Here are some roof tips with summer ending to think about in order to ensure your roof is good to go for the fall season ahead!
First off, being proactive and regularly checking your roof will always keep you ahead of the game. The roof of a property should be regularly maintained to prolong its life and ensure water doesn’t leak through. Here are key roof maintenance tasks to do this fall:
ABOUT US Class EH! Roofing is a leading roofing and home exterior renovation company located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON founded by Niagara resident Wayne Jeffreys over 15 years ago. With thousands of installations to our credit in the Niagara Region, an exceptional level of service and products as well as unbeatable warranties, the team at Class EH! Roofing are dedicated to excellence in everything they do. We specialize in the repair, maintenance, and installation of all residential and commercial roofing systems for the benefit of homeowners, property managers, condominium corporations, corporate clients, institutional customers, and individual building owners. Our courteous, experienced representatives, are trained to evaluate and provide our clients, with cost effective solutions for correcting existing roof leaks, roof replacement, and maintenance solutions. All of these solutions and services are designed to extend the life of your roof and building investment.
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The ultraviolet rays that are given off by the sun can affect your roof's integrity in several ways which we will discuss in today's news blog. Depending on the positioning of your home, exposure to the elements as well as the age of your shingles, UV rays can have a significant impact on your roof's lifespan and break down the protection system they offer. Part of the reason for this is the chemical reaction a roof has to interaction with the sunlight. Deterioration A typical asphalt shingle roof can last for decades if it is properly cared for. Keeping the roof clean and free of dirt and debris is always a good idea, as this will help maintain the protective coating that blocks the sun. In cases where the roof protection is no longer present, the sun will cause shingles to deteriorate in the following noticeable ways. Fading UV rays actually have a bleaching effect on solid objects. Roof shingles are no exception to this, and those which contain pigments such as slate shingles can be susceptible to premature fading. Loose Granules A standard asphalt shingle consists of three separate layers. The top layer consists of those coloured granules that give the roof its appearance and protection. When the roof protection fades off, granules will begin to loosen and run off the roof. Eventually the shingles will be bear in some spots, leaving the roof open to all kinds of additional damage. Rapid Aging Without adequate roof protection, you can’t expect to get the most in terms of durability and life span out of any type of shingle. Asphalt shingles will curl and crack, as will cedar shake. Chemical Changes UV rays can cause damage to tiles on a chemical level. The radiation from the sun actually breaks down protective roof membranes on a chemical level, which leads to shrinking and cracking after the shingle is exposed to oxygen. To avoid this issue, additional solar protection can be added to a roof for extra protection. Many of these sealants are available for an additional cost upon installation, but they can also be added down the road. Once these chemical changes occur, your shingles will be more susceptible to damage caused by temperature changes as well. As the sun heats the unprotected shingles, they will expand in size. Once the sun sets, the shingles will shrink and crack. This means they will eventually lose any water-resistant properties, and you may have to deal with more leaks in your roof. Prevention Since there is no way to really escape the sun’s rays down here on earth, there are some measures we will have to take to keep our roofs intact. Having regular roof inspections performed on an annual basis will help you stay on top of any potential problems before they occur. You can also opt for a different, more durable roofing material when the time comes for a replacement. Our team at Class EH! Roofing would be pleased to offer you a free inspection and expert advice should you need a helping hand! Proudly serving Niagara Region, please contact us below or call us directly at: 289-687-6924 . About Class EH! RoofingClass EH! Roofing is a leading roofing and home exterior renovation company located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON founded by Niagara resident Wayne Jeffreys over 15 years ago.
With thousands of installations to our credit in the Niagara Region, an exceptional level of service and products as well as unbeatable warranties, the team at Class EH! Roofing are dedicated to excellence in everything they do. We specialize in the repair, maintenance, and installation of all residential and commercial roofing systems for the benefit of homeowners, property managers, condominium corporations, corporate clients, institutional customers, and individual building owners. Our courteous, experienced representatives, are trained to evaluate and provide our clients, with cost effective solutions for correcting existing roof leaks, roof replacement, and maintenance solutions. Summer is almost here in the Niagara Region and it always is a good time to consider how it will affect your roof to stay ahead of any issues.
Ontario has been experiencing increased summer temperatures for more extended periods year after year, with some extreme storms that follow them. Your residential home or commercial building’s roof is one of the most important factors in protecting your property. When planning to build a new roof or to repair a current issue knowing how high temperatures affect your roof is critical in making the right choice in design, materials, and application methods. How High Summer Temperatures Affect Your Roof The most significant factor in the longevity of your roof is thermal shock. During the day, your roof can reach very high temperatures. For example, a standard asphalt shingle can be as hot as 60 – 75 °C. Couple that with the extreme cold we can get, and you will have roofs that need to survive temperatures spanning 100°C or even more. How does thermal shock affect your roof? The damage happens because of this changing temperature. Most materials used in roofing, from flashing to shingles to any roof component, experience expansion in the hot heat and contraction when it gets cooler. As this process happens repeatedly, the materials used will break down and form cracks or other properties that negate their effectiveness. All roofing materials will fail over time, but increase the occurrence of these extreme contractions and expansion events can cause the roof to fail sooner. UV Exposure Rocks and pebbles applied directly on top of roofs or part of the roofing material like shingles are designed for UV exposure. However, when these wear away or roofing material underneath has more direct contact, the chemical compound of the material alters through oxygen mixing with other hydrocarbons, releasing the oily substance to be able to evaporate and leave your roof unprotected eventually. Summer Storms and Weather When high heats last for days on end, this is often due to a heat dome effect. After this effect passes, you will usually have extreme weather from downpouring rain, hail and thunderstorms. These storms can be a side product of the high heat of summer and contribute to how warm weather can affect your roof. How to Keep Your Roof & Home Cool As with all parts of your home, proper insulation helps keep the appropriate temperature so that you don’t lose warmth in the winter or cool air in the summer (compounded with homes with AC). Having proper insulation in your roof as well as the rest of your home will help you regulate temperatures more effectively and reduce energy usage, thus saving you money and helping the environment. Ventilation Having a home that “breaths is crucial for your home in summer and winter”. Proper ventilation is critical for reducing outside temperatures’ effect on your home and moisture buildup. Having cool air come from underneath (soffits) and exhausting at the top of your roof through vents creates a natural flow to keep the air circulating. Roofing Material’s Colour Having a roof colour that is not too dark helps deter heat. The key is to find the sweet spot in colour in the grey zone that helps not to absorb all sunlight in summer, but can also absorb some in the winter for warmth. Maintenance and Protection After the summer, makes sure to take a look at your roof. Are there spots where roofing material has melted? Is there cracking on some shingles? The best protection you can have is regular inspections yearly to stay ahead of problems. Wrap Up Extreme heat is a good test for the overall roof’s health and often highlights roofing problems and incorrect applications. If you need assistance with your current roof our team at Class EH! Roofing would be pleased to offer a free inspection and offer solid professional advice to make sure you get the most out of your roofing system no matter what the season. If you are thinking about replacing your roof, you will want to know the different asphalt shingles available for residential roofing which are the most common material used in homes today in Canada. There are 3 types to choose from for residential roofing: 3-tab (also called Standard or Strip shingles) , Dimensional (also called Laminate or Architectural shingles) and Premium shingles. Let’s take a look at these three different shingle types: Strip Shingles are the original and the most basic of roofing shingles available in the industry. Strip shingles are single layered roofing shingles that are generally designed to look like slate. Strip shingles have a very flat appearance on the roof line and are typically the lightest weight roofing shingles available in the market. Strip shingles used to be the predominant roofing shingle available and used in the market. Today, however, with significant advances in technology and consumer sophistication, strip shingles are used primarily by home builders manufacturing economy priced homes. Below, Certainteed Strip Shingle Sample Dimensional Shingles are manufactured as dual layered products (or multi-layered in some instances) and provide a thicker and richer appearance on the roof (a multi-dimensional look). Dimensional shingles are also (typically) heavier in weight than strip shingles and usually have improved warranty protections, which can range from 30-years to Lifetime. Below, CertainTeed’s Landmark™ PRO roofing shingles: Premium Shingles are usually described as laminated shingles that have a differentiated appearance from traditional dimensional shingles. These products may have designs that mimic “old-world” roofing shingles, like natural slate or natural shake shingles, to provide an enhanced appearance. Some premium shingles are also manufactured as impact resistant which can protect the shingle from hail-storms and possibly extend the life of the roofing system. Below, a sample of CertainTeed’s Grand Manor™ premium shingles: Bottom line, there are many options for homeowners and an asphalt shingle for every budget, as well as specialty shingles for enhanced performance and good looks. If you need to fix or replace your home roofing system, our team would be glad to assist. We have a wide variety of asphalt options that will suit every taste and budget with expert installations. Class EH! Roofing have proudly served the Niagara Region for over 15 years . If you would like a no obligation quote and inspection, please contact us for a quick response and excellent service today! ABOUT US
Class EH! Roofing is a leading roofing and home exterior renovation company located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON founded by Niagara resident Wayne Jeffreys over 15 years ago. With thousands of installations to our credit in the Niagara Region, an exceptional level of service and products as well as unbeatable warranties, the team at Class EH! Roofing are dedicated to excellence in everything they do. We specialize in the repair, maintenance, and installation of all residential and commercial roofing systems for the benefit of homeowners, property managers, condominium corporations, corporate clients, institutional customers, and individual building owners. Our courteous, experienced representatives, are trained to evaluate and provide our clients, with cost effective solutions for correcting existing roof leaks, roof replacement, and maintenance solutions. All of these solutions and services are designed to extend the life of your roof and building investment. Moss is a common occurrence on a roof, so if you see it should you be concerned and what should you do? Why is Moss Bad for Shingles? You may feel that a bit of moss gives your roof some charm. While moss may be beautiful, it is a detriment to your roof. Here’s why: -Most plants gather water from their roots, but mosses gather water from their leaves. Therefore, they do not mind that shingles, unlike soil, are a dry and relatively nutrient-free environment. They will grow roots directly into the shingles, which can destroy the shingles and create the opportunity for leaks. -When it rains, moss will soak up water and retain it, creating consistently wet conditions on your roof. Moss growth will also interfere with proper drainage of water off the roof as water needs to trickle through or around the moss instead of running straight down to the gutters. The resulting constant exposure to water can degrade shingles. -Over time, moss can also work its way under shingles, lifting them up. This uplift creates opportunities for water to penetrate lower layers of the roof and, potentially, your home. While minor moss infections may not cause many issues, it is likely to become severe over time. Once you spot moss growth on your roof, you should take steps to resolve it. If you have a severe infection, you may have no choice but to remove the shingles that have been damaged by it. A professional roofer can help you assess what kind of intervention your roof needs. What if the Moss Appears Dead? If the weather has been consistently dry, moss may appear to be dead. However, some species of moss can stay alive when dried out for months. All it will take is one rain for it to recover and continue growing. If your moss has dried out, take the opportunity to have a roofer remove the moss from the roof. How To Remove Moss From a Roof If your roof has sprouted a moss infection, you can remove it before it becomes serious enough to impact the performance of your roof. Moss is tough and typically you will not be able to remove it by hand. However, you can use a chemical solution to loosen the moss without damaging the shingles. We don’t recommend that you step on the roof for moss removal. Materials You’ll Need A garbage bag. A garden hose. A ladder (familiarize yourself with ladder safety before you start). A moss-specific cleaner that does not use bleach and is rated by the EPA. Or your own cleaner mix of mild bleach or mild detergent mixed with water in a spray bottle. You may mix 2 cups of chlorine bleach with 2 gallons of water. Or you can use 8 ounces of dish soap with 2 gallons of water. How To Remove Moss From a Roof Step One: Safely set up your ladder near the moss. With either your homemade cleaner or a store-bought option, spray the moss. Step Two: Follow the store-bought cleaner’s instructions for how long you should leave the cleaner on the moss. If using a homemade spray, leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Step Three: Using your garden hose on low pressure, rinse the moss thoroughly. You should find that most of the moss will come off from the spray of the water. Be sure not to direct a pressurized spray beneath the shingles or directly against the shingles such that they might lift up. Otherwise, you could create a leak. Even if the moss is not coming off, rinse thoroughly. It is very important to remove all of the cleaner that you sprayed on, or you could damage your shingles. Step Four: Any remaining moss should now be loosened enough that you can manually remove it from the shingles. While standing on the ladder, gently lift the moss off the shingles and place it in your garbage bag for disposal. You can secure the garbage bag to your ladder so that you can always have one hand on the ladder. Step Five: If some moss is still too ingrained on the roof to be removed by hand, you should not resort to other methods, such as using a brush or a pressure washer, as they may damage the roof. Instead, consult with a professional roofer as to what your next steps should be. Methods You Shouldn’t Use To Remove Moss From a Roof Unfortunately, there is a lot of bad advice out there about how to remove moss. While these methods may be effective at removing moss, they may also damage shingles in the process. We don’t recommend you try to remove your moss by: -Scrubbing: You may be tempted to scrub the moss off the shingles because moss grips shingles quite strongly. However, scrubbing is likely to damage the asphalt shingles and remove their granules. -Pressure washing: Pressure washers can be very strong and certainly strong enough to break a shingle’s adhesive and lift it up. They also can strip asphalt shingles of their granule surface, which can ruin their performance and destroy their color. Any amount of pressure washing can cause serious problems with the roof, including major leaks. Never use a pressure washer or a pressurized stream of water on your roof. -Using harsh chemicals: High concentrations of bleach and other chemicals may do permanent damage to the shingles, increasing your risk for leaks. Using any of these methods may also void your limited warranty on the roof. If you’re in doubt about the safety or effectiveness of a moss removal method you want to try, consult with a professional roofer. Why Shouldn’t I Add a New Roof Over Moss? When you need a new roof, it may be tempting to add a second layer of shingles over your existing shingles. Doubling up your shingles can save time and expense on your roof replacement as your roofer doesn’t need to remove and dispose of the old shingles. This strategy is convenient for homeowners because the replacement won’t take as long or make as much of a mess. However, there are some circumstances where merely adding a new layer of shingles isn’t a good idea. For example, when you have significant moss growth on your roof, simply covering it up with new shingles isn’t wise. Several potential problems may occur if your roofer simply adds a new roof over your existing, moss-covered roof. These potential problems include: -Unknown roof condition: If moss growth is severe, it may have compromised the quality of your existing decking and underlayment. The only way to know for sure is to remove the shingles and look at these other layers. If your roofer doesn’t do this, they may be compromising the quality of your new roof. Damaged underlayment and decking can interfere with the proper function of your new shingles. Moss won’t die immediately and may continue to erode the decking, which increases the risk of a roof collapse. -Bumps in the roof: The combination of damaged and swollen decking along with moss growth can make for a new roof installation that is anything but smooth. Bumps and dips in the roof surface can interfere with the proper drainage of water off the roof and prevent the shingles from sealing properly. This uneven surface may also reduce your curb appeal. -Unsafe conditions for roofers: Your roofers will need to walk on your old roof to install a new one above it, and moss makes for very unstable ground. It is liable to slip beneath their feet and could cause a fall. While roofers will wear a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) for safety, increasing their likelihood of a fall is not wise. -Secondary infections: When moss is cut off from sunlight, it will eventually die. However, the dead moss will still be on your roof, where it may serve as a valuable source of water and nutrients for mold and fungi, which can grow in darkness. If you leave mold in place beneath your new roof, you risk secondary infections that can spread into your attic and harm your home. Rot and mold can harm your structural wood, damage your drywall and make your air quality worse. -Voidance of your limited warranty: As it can cause all of the damage listed above, adding shingles over a moss-covered roof may also void your limited warranty on the new roof. The Benefits of Removing Moss-Covered Shingles Before a New Roof Installation While you may not necessarily have to remove the moss-covered shingles before a new roof installation, you should consider it. There are many benefits of removing the moss-covered shingles, including: -Reduce long-term costs: By removing the old roof, you keep the opportunity to double-up roof layers during your next roof replacement. The maximum layers of shingles allowed to be on the roof, according to most building codes, are two. So, once you use this strategy, you must tear off both roof surfaces during your next roof replacement. -Maintain home value: Are you planning on selling your home soon? A properly replaced roof is more likely to appeal to potential buyers, while a poorly replaced roof may negatively affect your home value. -Avoid the risk of damage: You can avoid all of the risks listed earlier in this article by simply removing all of the moss-covered shingles. How To Prevent Moss on Your New Roof Now that you have a brand-new roof, you’ll want to take steps to protect it from getting a moss infection as the last one did. Here are a few ways to prevent moss growth on your roof: -Remove sources of shade: Moss prefers to grow in the shade, so exposing more of your roof to sunlight will help deter it. You should consider trimming trees that shade out the roof or moving garden features, like pergolas or trellises, so that they do not cast shade on the roof. -Choose algae-resistant shingles: Where there’s moss, there is also algae (Gloeocapsa magma), as they thrive on the same wet and shady conditions. You can avoid an algae infestation by installing algae-resistant shingles, such as IKO’s Nordic™ shingles. Though algae-resistant shingles will not prevent moss, they will help you avoid pesky algae. -Install a metal strip: A copper, zinc or a galvanized metal strip installed on the ridge of the roof can prevent the growth of moss, algae and lichen. The strip will oxidize over time and wash down the roof plane when it rains, making the roof plane much less habitable for moss, algae and lichen. This is also why you might see a gap in the algae or moss growth directly beneath your existing flashing or next to an aluminum-sided dormer. However, it is important to note that adding a copper strip will take time to start inhibiting moss. You shouldn’t expect it to handle a current moss infestation by itself, only to prevent a new one. -Get regular inspections: Roofers can often prevent moss growth by ensuring that your roof is draining water properly. They should inspect and clean your gutters at least yearly to avoid the backup water that could attract moss. Do You Need Help Dealing With Moss? Whether you need to remove a few moss-infected shingles or replace the whole roof, a professional roofer is your best resource. Our team at Class EH! Roofing have proudly served the Niagara Region for over 15 years with all types of exterior products and services. If you would like a no obligation quote and inspection, please contact us for a quick response and excellent service today! ABOUT US
Class EH! Roofing is a leading roofing and home exterior renovation company located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON founded by Niagara resident Wayne Jeffreys over 15 years ago. With thousands of installations to our credit in the Niagara Region, an exceptional level of service and products as well as unbeatable warranties, the team at Class EH! Roofing are dedicated to excellence in everything they do. We specialize in the repair, maintenance, and installation of all residential and commercial roofing systems for the benefit of homeowners, property managers, condominium corporations, corporate clients, institutional customers, and individual building owners. Our courteous, experienced representatives, are trained to evaluate and provide our clients, with cost effective solutions for correcting existing roof leaks, roof replacement, and maintenance solutions. All of these solutions and services are designed to extend the life of your roof and building investment. Doing roof maintenance in the fall is one of the best times of the year to do so.
Temperatures tend to be comfortable in the fall to complete tasks that you might put off all summer and it's the perfect time to clear out any debris that may have accumulated over the summertime. To help you keep your roof in good shape, we’ve put together a few of our greatest fall roof maintenance tips. 1. Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts Cleaning your gutters and downspouts at least 2-3 times a year will help keep water from penetrating the roofing system. Throughout the year, rain and wind will stir up debris that can easily get stuck in your gutters and downspouts. If left untouched, they can be clogged and cause water to back up into your roofing system. Ensuring your gutters and downspouts are clear can help keep the structural integrity of your roof in-tact. 2. Look for Streaking Steaks on your roof can be a sign of mold growth or fungus issue. With the amount of rain we have had in the region this year, mold growth can be common with the amount of sunshine we receive and especially if you have a large tree in your yard. A simple cleaning will remove the residue and leave your roof in good shape. If you choose to leave the mold or mildew to grow, it could end up costing you significantly, maybe even a new roof. 3. Examine Your Roofing Material Throughout the year, your roofing material takes a beating from moisture, sunshine, and everything in between. Fall is a great time to examine your roofing materials for damage. Start with the actual material, whether you have tile, shingles, or metal. If there are any missing, cracked, dented, or dimpled, you will want to replace them right away. Other pieces of your roof to examine includes the fascia and soffit. If these parts are damaged, gutters can fall off, critters can find their way inside, and your attic ventilation can be affected. Additionally, check your flashing. Areas where two walls intersect should have a piece of thin metal to keep water off of your roof. If it is cracked or missing, you will want it replaced right away to prevent a leak from forming. 4. Look for Critters or Insect Infestation Nothing can be more detrimental to a roofing system than critters. Animals and insects use roofing systems to find shelter from the heat, sunshine, monsoon rains, and wind. While examining your roof, look for areas that are rotten, sawdust piled up, or waste. These are all signs that you might have a problem and it is better to be safe than sorry. 5. Check The Attic Space Many homeowners do not understand that their attic is an important part of their roofing system. While examining your roof, you should also examine the attic for damage. Things that should be alarming include spots of daylight, mold growth, water stains, or rot. These are all signs that you could have an issue with your roof and should call your trusted roofing contractor. 6. Seek A Professional Examination Having a professional examine your roof is a great idea. A pro will know what to look for and spot a lot of small details that may be missed by the homeowner. Also, a professional can eliminate the risk you may face climbing up on to a roof yourself. While many homeowners do not find it necessary, it is money well spent to have preventative maintenance done. This could end up saving you thousands later down the road. If you need assistance with any part of your roofing system, our local team at Class EH! Roofing would be happy to come out and give you a free estimate. Please contact us today! A good roof over your head is important so here are the biggest misconceptions you need to know about roofing.
1. Only Call a Roofer After an Emergency Your roof needs to be maintained regularly so that emergencies can be avoided. A roofing maintenance program will: Extend the life of roofing system Reduce service calls Maintain manufacturer’s warranty by meeting terms and conditions Prevent loss of insulating value due to wet insulation 2. It is Good to Wait as Long as Possible for a Roof Replacement or Repair Neither of these is true. Minor damage should be repaired immediately. Not only does roof damage and wear get worse over time, but the more damage and wear your roof has, the faster the damage escalates. Also, a damaged or worn roof is more likely to leak, and leaks can result in expensive interior home damage besides just roof damage. Your ceiling and insulation, walls and flooring (whether carpet or hardwood) may end up needing repair or replacement due to a leak. Waiting too long = spending more money 3. All Roofing Material is the Same Plain and simple, sub-standard roofing materials exist so ask your roofer where their materials come from and who the manufacturer is. Also find out what the manufacturer's warranty is on the products. Quality materials will often have lifetime guarantees (up tp 20 years). Also remember that in a roof job there are many other products involved in replacing or repairing a roof that most homeowners have no idea about. Two of these items would be the underlayment and metal flashing used on your roof. 4. Going with the Lowest Priced Contractor is a Smart Move This may or may not be true. The roofing contractor who provides the absolute “cheapest” estimate may not be the best estimate for you. They might NOT do things other professionals would never consider leaving incomplete or undone. Yet, it’s like this just to be able to provide a cheap quote. A poor quality roof repair or replacement that comes with a cheap quote can take many forms. Often you can’t tell the difference in quality with the naked eye right after the job is finished. But make no mistake, you do get what you pay for and one day it will become clear about WHY you paid less. 5. All Roofing Contractors are the Same Not true period. To protect yourself, check out their website, their online reviews, manufacturers they work with, certifications, warranties, years in business; and make sure they are responding to you in a professional and timely manner when they reach out. Our team at Class EH! Roofing are here to help if you need advice, an estimate or any other roofing or exterior services in the Niagara Region. Please contact us today ! Installing a great roofing system involves much more than laying shingles, it must also have proper roof ventilation so here is what you need to know as a homeowner.
Roof ventilation allows fresh air to enter the home while sending moist, hot air out. This air circulation cycle prevents internal and external issues, such as mold growth, roof damage, ice dams, and wasted energy while improving the lifespan of your roof. Here are some things to consider about roof ventilation: It Makes Your Roof Last Longer Did you know that shingles can dry out and crack due to poor ventilation? If your attic gets too hot, it can cause a quick downward spiral starting with the interior and exterior of your roof becoming overheated. From there, your underlayment can dry out, leading to damaged shingles and expensive repairs. It Cuts the Chances of Mold and Moisture When excess moisture accumulates in the attic, roofing systems can easily become damaged and degraded. Because mold and moisture can cause structural issues, this often leads to the need for a complete roof replacement. It Conserves Energy When too much heat builds up in your attic, your HVAC system needs to work extra hard to cool down your home. This consumes more energy than needed which can raise your electric bill and harm the environment. It Helps Prevent Ice Dams While dangling icicles may look beautiful during wintertime, they are a common sign of poor roof ventilation. Ice dams form when warm attic air rises and clashes with low outside temperatures, causing snow to melt and refreeze as it travels to cooler areas, such as your gutters. The main risk here is that ice dams can cause pricy water damage to your roof and attic. Contact Us for a Free Roof Inspection Whether you’re building a new home or want us to inspect your current roof and attic ventilation in Niagara Region, reach out to us! We offer completely free roof inspections and are more than happy to take a look. Also, if you’re searching for a local roofer near you for roof vent installation, we can do that for you, too. Get in touch with Class EH! Roofing today and let's get that roof sorted. Summer is officially here and that means summer heat will once again be beating down, so how does that affect your roof?
Here are the top things to consider: 1. Day/Night Cycles: You might not think of the nights during the summer as particularly cold, but how much cooler are they than the peak heat of the afternoon sun? This causes roofing materials to go through expansion and contraction cycles daily, and some of them are severe enough to start breaking materials down over time. 2. Summer Storm Activity: Hot and cold that occur in this season often cause significant storms in the Niagara region. Wind, rain and even hail aren't good for the integrity of your home’s roof. They can result in structural damage, loose shingles, weakened flashing, damp spots, and gutter blockage. 3. U.V. Exposure: The sun’s ultraviolet rays hit your roof hard. This makes your roof decay and age. It even happens on cloudy days, as U.V. rays still penetrate the cloud cover overhead. U.V rays can bleach, crack, and weaken wood while dissipating oils in your home’s materials, leaving asphalt singles buckling and splitting. 4. Winter Damage: If damage has occurred over the winter that has not been taken care of you may have a weakened roof system this summer. That means all the issues mentioned above will be more damaging to the roof and you may not be as prepared as you think for what summer blows may come. The good news is that a roofing system with a professional inspection and analysis can be repaired no matter what the issues are. Our team at Class EH! Roofing are here to help you out if you need assistance. Contact us for a no obligation estimate today and ENJOY THE SUMMER knowing you have a solid roof over your head! ![]() Spring has sprung and you are wise to consider getting your roof ready for spring with some basic roof maintenance to ensure seasons ahead of worry free protection from the elements. Winter can be hard on your roof, as it handles the snow, wind, and ice all season long. Once the weather starts to warm up, your roof needs an inspection and then if necessary some action to make sure it is in good shape for the seasons ahead! Here are the top things to consider this time of year and as always we recommend a professional to do the job so as to avoid any unnecessary risk getting up on the roof. Clean the Gutters Eavestroughs and downspouts are meant to safely run water off your roof when the rain comes. If your gutters have debris built up in them – which they likely will after the winter – you will need to clean them out in preparation for spring showers. Check the Shingles Are any shingles worn out or missing or nails exposed? Get those fixed right away. If it has been a long time since your roof was done it may also be a time to consider a complete replacement. Examine the Flashing Flashing connects different elements of your roof – like skylights, windows, or where two slopes of the roof come together. Make sure it is in good shape along with the caulking around it. Rust is also a sign that you may need to replace the flashing. Check Soffit and Fascia Soffits are metal or wood panels along the underside of the roof between the wall of the house and the roofline, while fascia are the metal or wood boards along the roofline or behind the eavestrough. Check to see if the soffits or fascia have any soft spots, holes, or damaged parts. Depending on how far gone they are, they might need to be repaired or replaced. Check for Water Damage or Ice Dam Damage Do you see any signs of a leak inside your home or on the roof? Snow melting from the winter or destruction caused by ice dams can result in water damage on your roof, your ceilings, your insulation, and so on. If you spot a roof leak, it needs immediate attention before it can cause any more damage – like rotting your roof’s underlayment and destroying your insulation. Bottom Line: If you get a roof inspection this spring and repair problems now, you’ll save yourself serious headaches down the road. You don’t want to wait until the small repair issues become big disasters. If you're ready to take some action on your roof maintenance, the team at Class EH! Roofing would be pleased to assist. Please fill out a contact form and we will be happy to give you a free estimate. |
AuthorWayne Jeffreys is a native of Niagara-On-The-Lake and owner of Niagara based roofing company Class Eh Roofing! Categories |