30 percent, the ideal decision should be replacement rather than repairs. 

2.  How old is your roof? The average age for a shingled roof is around 20 years, only if it is maintained and repaired frequently. If around half of the shingles on your roof are cracked or torn, go for a roof replacement. Since a roof tends to become weak after 15 years, its crucial to consider replacing it to ensure safety of your home.   

3.  What if repair costs are more than replacement costs? Since roofs are constructed using different types of material, there exist different repair and maintenance services for each of them. If the damage caused to your residential roof is excessive and the cost involved in repairs is more than a total replacement, then it’s better to go for a roof replacement.  

4.  Are you planning to sell your property soon? An old and worn roof can affect the looks of a property. This can highly impact its perceived value, in case you are looking to sell your home in the coming years. In contrast, a new roof installation can increase a home’s value along with offering many other benefits like leakage protection and better insulation. 
 
On a final note, wishing everyone a Happy Easter weekend from the team at Class Eh! Roofing.  For all your repair and replacement concerns please contact us for a free estimate by clicking the link HERE.