 When you install a new roof, the last thing that you want to happen is for the roof to fail before its time. Unfortunately, when a contractor does a poor-quality job, this is exactly what happens. Here are some of the most common reasons for roof failure. Low Quality Materials When it comes to choosing materials, you want to take more than cost into consideration. Even if the low-cost products look appealing, you need to keep in mind that the lower costs can also mean lower quality materials. When you have high quality materials, your roof is more likely to last. Inferior Installation When it comes to home renovation, it is important that the projects are finished right. Even with the best materials, if the roof is not installed properly, it is not going to function correctly. You need to ensure that your roof is installed right the first time, by a contractor who knows what they’re doing. Check references from a company you are considering, do a little online homework if necessary to see if you can get some feedback about the quality of work and how long they have been in business. Poor Ventilation Good ventilation keeps a roof in good health. You should have a ventilation system that pushes heat and moisture out during the summer. This will minimize expansion due to temperature changes. Also, it will keep your attic cool throughout the year. Flashing You need to protect the protrusions where exhaust pipes, chimneys, and dormers connect to the roof. These areas are prone to leaks and other problems. Metal flashings are the best way to seal this area. You do not want to use caulk or any other type of sealant. These products degrade over time. Roofs can fail for a number of different reasons. If you want to make sure that your roof doesn’t fail, then you’ll have to invest in spending some time to find a good contractor and then commit to regular maintenance and inspections. The higher quality the job, the more likely you are to have a roof that lasts. At Class Eh! Roofing in NIagara-on-the-Lake, we have been installing high quality roofing and exterior home products for over 10 years. Our motto is honest estimates and lower prices and we guarantee the best roofing experience in the Niagara Region. For a roof that will last, call a company you can trust. It all starts with a FREE inspection and quote. We can be reached at: 289-687-6924 or fill out the online form HERE for a quick response. We look forward to hearing from you!
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 An ideal day for roofing would be warm temperatures, with no chance of rain or wind. Unfortunately, perfect days and clear skies aren’t the norm every day of the year in the Niagara Region!
This is especially true during winter months, which brings even more challenges like freezing temperatures and snow. Roofers must find solutions to continue their job even with problematic weather conditions. WINTER ROOFING CHALLENGES The best temperature range for roof installations is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius), but when is it too cold to roof? It really is too cold when temperatures drop below 40° F (4° C). Many roofing products have adhesive properties that require the sun’s heat for activation. You may risk a faulty roof install if you do not pay attention to the temperature outside. SNOW AND ICE Slick surfaces are a safety hazard for workers. Ice can be difficult to see, and injuries like a slip and fall can happen if extra safety precautions aren’t taken. Snow also makes it difficult to see other dangers like a sky light or damaged areas on the roof. The extra weight of snow on a roof may also make it more susceptible to collapses. This type of damage may not always be obvious on the surface. QUALITY OF INSTALL AND MATERIALS When roofing in cold weather, you run the risk of materials becoming brittle and breaking. This may mean that your roof install may not be up to standard and will fail sooner than it should. SHINGLES Cracked and broken shingles often lead to water damage, one of the more serious problems with roofs. When working below 21 degrees Celcius, the adhesive may not reach the ideal elasticity and may not create a perfect seal. Temperatures warmer than 26 degrees Celcius can be problematic in the other direction. Asphalt shingles can become overly pliable and are susceptible to damage during installation. Contractors are more likely to overdrive nails, and foot traffic can erode the protective granular layer quite easily in extremely warm temperatures. While the installation of shingles in winter is possible with the right prep work and materials, it requires a little more attention. If winter installation is unavoidable, most asphalt shingle manufacturers require a specialized adhesive manually applied to each shingle for temperatures below 40° F (4° Celsius). If shingles are applied below 40° without the specialized adhesive, you risk a voided warranty. EPDM EPDM (rubber) membrane roofing materials are even more temperature sensitive than asphalt (composition) shingles. EPDM is joined together using an extensive amount of adhesive. It requires high temperatures to be pliable enough to install and cure. EPDM adhesive is very thick and hard to work with even at high temperatures. Manufacturers recommend the temperature be above 45° F (7° Celsius) for installation. This recommended temperature is not very practical unless a warm storage area is available to keep the adhesive warm until the moment it is used. TIPS FOR ROOFING IN COLD WEATHER While it might require a few extra steps, roofing in the winter can be done safely. The quality of the install can be just as good as in warm weather with the right preparation and contractors. Using the right tools and safety equipment will make any job easier, but it’s even more important in winter conditions. If you need roof work done and aren't sure about things, my team and I at Class Eh! Roofing in Niagara-on-the-Lake would be more than happy to come out and take a look for a free inspection. Please give us a call at 289-687-6924 or fill out the contact form here for a quick response:  When snow begins to fall, it’s really important to make sure your roof is fit for the winter season. Damages can become more serious if things are not addressed, especially when it comes to complications from leaks, ventilation, and the buildup of ice and debris from surrounding leaves, branches, etc. While most homeowners can save money and tackle small repairs around their homes, getting professional help is often necessary for your roof. A professional roofing contractor should have a long-standing track record in the services they provide, be thorough in their assessment method, and explain every step of the process to you along the way. The following are major areas every roofing company should cover when working for you: Shingles Have your professional roofing contractor take a close look at your shingles for signs of deterioration. There may be pockets where water has frozen, expanded, and left tears that need mending before the cold makes it difficult to be outside for longer periods. The benefit with shingles is that wear and tear is usually visible, though there are exceptions. For example, if your roof has multiple layers of shingles, it’s likely that a contractor will have to remove them all to ensure it is watertight. Reach out to your local expert as soon as you can so they can help you stay warm throughout the season. Eavestroughs Making sure eavestroughs are secure and clear of debris serves two main purposes. One, it allows rain and melt water to move freely to the ground below without the risk of overflow. Two, it prevents ice, dirt, and leaves from freezing and causing blockages that lead to leaks and headaches down the line. Reducing the weight your eavestroughs carry day to day is also a good way to extend their life and improve your roof’s reliability regardless of the weather. Ventilation A properly ventilated attic will keep heat inside the house and save you money on your energy bill, but that’s not all. It will also keep ice dams from forming. Ice dams occur when warm air exits through a gap in the attic and heats the bottom of your roof. This causes snow to melt and refreeze as soon as it escapes the warm air’s reach, leaving large barriers of ice for your shingles to contend with as they direct water away from your roof. Installing an ice and water shield is an effective way to prevent this issue. Regular Maintenance Just like any other aspect of home maintenance, professional roofers should instill the importance of regular check-ups. A small fix can quickly turn into an unexpected emergency expense. When it comes to roof repair, the hardest issues to catch are those that require a little dirty work to find. It takes someone experienced to notice a patch of worn out caulk, sealer, or insulation tucked away in a dark corner. They must be willing to systematically assess all possible problem areas, such as Plumbing stacks Brick stacks Smoke alarms Light fixtures When it comes to your roof, the quickest way to peace of mind is to hire contractors who go the extra mile and treat your home with the care they would their own. If you need your winter inspection done by a professional team and live in the Niagara Region, my team at Class Eh! Roofing would be happy to assist. Please contact us directly at: 289-687-6924 or fill out the form HERE.  As soon as Halloween is done, we start thinking about the season ahead...winter! This is the time to seriously assess what needs to be done to maintain and protect your home or business before the first snowfall comes... and the first line of defense? Your roof. Your Roof - What to Consider Now Does it need to be reinforced? Or, does it need re shingling? Does the flashing need to be looked at to prevent leaks inside? The time we put into maintaining our roofs now will pay off in the future, especially when the snow starts melting and the first signs of leaking are exposed. If you’re thinking that maybe your roof may need re shingling, but you are putting it off until spring, my advice is to get the work done now, before the very cold weather sets in. Although technically roofers can do the job over the winter months, I wouldn’t recommend it. And there are a couple of reasons why. 1. It's Freezing Winter means it's cold and even roofers are not immune to frostbite when they're up there on your roof. You don’t want roofers to be rushing through the work, just to stop their fingers from freezing. Rushed jobs aren’t usually the best. Get them up there before the temperature drops below freezing. 2. Material Break Down The most common type of roofing is still asphalt shingles because they cost less. The problem with installing asphalt shingles in the winter is that they get brittle. Installing brittle shingles makes them more likely to break or crack during the installation process. When water gets into these cracks and freezes, the water expands and the cracks and splits become larger, potentially allowing water to get in and troubles down the road. Signs Your Roof Needs New Shingles: 1. Eaves troughs have accumulations of asphalt granules 2. Bare spots on shingles where granules have fallen off and the shingle is left exposed 3. Missing Shingles 4. Buckling or Curling of shingles 5. Leaks/Water Spots Inside These are all telltale signs that there isn’t much life left in your shingles and you should be seriously considering calling in the pros. If you are unsure of the condition of your roof but want peace of mind as the winter approaches, please contact my team and I for an absolutely free inspection and quote by filling out the form below or calling us directly: 289-687-6924. We have been serving Niagara over 10 years and we would be pleased to extend out knowledge and services to you!  As soon as we get back to school and regular routines in the fall, many homeowners begin to assess their property and decide what needs to be done before the snow starts falling. For most, roof maintenance becomes a top priority. The integrity of your home depends on proper roof maintenance and keeping up to date with repairs and replacements. It is important to assess your roof and have any necessary work done before the winter season hits – bringing the rain, snow and hail along for the ride. So, I get asked this question all the time about what can wait until spring and what should get sorted before winter when it comes to the roof. Here are my thoughts: SOME PROJECTS CAN’T WAIT UNTIL SPRING. If you are thinking of delaying your roof repair or replacement until next spring, we always recommend doing it now to avoid any unpleasant surprises that could cost you a lot of grief and money in the future. For example, a small water mark on your kitchen ceiling may seem small, but that water could be travelling across your home and slowly causing more damage in other areas. During the upcoming fall and winter months, these other weakened areas will begin to show signs of water damage as well. Inevitably, the more damage there is, the more expensive your spring project will be. So why not save yourself money and have some piece of mind in knowing your home is prepared for winter. Replacing your roof before winter will help with numerous things:
If you are ready to get a quote, need an inspection, or just some friendly advice, our team would be more than happy to assist. We've been roofing the region for 20 years now and look forward to hearing from you! Please contact us for a FREE QUOTE HERE.  When the time comes for a new roof or a fix for an older one, you may be tempted to choose the company with the cheapest price or the one offering to get the job done the quickest. Although a good price and a quick turnaround are important, it is crucial that you have competent roofers and ones that are properly insured. Here is why insurance is so important: The risk of the home being accidentally damaged Roofers need to have insurance to prevent the homeowner from having to foot the bill in case an accident occurs and property is damaged. The risk of a worker being injured It is crucial for roofing companies to possess workers’ compensation insurance so that injured roofers or their families do not attempt to sue the homeowner in order to get compensation for medical costs, for lost wages, or for other associated costs. The risk of a homeowner or others in the household being injured Roofing companies need to have liability insurance which protects them from this sort of risk. If they don’t, then the homeowner and/or his or her family could be stuck paying for all of the medical and associated costs of the injury themselves. What You Can Do When hiring a roofing contractor, ask about their Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) certification and the liability coverage on their workplace insurance. This certification is mandatory by law, and must be held by the contractor to legally work as a roofing company. This certification protects and supports workers on the job if they were to receive an injury, and provides them with proper compensation. Bottom Line If you are planning on hiring a roofing company, it is of paramount importance that you hire one with proper insurance coverage. If you don’t, then you could be exposing yourself and your family to enormous financial risks without even realizing it. The team at Class Eh! Roofing have full liability and WSIB insurance to give you peace of mind in your roofing project no matter what it is. If you need our services please contact us for a free estimate today by filling out the contact form HERE.  After a major storm does significant damage to your home, you might be asking, “Will homeowners insurance cover a new roof?”
Great question and we are going to try and break it down for you. First Steps After major damage, it helps to give your insurance agent a call. Ask for the steps needed to file a claim and what help is available. Ask about exclusions. This prevents you from installing a new roof only to find none of the work falls under insurance coverage. If you work with a discount insurance provider and don’t have an agent of your own, make sure you get a copy of your policy so you can see your coverage for yourself. They might not mention to you additional services, like mold remediation or Additional Living Expenses (ALE). Specifically, ask what you need to do to have your roof replaced. Then collect that evidence and submit it with your claim. For instance, to completely replace a roof, some companies require estimates from three different roofing companies. All three must say a replacement is necessary, versus a repair. If it is clear you’ve maintained your roof, you did not cause the damage and your roof was not in need of replacement before the damage occurred, there’s a good chance your policy will cover the replacement. Just make sure you check in advance regarding exclusions. When Homeowners Insurance Refuses to Cover a Roof Replacement Old roofing isn’t covered under most policies because it is already so near to replacement at the owner’s expense. Age restrictions vary by policy, but anything 20 years or older is likely not going to happen. This relates to the first layer of roofing in place. According to the online magazine Money, most roofs can have two layers of shingles. More than that and your insurance company might reject your claim. Why? Because it shows a lack of basic maintenance on the part of the homeowner. Records indicating regular inspections and repair work, photo evidence or even posts on social media regarding clearing out leaves, and evidence of trimming trees might be necessary to justify a total roof replacement. Even then, depending on your type of roof cover, you might be out of luck. Bottom Line: There are a lot of variable that come into play about insurance when it comes to your roof. For all your roofing needs and questions the team at Class Eh! would be pleased to assist. Please contact us HERE for a free estimate.  If you invest in a roof, it is important to know the types of warranties that are available as well as what is covered through the warranties. Here we are going to do a brief overview ... Installation Only The installation only warranty covers roof defects. These defects have to be due to improper installation. Labor Only Labor only covers the labor costs. This warranty does not cover materials. It’s important that you have a clear idea of what’s covered under a labor only policy. Materials Only Material only warranties are a guarantee that your roof holds up to specified roofing defects. They do not protect against roof damage if there is a faulty installation or if you do not maintain your roof. System Warranty System warranties cover labor cost and materials. The roof manufacturers offer these warranties and they may protect you in the case of an installation failure. However, they will not cover you if your damage arises from lack of maintenance. Manufacturer’s Warranty Manufacturer’s warranties can cover material, labor and system warranties. These warranties last for about 10 to 30 years. These warranties will not protect your roof from all damages, but they are a safeguard against roof damages to non-manufacturer provided components of the roof. Of course, not all warranties are the same. You need to understand precisely what goes into your warranty. When you purchase a new roof, you need to pay close attention to the warranty options that are important to you. After all, to invest in a roof is a big deal. These are expensive investments that should last you a long time. It’s crucial that you have a warranty in case anything goes wrong. Most of the time, if something does go wrong, it’s simple enough to be fixed with your warranty before the problem gets out of hand. For a free estimate on your roofing needs, or any questions about our warranty please contact my team at Class Eh! Roofing!  It is high season for roofing right now and you may be in the beginning stages of finding a reputable roofing contractor to take care of your home. With that in mind, we've put together some tips in helping you to choose the right roofing contractor and getting the best service for your money. 1. INSURANCE - Make Sure They Have It! Make sure that your contractor has worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Ask to see the certificates and actually call the insurance carrier to confirm that they are valid. This keeps all bids on a level playing field, knowing that part of the cost of the roof and the service being provided to you is protected with the security of coverage. 2. KEEP IT LOCAL Make sure that the company that you choose is local. This means that they are not just operating locally now, but have an established business and reputation in the community. We have had many calls from customers that have problems with their roofs and the company that they chose to install their roof closed, moved or vanished. It is very easy to provide a piece of paper, but the warranty is only as good as the longevity and reputation of the roofing company. 3.PRICING IS NOT THE BE ALL END ALL Never choose a company based on price. Cheap bids drive down the market and anyone with overhead and proper insurance has to establish pricing to cover such costs. Those that do work on the side or are just working out of a pick-up truck can always do the work cheaper. But in the long run, you get what you pay for. Customers that are sold on price as their sole criteria ultimately end up spending more money to fix problems, and many of these problems would have been covered under a workmanship guarantee by a reputable established roofing company. 4. REFERRALS ARE ALWAYS A GOOD THING Pick a roofer from a referral or a sign in your area that has a satisfied client on the other end. There is no better proof that a company is legit and does good work than if others vouch for them and have already experienced their service. 5. GET IT IN WRITING The scope of the job, the price, the start and end date, the warranty information, all of these are important to get in writing before signing on with a roofing company. 6. SHOP AROUND It takes a little time, but your roofing investment is worth it, so get more than one quote on your job and weigh in on the results. 7. COMMUNICATION 101 Did the contractor you called return your calls? Did they send the documentation that you asked them to send? Did they follow through? If you answered “no” to these questions, then this is a red flag. If they don't communicate in an easy to understand and timely fashion, just walk away. Communication is key to every business. If you aren’t getting what you need on the front end when they are trying to get your business, what will happen once you have committed the work to them? Probably not much. If you are in the market for a new roof, a repair, or just some good old fashioned advice, my team at Class Eh! Roofing would be pleased to assist! Please contact us for a free estimate HERE.  Flashing is an important part of any roofing system that helps to protect your home by redirecting the flow of water around potential openings. It is quite literally your roof’s last line of defense from moisture and we will focus on what it is and how it works today because many people ask about it!
Where will you find flashing?
Flashing Materials
Types of Flashing
How Roof Flashing Works Flashing is typically installed during home construction and depends heavily on gravity to work. When it works correctly, flashing helps guide water onto the regular roof materials, as opposed to cracks that can leak into your home. If you think that your flashing needs attention due to wear and tear, or have any other questions about it, our team at Class Eh! Roofing would be pleased to help you out. Please contact us today by going to the link HERE. |
AuthorWayne Jeffreys is a native of Niagara-On-The-Lake and owner of Niagara based roofing company Class Eh Roofing! Archives
February 2020
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