Roof Read
SAVE MONEY WITH REFLECTIVE SHINGLES Reflective asphalt roofing shingles not only look great but they will save you money! Today we will talk about them a bit, because summers like this one are HOT and now may be a great time to consider cool roofing solutions. Reflective shingles have advanced colored granules that reflect the sun's rays. This solar reflectance forms a barrier between the sun and your energy bills by reducing your roof’s temperature by as much as 20% during the hottest months of the year. And that means lower energy costs (as much as 20%) and greater savings over the life of your roof. The result is a long-lasting ENERGY STAR® rated product. The diagram below illustrates a reflective shingle in action.  Blending ecological technology and innovative performance, these shingles are superior in performance and design. The reflective technology reduces “thermal shock,” the expansion and contraction of exterior building materials and will help you save money this summer with your cooling bills. At Class EH! Roofing we carry CERTAINTEED ENERGY STAR® rated shingles in a wide variety of styles that will suit your design taste as well as work hard to save you money. Ready to find out more? It all starts with a free inspection and estimate from our expert team. Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you promptly.
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 Most people don’t really think about the roof over their heads…until it springs a leak so let's discuss the 6 signs that will tell you if you need a new roof before that happens! 1. LOOK INSIDE Yes that's right not outside but in! Get into your attic and look for beams of light coming through the top of the house or stains and streaks, which signal a leaky roof. 2. CHECK RECORDS Review your home improvement records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or reshingled. Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it's made of) offers insight into how much life it has left. For instance, a typical asphalt shingle roof lasts 20 to 25 years, while a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles should be replaced after 20 years. 3. CHECK SHINGLES Shingles should lie flat against the roof; if you find patches that are cracked, damaged, or buckling, then repairs are in order. While you're at it, check the gutters and downspouts for shingle granules—a roof that is losing a lot of granules may be at the end of its useful life. 4. CHECK FLASHING Flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys seals the seams of the roof from rain and weather. If these are shot so will be your roof protection. Examine these points make sure there are no cracks or breaks, which could lead to leaks. In older homes, flashing is often made of roof cement or tar, but it's a good idea to upgrade to a metal flashing system for added durability. 5. ROT HAPPENS A sagging roof is one that needs replacing before further damage occurs to your home. Check the surface for signs of trapped moisture, rotting boards, or sagging spots—especially at the lowest points in the roof. 6. ROOF GARDENS Moss can look great in a shady corner of your yard but on a roof, it spells trouble. Moss (and likewise mold and fungi) indicate there may be trapped moisture, which can ruin a roof. OK, I THINK I NEED A ROOF, NOW WHAT? Don't panic!! Just because you have a few damaged shingles or a bit of a leak, don’t automatically assume that you need a whole new roof. If your roof has been properly installed and is younger than 15 or 20 years old, it may get by with repairs rather than a full replacement! If you need help in this department, I welcome you to contact us at Class Eh! Roofing for a fast free estimate. We've been roofing the Niagara Region for over 10 years and there's nothing we haven't seen before. Our promise to you? The highest quality roofing at the best price. Guaranteed! Please fill out the form below and let's get that roof sorted!  Roofing companies are everywhere, but how do you go about finding the best one for your roofing needs? There are some simple ways to "drain the swamp" so to speak and find your ideal roofer but first you need to educate yourself about a few key factors so let's dig in! Price Yes, we all like a deal, but if a cheap price becomes your #1 motivation, you will likely not get the peace of mind that a highly qualified installation team can give you using the highest quality roofing products. I am not saying you have to pick the highest priced company, but be aware that in roofing like everywhere else in life, you generally get what you pay for. Can I add to this that leaks are the #1 problem my team and I see that happens with cheap (poor) roofing work. These flaws can show up shortly or even after a few years, but a great roof should last at least 15 years, so, money saved off the top can easily get spent unnecessarily later on. Not good and definitely not cheap. References The same way you wouldn't hire an employee without some references, please do not go spend your hard earned cash on a roofing company that you have not taken the time to check their references. This is easily done these days online. Check out Google Reviews, Facebook Reviews, Homestars Reviews, etc. This will give you a great idea of who you are dealing with. Also, if you're friendly with your neighbours and they have had a good roofer experience, by all means, get on that and contact those local roofers to see if they may be a good fit for you. Red Flags If you have scheduled an appointment for a roofing estimate and they don't call you back promptly, or miss an appointment, please do not make the mistake of believing that this bad situation will turn out better once you have signed a contract. It won't. Get More Than A Single Quote Educating yourself means that you need to invest a bit of time in seeing more than one contractor so that you can compare notes and quotes. Smart Questions that You Need to Ask Before you hire a roofing contractor, you need to do some due diligence to get a picture of what services you are purchasing and what the company will be doing on-site. I have provided a comprehensive list to help so that you get the best crew and the best bang for your buck:
Shopping around for residential or commercial roofing services can be fraught with obstacles if you have no background in the roofing industry but if you consider the advice above, I believe you will be well on your way to a successful roofing project! If you are considering some roof work, my team and I at Class Eh! Roofing have a long history in the roofing business and service the entire Niagara Region and our work exceeds industry standards for quality and workmanship. Our staff is top-flight with many years of experience, and they have developed a level of expertise unmatched in the Niagara Region's roofing industry. For a free estimate and a no-obligation assessment of your roofing problems, call us today at 289-687-6924 OR fill out the form below and let's chat! Stay well and safe everyone and please note we do have completely contactless service available for all your roofing needs during this COVID-19 health crisis.  I see roof emergencies all the time and for all sorts of reasons so this week we're going to talk about how to handle them because regardless of the current health crisis, we all still need a solid roof over our head. What qualifies as an emergency roofing repair? Once a roofing system is compromised, it will allow water infiltration. A quick roof repair or protective cover must be installed to stop further interior and structural damage. In most cases, we will emergency tarp the hole in the roof or damaged area until the weather system passes and we can assess damage and perform a permanent roof repair. What Causes Roof Damage Most? In most instances, the roofing system was compromised due to a weather event like snow, rain, wind or lightning. For example, winds that exceed 80 km h have the force to tear shingles from the roof and expose the substrate. Trees limbs can be torn off trees and penetrate the structure. Lightning can strike and literally blow a hole through the roof. Animals are also a source of roof emergencies. Raccoons and squirrels love to chew through rotted wood and create sizable holes in the roof. Another common reason for roof damage is that the roof has broken down over time, lost its integrity and no longer is properly sealing the structure. What Happens When Roofers Get a Call for Emergency Repairs? If it’s in the middle of a storm, we will wait until the storm subsides and then mobilize in a quick fashion. Safety for my workers is my first priority. There's often nothing we can reasonably do when there's high wind, heavy rain and lightning during a storm. However we will come out immediately when able and as mentioned above either perform an emergency tarping or perform the repair if we are able to upon arrival. What Should I Do About the Roof Damage? First of all I cannot stress this enough: Don’t panic. The damage to the roof is already done. Contact your insurance provider and a professional roofing contractor to help immediately. Take your time to consider your repair or replacement options once a contractor has secured the roof and protected your home from further damage. Do NOT attempt to repair the roof on your own. There’s too much risk of being injured, and a homeowner will not properly assess the actual damage. REMEMBER: Roofs and ceilings can be repaired easily, broken bones cannot. Document your loss and damages, in writing and with photos when necessary and if possible. Final Thoughts We are in a challenging time as a community here in Niagara and across the world but emergencies still can happen. If you need advice or information about a current roofing emergency for your home or business my team and I at Class EH! Roofing would be glad to assist you in any way we can. We have 24-7 emergency service, are highly qualified and insured and offer peace of mind with our experienced staff and free estimates. Call us now at: 289-687-6924 or fill out the form below. Stay safe and stay well everyone!  You may have roofing issues right now, but are understandably unsure if you can get any work done during the current COVID-19 situation, so, we are going to discuss this in order for you to be able to make an informed decision that works for your household or business at this time.
First off it is important to understand that leaving any damage unattended can cause significant damage to your home and added expenses that you do not want to risk, making it really important to address any roof issues that you have as soon as you can. That being said, here are a few ways that our team at Class Eh! Roofing are operating right now to ensure everyone’s safety while doing emergency services during the coronavirus outbreak. Safety Measures During the Coronavirus Outbreak Paperless Transactions – We have prepared an entirely paperless format to ensure zero contact during roof inspections, interactions with customers and the actual roofing job itself. Physical Social Distancing – Since work is done outside your home, you don’t have to worry about running into any of our crew throughout the job. Compliance With Public Health Agency of Canada Recommendations – We will never risk our customers’ or employees’ health or safety. Our team strictly follows the protocols recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada. We encourage sick employees to stay at home, and we also perform routine cleaning and disinfection of our tools, work attire, and other equipment and gear. Reasons Why You Should Not Delay Roof Repairs While it’s important to prioritize your health with the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s also important to note that your home should be in good shape as well, to keep you healthy and safe inside. This is equally important for both major and minor roof problems. Serious damage to your roof can cause immediate concerns, while minor ones like small leaks can turn into bigger problems and lead to more extensive damage. For example, non-stop exposure to moisture (such as with leaks) can make your home susceptible to mold growth. It can also affect the air quality inside your home. Apart from potentially damaging your home, mold can also have an impact on your health, especially if you have allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma. Needless to say, now more than ever, it is crucial to stay healthy and to protect yourself and your family from such risks. Got Roofing Questions in the Niagara Region? We Are Here for You at Class Eh! Roofing We are a family business that specializes in residential and commercial roofing. We’re committed to ensuring your and our workers’ safety during this health situation while we continue to provide the emergency roof services that you may need. To learn more about our services and the steps we are taking to carry out roof work safely, call us at (289) 687-6924, email: classehoffice@gmail.com or click the button below to fill out our online contact form. Stay safe and stay well!  Flat roofs are becoming more popular today as they are on trend with many of the modern home builds. They also continue to be a popular choice for businesses and commercial purposes. With that in mind, we will go through some of the most important maintenance aspects of these roofs as they do differ from the regular sloping variety. HAVE IT CHECKED PERIODICALLY Many home and business owners neglect to inspect their roofs as often as they should. You should inspect your flat roof at least three times every year. If you have trees nearby, check it even more often. Inspect your roof after a heavy snowfall in the winter and rainfall during the summer. Keep an eye out for pooling water, blisters, holes, soft areas (damaged insulation), and cracks. If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional roofing contractor. Your roof may be able to be repaired, or it may be time to replace it. Note: If you can't inspect your roof safely on your own, call a professional to do it for you. CLEANLINESS Because debris more easily collects on flat roofs than on slanted roofs, it’s imperative to keep up on regular maintenance. Fortunately, flat roofs are easier and safer to walk on than slanted roofs, making the chore of clearing debris pretty simple. Make sure you don’t damage your roof as you walk on it, however. Before and after winter are great times to get this job done, gently clearing leaves, dirt, and anything else on the roof with a broom. TREE TRIM If you have trees with branches that hang over or touch your roof, trim them back. You don’t want any branches to fall onto or rub up against and scrape your roof. Moss can also make its way from a nearby tree onto your roof and begin to spread, harming your roof. DEAL WITH LEAKS RIGHT AWAY If your flat roof has a crack or is leaking somewhere, call in a professional to evaluate the situation and perform the necessary repairs. As with any roof leaks, they should be taken care of immediately to prevent further damage. Leaks in flat roofs typically occur around flashing and in seams. WATCH THE WEIGHT. If too much snow and ice build up on your roof, the weight could become excessive. If your roof was installed properly, this is unlikely (but not impossible). In an extreme situation, excessive weight could cause a roof to collapse. Generally, flat roofs are built strong enough to hold the weight necessary in particular locations. To be safe, make sure you are aware of how much weight your roof can safely manage. GOOD DRAINAGE If you notice pooling water on your roof, your roof drainage system may be insufficient. It may need to be altered or cleared of blockage. Overview The most common reason for flat roof issues is negligence on the commercial or residential building owner’s part; the majority of the time, serious issues can be avoided. Most flat roofs typically last only 10-20 years before they need to be replaced. If you begin to have frequent issues with your flat roof, it may be nearing the end of its useful life. The best way to maintain your commercial flat roof is to invest in routine inspection and maintenance services. Some issues are difficult to spot without experience working with flat roofs and that's where the pros come in. At Class Eh! Roofing we have installed and repaired many flat roofs and would be happy to assist you with yours. It's as easy as a phone call or email to get us on site and get a free estimate. Call us as at: 289-687-6924 or fill out the form here and we will get back to you right away! ,  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!  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! |
AuthorWayne Jeffreys is a native of Niagara-On-The-Lake and owner of Niagara based roofing company Class Eh Roofing! Categories |
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