​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.
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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.

Winter…will it ever end?! 
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The answer of course is yes! But how is your roof doing after it all? 

Winter brings ice and snow, lots of wind and in general…elements that make it important that you do a little once over once the spring season begins to keep expensive repair costs down in the future.

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or hire a pro, here are some tips to get you going …

Look at Your Shingles
Are any shingles curling, loose, or damaged? You should replace these right away and if you see nails popping up, make sure they get a hammer down. 

If the shingles are looking tired overall maybe it is time to think about replacing as well!

Gutters
Clear away debris so that spring showers can flow freely away instead of pooling on your roof.

Flashing Inspection
Flashing connects different parts of your roof – like skylights, windows, walls of dormers,etc.

Rust and cracked caulking are trouble signs that need to be attended to. You can re-caulk flashing in some cases and rusted flashing may mean time for a replacement.

Soffit and Fascia
Soffits are the underside of the house structure such as an arch, a balcony, or overhanging eaves. The fascia are the metal or wood boards along the roofline or behind the eaves trough.

Make sure to check their condition as well as they are important for the overall integrity of your roof.

Water Damage
Do you see any signs of a leak inside your home or on the roof ?  Melting snow or ice dams can cause this problem and damage your roof as well as home interior.

I cannot stress enough of acting quickly when you spot a leak, it can cause so much damage if left unchecked.  This usually is a time when pros must be called in to assess properly.
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For all your roofing needs big or small my team at Class Eh! Roofing would be happy to help you out and start the process with a free estimate.  PLEASE CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED!

When we think about roofing, we don't usually select winter as an ideal time but let's face it, emergencies happen and sometimes work needs to be done in less than ideal situations...

Let's look at three things that affect the final result of a roof job: the human factor, the tools’ capacity to perform, and the shingle product itself.

First, there are human beings that will work on that roof. Starting the day roofing in the winter, shoveling and ice-breaking sometimes must be done first and it is not ideal.  BUT, it is necessary to install on an “appropriate substrate”—and snow and ice are not on the list. We need to reach the bare deck, especially in new construction. Any kind of precipitation will make the slope slippery, adding to the level of hazard and reducing the speed and comfort of the workers. Also, the low temperatures can make the physically demanding job of roofing even harder as winter clothing that must be worn can add another 15 pounds to body weight. Because of the need to use your fingers precisely and bend your toes, a contractor can only wear small gloves and boots. For most roofers, it is uncomfortable below freezing and impossible below 20°F.

Second, the roofing crew uses many different tools. Some of them aren’t affected by temperature, but some, like compressors and nail guns, can be affected. When compressing and releasing the air in your system, humidity will turn into water. If the temperature is freezing, the water may freeze in the airlines and reduce the airflow that the installer receives on the roof. This makes it harder to install the nails properly and it means your roofer must constantly set the depth adjuster on the gun and  monitor the presence of humidity or ice in the system.

Third, there’s the question of whether shingles can be installed in cold weather. The short answer is yes, but the reality is that the asphaltic material in the shingle may lose its flexibility and resistance as the temperature goes down. It will become harder to bend the shingles and to cut them straight.  Another important consideration is that cold weather increases the chances of blow-offs. All shingles are equipped with a self-sealant strip, a line of glue that activates with the sun and tabs the shingles together, preventing the wind to catch them. This glue activates at different temperatures depending on the manufacturer and the manufacturer may specify that if the shingles are NOT tabbing properly because of temperature, they should be hand-sealed. That means the crew should apply the amount of roofing cement underneath every laminate shingle with a caulking gun and then press the shingles into the cement. This will help prevent the wind from lifting them before there is sufficient heat for them to self-seal.
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Bottom line is that sometimes, the seriousness of the roof situation outweighs the risk of doing the job in winter, but in most cases it’s wise to wait until the temperature is above freezing.

 For all your roofing needs please contact my team at Class Eh! Roofing by clicking the link HERE for a free estimate.

​So you may have already done all the decorating for Christmas on the exterior of your home, but, if you are still contemplating the task, here are some guidelines to keep that roof in tip top shape and maintain some safety at the same time!

1. Never put staples or nails through your roof. Even tiny holes can lead to water damage.
2. Avoid walking on any type of roof if you don’t have to and instead, use a ladder.
3. If you must walk on an asphalt shingle roof, try to step in the center of the shingles rather than where they join together.
4. Attach your Christmas lights to your gutters or to the edge of your roofline using plastic clips that can be purchased for this purpose.  The clips hook onto the edge of your shingles or the edge of your gutter without causing any damage.  Since the clips are made of plastic, they won’t last very long outside.  Take them down and store them with your Christmas lights to get a few seasons’ use out of them.

Additional Safety Tips:

1. Make sure that you are hanging lights that are approved for outdoor use.
2. Avoid walking on your roof if it is covered in ice or snow.
3. Make sure that your ladder is safe and that you have a helper if possible to hold it steady.
4. Check the condition of your lights.  Replace any strings with exposed wires or other signs of wear and tear.
5. Watch for wires overhead when you are moving your ladder or walking on your roof.
6. Consider hanging your Christmas lights in a location other than your roof.  Think railings or bushes.  You may be able to find an alternative that will give you the look you want, without having to leave the ground.

Whatever your decorating looks like this year, wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season from the team at Class Eh! Roofing. 

For all your roofing needs including free estimates, please visit us HERE.

​WOW! It’s windy out there today!  There actually is a wind warning in effect for the niagara region…but what does that mean for your roof?

Damaging Wind

Roofs are designed to resist the typical wind loads of their location but sometimes things can get extra gusty and that can cause damage to the roof system.

As wind moves over a roof, its effect is not uniform. Certain parts will be subject to higher pressures, like along the perimeter.
Depending on the way the wind blows, the shape of the roof and the location on the roof, there will be negative pressure — suction — or positive pressure — pushing, like when the wind slaps your face as you round a corner.  But bottom line is that most wind damage that occurs on roofs start on the edge of the roof systems.

This is no need for concern however as long as the wind does not start moving materials. Materials may include the membrane itself or the shingles. Anywhere material is even a little bit loose, the suction of the wind is going to raise it up and then the wind can get below it and push it up. Once the underside of the roofing is exposed, rain can get in, but it also gives the wind more to grab on to.
The damage starts small and grows through repeated wind cycles, usually over time but the main takeaway is to be observant if you see any roofing issues and get a professional to assist you as soon as you see things moving around that should not be.

The other materials a significant wind event moves about — shards of glass, tree branches and so on is wind-blown debris that can equally damage a roof so be observant of these issues as well . Wind-blown debris also tends to accumulate and clog drains and downspouts which could cause problems in the future.

If you have questions or concerns about your roof, my team and I at Class Eh! Roofing would be happy to share our professional insight so that you can rest easy in every season.

To request a free estimate please go to our link HERE
 

​Eaves troughs are an important part of your roofing system that keep water away from your home.

Water is the enemy of your home. Damp wood can lead to rot or mold. Also, it can create a softened area for wildlife to gain entry.
Before the snow starts to fly it is a good idea to do some maintenance to the eaves troughs around your home. I am talking about a thorough cleaning.  Here is why it is so important:

Clogged troughs can lead to water damage
Fallen leaves and sticks can stop the flow of water through the gutter. On most homes there are several eaves leading to a downspout. Water needs to get to the downspout so it can run off the roof. This is especially important before winter. Fall maintenance is crucial to water flow after ice and snow melts.

Water sitting in the eaves trough can soften roof materials. Wood or shingles can become fragile and easy to damage. Pests like a raccoon or squirrel can make simple work of a water damaged roof. They’ll gain entrance to your home and make dens in your attics or walls.

Freezing water will overload the trough and cause it to warp.
Ice can not only warp the gutter, it also puts a lot of strain on the gutter itself. Water is heavy. After months of sitting frozen it can begin to pull away from the home. This can expose wood and other openings for pests. Also, it can lead to expensive roof repair.

Sticks and leaves commonly block gutters
Most of the time squirrels, raccoons and mice use leaves, twigs and grass to make dens or nests. These are commonly found in your gutters during fall. Blocked gutters will attract critters to your roof because all of the necessary nesting materials are found in one place. While they’re crawling through your gutter they can easily find entry points made by the water damage of your home.

Adding a wire screen on top of the eaves trough can reduce blockage.
Installing a screen that fits over your gutter can help keep debris from getting stuck. It lessens the amount of maintenance. It’s easier to clear off the top rather than digging out wet muck.

Remember small holes in your roof are entry points for critters
Small holes in the roof of your home are prime entry points for rodents and pests. They can slink through almost any size opening or create one if rot is allowed to set in.

BOTTOM LINE: Taking steps now will avoid trouble later.  If you need help with your roof system, please contact us today and we would be pleased to help you out!  
Request a free estimate by clicking this link: REQUEST ESTIMATE