Well we may not have got much snow in Niagara yet, but eventually it will come and it will stay with us for the season. So, when it does start to accumulate on the roof is it ever a good idea to physically remove it?

Well, in my opinion, no.  The reason for that is that most roofs are built to handle the snow that is piled up on them, removing snow is dangerous to you and often the process of snow removal causes more damage to the roof than the snow would.

Those were the conclusions that were drawn by several studies carried out after the infamous Eastern Canada and US Ice Storm of January 1998. Also, did you know in the last few years 16 homeowners have died trying to remove snow from roofs in Montreal alone? It is more dangerous than you might think.

Another thing to think about this winter is that when the snow does get really heavy out there and you read stories about shopping centres, warehouses and halls caving in – do not unnecessarily worry about your roof.  These spread-out flat steel structure roofs are actually more vulnerable than our homes and are built with the assumption that they receive regular professional maintenance -- including watching the snow loads and removing snow when necessary.

Our houses have more structural support in a smaller space and are designed to survive under most bad conditions without snow removal, although the flatter the roof, the more likely it is to accumulated snow loads.

In conclusion this week, I know not everyone will agree with my advice so, if you do clear a roof, do not try to remove the last layer of ice or snow that is attached to the roof. Remove the weight above it but leave that layer to protect the roof membrane or shingles. Trying to go right down to the roof will most likely cause the roof to leak when things begin to thaw.

If you need any assistance at all with your roofing please call my team at Class Eh! Roofing and we will be there to help. 
289-687-6924
[email protected]

Well the white stuff is officially with us now, but does that mean it is a good or a bad time to consider roofing?  Well, there are some pro’s to winter roofing like:

Roofers are Generally Less Busy than in Warmer Months
Since most roofing projects are done in the spring, summer and fall, your roofer likely will have more time available to do a roof when it’s cold. If you have a specific start and finish date you’d like for your roof replacement, you’re more likely to be able to achieve that which can be very convenient.

Taking Care of Leaks Sooner Rather than Later is Best
Winter makes leaks easy to spot. Re-roofing now ensures that another season won’t go by before those leaks are addressed and fixed.

When roofing issues are discovered in late summer or fall, I sometimes get  asked if the project can wait until spring. What homeowners may not realize is that small leaks can translate to major water damage if they go unfixed. Taking care of the work immediately may be better than paying for a replacement — and a long list of additional house repairs in the spring.

Discounts?
Re-roofing in the winter could help you save on the cost. Roofing material manufacturers sometimes offer discounts on products sold at this time of year. Also, your roofer may offer a discount on labor as well.

Ok so there are a couple of pro’s to roofing in the winter.  However that being said, remember if you do move ahead with a roof at this time of year, make sure to hire an experienced winter roofer.  I say this particularly because the risks associated with climbing on top of your home are higher in the winter — ice makes shingles slippery, and the cold makes tools hard to handle. Also, materials must be installed precisely as moisture can shorten their life span.

Also that remember, we can’t predict Mother Nature, so if the weather does not cooperate right on schedule for your roof, be patient and work with your roofer to ensure the job gets done right and safely.

For all year round roofing services please contact my team at Class Eh! Roofing and we will be sure you get the job done right!
Email: [email protected]
Call: 289-687-6924

​​A roofing system can be a major cost when looking at a replacement roofing system but the good news is that it will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime investment as most modern roofing systems last 25 years.

But, the question I sometimes get asked is: Will we recoup our investment in a new roofing system dollar for dollar or how does that all work?

So there a few things to look at to properly answer that question, because really the answer is yes and no.  Let’s take a look...

A home’s value is rated on a number of different conditions and part of the valuation is determined by overall condition of the home and what the curb appeal might be for the home that is being appraised.

If you are selling your home with a roof that has seen better days, you’re likely to receive a less-than-market offer for the property due to the costs associated with the installation of a new roofing system. Also let’s face it, the curb appeal of your home goes downhill when a roofing system fails to meet the average condition of homes in the area and that can create a less-than-market value offer for your home. So a not so great roof can be an overall negative on your resale.

However, if you do put the money out on a new one you will enjoy many benefits because the roofing system of any home is probably the most important feature of the structure and serves many purposes like:
​
-A roofing system protects a home and contents from the elements
-It provides energy efficiency through attic insulation
-It keeps rodents from accessing your home through damage that could be created by the rodents as they seek shelter

So in essence it SAVES you money when you have a home with a quality roof, although there is an initial investment.

BOTTOM LINE: On a dollar for dollar basis the quality of your roof can either cost or save you money while you live there and when it is time to sell a solid roof will likely help you get top dollar. As a homeowner it is important to evaluate your long term plan as much as possible as to whether you plan to live in a property for any length of time.  Also it is wise to be aware of the general real estate climate in your neighbourhood before you make any major home improvement decisions.

For all your roofing needs, please contact my team at: 289-687-6924 or email us at: [email protected]

​Festive times mean it's time for festive decorations, but what about Christmas lights on the roof? 

They may look great but all that aside, it is not the best idea in my opinion and here’s why…

Putting staples into asphalt or fiberglass laminate shingles to secure lights is not a good plan. I don’t think I have to tell you shingles don’t work very well with holes in them. Plus, on asphalt or fiberglass shingles the granules that protect the waterproof layer from the sun will get worn off by walking on them. The less anyone walks on a roof, the better.

If you have cedar shingles is not quite as bad with the staples, but it still is not good for your roof. With cedar shingles, as with any roof actually, it’s particularly not good to be walking on them. It’s easy to crack cedar shingles, especially when they are older.

On top of the shingles themselves, there is also another big factor to consider…YOUR SAFETY!

According to a recent CBC report, 5,800 people fall off roofs each year putting up their Christmas lights. A roof is a dangerous place to be at any time of year but with the rain, frost and ice, during winter your roof is even more dangerous.

BOTTOM LINE: I’m all for Christmas lights and getting festive but in order to stay dry and in one piece, keep the lights off your roof and on the tree instead!

And for all your roofing needs please contact my team at Class Eh! Roofing:
​905-687-6924 or email us at [email protected]

Flashing ….you know that trimming that makes your roof look nice and seals in the shingles?  Well, it is an important component to your entire system and I am going to focus on what it is exactly and why it is so important to have installed correctly!
 
Flashing in a nutshell is an ESSENTIAL part of your roof system.  It helps keep water (and snow melt) out of your building . That is….when it is installed correctly.
 
What is flashing exactly?
 
The protective seal that prevents water getting into skylights, chimneys, dormers and vents. Flashing keeps things dry!
 
Where is flashing important?
 
Flashing is important at all roof projects, including edges, valleys, joints and any grooves, gaps, intersections and projections on the roof of any structure.
 
How can improper flashing damage my roof?
 
Poor or improper flashing can lead to premature deterioration at roof joints, so it is very important to have flashing installed correctly when a new roof is installed.  Having it done right the first time is one of the best things you can do to preserve your investment.

If you need assistance with your flashing or anyother aspect of your roofing project, please do not hesitate to call my team at Class Eh! Roofing and we would be happy to offer our expertise!

Call: 289-687-6924
​Email: [email protected]