Snow and Your Flat Roof
Flat roofs get a bad rap, especially in areas with heavy precipitation and even worse: snow. You might think they’re a poor choice compared to a sloped alternative, but there are still options to prevent and deal with any issues that may arise.
The number one thing to remember with a flat roof is that you don’t have gravity on your side. Snow won’t fall or blow off as effectively as it would off a pitched roof, either. When snow drifts form on your roof, your first line of prevention should be ensuring your roof is reinforced before the first snowfall. Especially in areas with heavy snow fall, make sure you understand what reinforcements are in place to support your flat roof before it’s too late to do so. Once winter hits, you can set up regular maintenance by a professional, such as a Winnipeg roof snow removal service. If you were unable to shovel your driveway, you’d call in someone to do the job for you. Why not treat your roof with the same upkeep?
When professional snow removal isn’t possible, or if a bad snow drop occurs between removal dates, there are ways to do snow removal yourself. Products like long-handed rakes and shovels exist for pulling snow down off the roof. If you’re in a one-storey home, this is a decent option. If you need to involve ladders, use extreme caution. The last thing you want is to bury yourself with snow and ice, or to fall off, as you could be seriously injured. The goal is not to clear your roof, but to relieve some weight. It’s also not advisable to use salt products on your roof, as they may cause discoloration.
Because heat rises from directly under the roof rather than around the house, snow will often melt in the center. As it may be very slow to run off when melted, by the time it reaches the outer parts of the roof, the melted snow may refreeze. This process created an ice dam. The good news is that with rigid insulation and proper ventilation, you can prepare your roof to prevent these from forming and sticking around.
When snow melts, it operates like rain and flat roofs need effective alternative draining systems to encourage this. Even in the winter, you should be taking note of your gutters’ conditions. Debris like leaves and twigs can still accumulate or be leftover from the fall if you weren’t vigilant with your upkeep. If for any reason your water isn’t being funnelled properly, water may freeze in your gutters, weighing them down, damaging them, and creating further blockage.
In case of rain accumulation, or if your draining systems were to become blocked or damaged, make sure your roof has been properly waterproofed with the appropriate sealants for your roofing materials. This is your first line of defense against precipitation. No matter which option you choose, you can never be too safe, contact a professional. Your roof will benefit from regular inspection all-year round, and winter is no different.
Roofing Issues to Watch For
Ideally, your roof would be an afterthought until the day you sell your house, or decide to upgrade it. But just like any other major part of your house, roofs can display symptoms of problems that often go unnoticed, and can breed even worse issues if left unaddressed. You should be having your roof inspected regularly by a Winnipeg roofing company. But between inspections, here are some things to keep your eyes open for.
The first place to look, and maybe the easiest, is inside the house. You spend a lot of time indoor, especially in dangerous times like winter, when you should be on high alert for roofing issues. Learn the healthy look of your ceilings, and be sure to take a quick peek at them often to look for signs of a leak. Things like yellow or brain spots or stains are an obvious sign that water has leaked through, and your roof needs inspection. The obvious first place to look is the attic, but a leak can manifest anywhere in the home. When inspecting the inside of a house, another place to look for signs of damage is your doors. Especially if you have a flat roof, or live in an area with heavy precipitation, you want to make sure your roof isn’t buckling from ice dams, heavy snow drifts, or structural integrity being otherwise compromised. If you’re finding your doors look weighed down, or having a lot of trouble opening or closing, this may be a symptom of a roofing issue. However, houses do shifts in extreme weather, so take this as a prompt to inspect other areas rather than assuming the worst.
When it comes to the outside of the house, looking at the roof itself is the next step. Shingle balding is a form of granule loss, meaning that shingles are shedding mineral granules from age or abrasion. While it happens naturally over time, other factors can damage a shingle. So be on the lookout for shedding, especially if they were recently installed. Not only may the shingles be damaged, but the granules can accumulate in your gutters or spouts, and cause clogging problems. Checking your gutters for bits of shingle is a good way to tell if you’re unsure of how to spot balding. You can also use binoculars, or just a keen eye, to look at the roof from afar for signs of curling shingles, loose flashings, or a buckling roof.
Finally, roofs age like anything else. The life expectancy of your roof depends on so many factors, including materials use, location and climate, if they were properly installed, and if you have them maintained. You will eventually have to replace your roof, but all you can do to extent its lifespan is keep an eye on it. Look for subtle symptoms instead of waiting for heavy damage that requires extensive repairs or replacement, instead of a quick fix. Keeping yourself up to date of your roof’s condition can save you money down the line, not to mention a ton of frustration.
6 Important Questions to Ask a Prospective Roofing Contractor
When you’re looking at installing a new roof, or even repairing an existing one, you should absolutely hire a professional roofing contractor for the job. You may be worried about getting ripped off, getting a crummy job, being left in a lurch by a contractor no-showing, or even being sued. Here are a few questions you should ask to ensure they know their stuff, as well as the answers you should look for before signing them on.
Are you certified?
You should only ever hire a certified contractor. Anyone can walk in off the street and offer to fix some loose shingles, but you want to know they’re qualified, and have the paperwork to prove it. You can absolutely request to see a copy of their certification before agreeing to anything.
How long have you been in business?
While new businesses don’t necessarily mean inexperience, you want to ensure the person knows their stuff, and has seen it all. The longer they’ve been active in the industry, the more scenarios they’ve dealt with, and the better equipped they will be to troubleshoot weird or last-minute issues for you. An experienced roofer will have 10 years or more, or at least be working within a company that’s 10 years in business.
Are you covered by worker’s compensation?
The reason you want to confirm this is because a roofer may become injured in a fall or accident while working on your property. In these situations, if they have no income protection, they sometimes try to sue the homeowner because the injury took place on the clock. A roofer covered by a worker’s compensation plan is a much safer bet.
Is your labor under warranty?
Almost every single roofing company guarantees their labor, in addition to the manufacturers’ warranties on the materials they use. First of all, they should absolutely know the answer to this question. You may want to check their website or do some digging to confirm that they are in fact guaranteed for the work they do. Not only can they mess up the job, they can even cause damage to your home.
Are you bonded?
The answer should absolutely be ‘yes’. Some of the biggest concerns with hiring a contractor are whether they’ll show up, if they acquired the proper permits, and if they pay their workers. Bonding is a form of insurance that holds them liable for these issues, and not you.
Do you have references or can I see a previous job of yours?
Like any service, roofers should be able to provide references of people or business they’ve worked with successfully. Don’t be shy in asking for a list of references, or even for examples of properties they’ve worked on before. Ensuring that someone else had a positive experience with the roofer can give you peace of mind.
Realistically, there are so many more questions you could, and should ask. The info you want to confirm will vary based on the job of job, the depth of work required, your location, etc. As far as important basics, the 6 questions above will give you a solid base for judging the professional roofing contractor before you, and how you’re protected when working with them.
How to Identify Hail Damage on the Roof
Did you know that within a hailstorm more than just your cars are possibly susceptible to damage, as well as future repairs? As hail makes impact, it might damage your roof or home covering, and additional personal property. Even though hailstorms may become destructive, the quantity of damage may greatly vary. The following are a few factors which affect the degree and type of damage which might be affected by a hail storm, and a guide about how you can identify damage to various kinds of roofing materials and shingles.
Wind – Within a hail storm, wind speed and wind direction may vary. Wind condition changes may affect the severity and location of impacts.
Density and size – The hailstones’ size may affect the level of damage to your home. A hailstone may be as big as a softball or as tiny as a pea. Many hailstones don’t have smooth corners, which may impact the kind of damage they’ll cause.
Materials of a building – Such materials absorb the impact of hail differently. For instance, hail may produce dings in siding, asphalt shingles, or gutters, whereby it might crack wood shakes or vinyl siding. On the other hand, softball-sized stones may be strong and dense enough to puncture the roof. Also, the condition and age of the roof might affect the level of damage.
Barriers – The stance of nearby structures, as well as natural barriers, such as landscaping, tree cover, fences or any adjacent houses may decrease the capability of hail causing damage.
What Hail Damage Does to the Roof
Shingles may respond differently while struck by stones. Hail damage to composition shingles and asphalt may look different than damage to wooden shingles. It’s vital to know the various effects of the hail damage to correctly identify if there is roof damage caused by hail.
Composition Shingles and Asphalt Damage
- Hail hits which are soft to the touch, such as the bruise upon an apple
- Mat and/or asphalt which looks shiny
- Loss of granules that might expose the roof’s felt
- Hail hits which are black
- Random damage without any discernable pattern
Wooden Shingles Damage
- Impact dents or marks alongside the splits
- A split inside the shingle with little to no deterioration at the corners
- A split inside the shingle with sharp edges and corners
- A split inside the shingle that’s orange/brown
- Random damage without any discernable pattern
There are several other kinds of damage to roof shingles which may be mistaken for hailstorm damage. For instance, sunlight and inclement weather exposure makes roof shingles brittle and leaves them with an aged look. This kind of damage is regular wear and tear of roof shingles, which sometimes is misidentified as hailstorm damage. Additional kinds of regular wear and tear might include cracking, blistering, flaking, granule loss, and algae. Mechanical imperfections and manufacturing defects in shingles also can be mistaken for hailstorm damage.
For more information on our roofing repair company please feel free to get in touch with Roofco right away!
Are Ice Dams Covered by Insurance?
Your insurance provider typically isn’t under obligation to cover ice dam extraction expenses for you. You will find out about it if you speak to your insurance company and/or read their “What We Cover” part of the insurance policy.
However, the great news is insurance providers occasionally will cover all or part of the dam removal, typically as an action of “good faith.”
Figuring out your coverage sometimes can feel as if you are attempting to discover Coke’s recipe: All it’s possible to do is guess. No two providers are precisely the same in their decision-making and policies. No two dams are exactly the same: a few of them produce massive destruction to your house, whereby other ones pose very little threat.
Thereby, it is pretty much impossible to figure out if or for how much you will be covered.
Even though you cannot predict coverage, it’s possible to maximize your opportunities of having at least a part of the ice dam removal expenses covered – if you understand how companies view and deal with dam claims.
Why aren’t dam removal expenses usually taken care of by insurance?
Ice dams aren’t considered a “covered peril” on the majority of traditional policies.
They’re like mighty oak trees that hang over your property’s roof. If a tree falls on the roof, your provider will probably pay for any house repairs. The insurance provider might also pay to remove the part of the tree which fell upon your home.
But they aren’t going to arrive and remove that tree just as a preventative step. Why not? Because there is a good opportunity that the tree won’t fall, and even if it falls it might not do so on your property. It’d be a slippery slope for your insurance provider: they cannot pay for the extraction of all of the trees homeowners feel are a bit too close to their house. Insurance providers aren’t in the “tree trimming” business just like they aren’t within the “ice dam removal” business. A specific duty falls on a homeowner to do their part in protecting their house. You have a duty as a homeowner to maintain and protect your house.
It is exactly the same with an ice dam. Your insurance company will probably cover the destruction that is done to your house caused by the leaking roof, and they might also pay to extract the part of the dam that is directly causing that leaking. However, usually the ice dam removal itself is thought to be the homeowner’s job. Every once and a while a provider might even remove the whole dam (and occasionally the snow) from the roof. (It’s like them paying for the destruction to your house caused by a fallen tree, paying for the extraction of the whole tree from your home, and paying for all the tree stump and debris to be removed.)
For more information on our reliable ice dam removal company please feel free to get in touch with Roofco right away!
Eavestrough repair, when should I do it?
Most of us don’t think much about our eavestroughs, except that we should probably clean them one of these days. But the truth is that even with it’s not raining, our gutters are doing their job. They ferry water when it rains or snows, but otherwise they collect debris: things like dirt, leaves, twigs, rocks, and pretty much anything that critters drop into them. When gutters clog, there’s the obvious concern that water will leak over onto the roof, and damage other components rather than draining properly. But any alien materials that remain in your gutters can damage the eavestroughs themselves. The seams can come loose or corrode, gaskets can cease to function and need replacement. So you may be asking yourself now: when do I need to repair my eavestroughs?
It’s important to know the basics, like the type of gutters your house has. Not only do the materials behave differently and need different kinds of repairs, the average lifespan of different types varies. There are a few telltale signs that you need to call in a professional. Especially when you’re a homeowner living in a fluctuating climate, or in generally unfavorable weather, a Winnipeg roofing company should be consulted rather than trying your hand at DIY.
Vinyl gutters made of PVC, and are less likely to dent or corrode. They are becoming an increasingly popular choice, because they’re a low-cost, lightweight option and are easy to install. If your eavestroughs are vinyl, they have a much shorter life span than is often advertised. The typical lifespan is reported around 20 years, but that’s a hopeful estimate, and the reality is closer to 10. Vinyl does not handle fluctuation in temperature, especially extreme cold. If you live in a region where extreme freezing is the norm, your gutters become brittle every time. They’re more likely to crack and break, so be on the lookout for chipping and leaks from the gutters themselves, rather than just spillover.
Seamless aluminum or galvanized steel gutters can hold more water, so they’re more reliable in heavy rain or snow, and they’re less likely to sag or spill. While aluminum is lightweight and will not rust, galvanized steel is heavier and may corrode more easily. They have an average lifespan of 20 years or more, and require minimal upkeep. It’s still a good idea to have them inspected every so often, because catching corrosion early can mean a simple repair rather than a costly replacement.
Copper gutters are considered the gold standard of household eavestroughs. If you shelled out a pretty penny to install copper gutters, then you don’t need to worry about rust. Chances are you rarely even need to clean them out, as they funnel debris much more smoothly. They have a glowing lifespan averaging from 50 to 60 years, or more with regular maintenance.
Hopefully you now have a clearer understanding of what your gutters are really made of, and what to be on the lookout for. Whether you can identify specific damage or just suspect a malfunction, it’s always best to trust a professional to take a closer look.
Would you buy a house that needs a new roof?
Buying a house can be a daunting enough task, even without adding renovations to your to-do list. You’re exhausted, head swimming with dollar signs, and looking for your dream home. Why would you take the risk of a fixer upper when you could shell out a bit more for the total package? Conventional wisdom might be on your side, but if you find the house of your dreams and are faced with the decision, here are a few reasons you may want to consider.
The seller may be willing to include the roof replacement cost in the sale price. Rather than put in the time and effort of replacing the roof prior to sale, the seller may opt to include the price of a new roof in the sale price instead. If the seller is using a real estate agent, one of the advantages is that they often have connections to other home professionals and can negotiate or arrange for repairs at a lower cost without sacrificing quality. It may be preferable, however, to suggest a roofing company of your own choosing for their consideration.
You get to choose who installs your new roof, and how. Because most roofing materials can last an average of anywhere from 10 to 30 years, many roofers don’t consider their customers for repeat business. You can’t be sure of who installed the existing roof, or of what corners they may have cut in doing so. Choose an experienced roofing company with certified trained workers, and workmanship and installation warranties. This means they not only conform to the manufacturer warranty specifications but guarantee the quality and longevity of their work itself.
Installing a new roof means you control the materials and quality. In the freezing, humid climate of Winnipeg, many roofing materials may not be appropriate to keep your home properly insulated. From wind and rain, to snow and ice, winter months take a heavy toll on otherwise reliable roofing materials. Not only the cold months, but the extreme fluctuation from -40C to 40C in a year is an additional stressor to consider. For example, while asphalt is affordable and widely used, it provides little in the way of insulation and can be rendered brittle in cold weather, making it easier for wind and hail to damage. If you’re willing to invest a bit more initially, there are environmentally friendly alternatives, such as solar panels. These can be a cost-saver in the long-run, not only because of their durability, but also in keeping your home warm, dry, and insulated.
Even if you’re buying a brand-new home with all the bells and whistles, consider having someone walk through to give you an estimate on repairs or replacement. In the end, no house is perfect. You may be months into home ownership before noticing a leak or draft. It’s important to have the house inspected prior to purchase, but it may be equally beneficial to gather free estimates from experienced professionals. This will also give you an idea of what future upkeep could cost you. After all, we’re talking about the roof over your head!
Do you know what your roof components are?
So maybe you’re renting a house, or maybe you’re a new homeowner: you’re an expert in everything from lawnmowing to throw pillows. But do you know anything about the roof over your head? Beyond the shingles and gutters, can you identify, or even name the components of a roof? Let’s walk through the basic parts and sections that make up the average roof. Obviously, the shape and materials can vary, but knowing the general layout and terminology can come in handy if you need to fix or even call in a professional to fix your roof. If you’re dealing with winter conditions, consider Winnipeg roof snow removal.
Decking, or sheathing, is usually made of plywood that closes and reinforces the roof structure and serves as a nailbed for the shingles.
Underlayment, or underlay membrane is a coating that protects the decking from bad weather, and separates the shingles or tiles from the decking, which prevents seeping of any resin. It can be made of asphalt saturated felt, or synthetic fabric.
Gutters are a channel that collects and carries rainwater. Depending where the gutter is, it can also be called the eaves gutter, or eavestrough as we most commonly say, but there are also valley and parapet gutters.
Eaves membrane is a protective layer, typically of bitumen and polyester, that is applied under shingles to prevents water from seeping. It’s usually resistant to weather fluctuation, and resists freezing, so it’s an essential for any Winnipeg home.
Edge is the bordering end of the roof or eaves. It’s also known as a fascia.
Drip edge is a moulding, typically aluminum, that covers the edges of the roof. It helps to prevent water from seeping through by ensuring water runoff drains into the eaves, not behind them.
Ridge is the horizontal line at the top where all sides of the roof meet.
Valley is the vertical line, or V-shaped angle where two slopes of the roof meet.
Roof vents, typically metal or plastic, are openings that ventilate the attic.
Flashing, or joint covers, is moulding that waterproofs openings in the roof. Usually made of steel, aluminum, or plastic, flashing can be rigid or flexible. It’s used in the valleys, and around vents or chimneys.
Shingles are the actual tiles used to cover a roof. They can be made of a variety of materials, ranging from basic asphalt to wood, metal, or slate. The type of shingle used is very important, especially in extreme weather areas where ice and snow are guaranteed.
So now you have a basic understanding of what makes up a roof! Obviously, there are tons of other parts and processes involved in roofing. Every roof can be different, and the shape and age of a house may mean that some have sections that others just don’t. It’s important to consult an expert before poking around with your roof, especially when bad weather can make it an urgent project. But hopefully, with a bit of basic know-how, you can now follow along with the professionals suggest, and keep up to date on what they’re doing to fix the problem.
4 Important Facts About Your Roofing Underlayment.
Roofing underlayment, which provides a moisture barrier for your home, may be something you’ve never heard of before, but if you’re looking to build a new roof, you need to know the facts.
- There are three different types of roofing underlayment. First is Asphalt-saturated felt, also known as felt or tar paper. Water-resistant, this method is reliable but out-dated by about 15 years. The more modern water-resistant type is “Non-bitumen synthetic underlayment”, or simply synthetic underlayment. Most notably it includes fiberglass to improve resistance to tearing. While synthetic is the most commonly used nowadays, you’ve got the third option of rubberized asphalt underlay. A little more heavy duty, this one is often used in more specific use-case scenarios where more extreme weather is common. It is more expensive than other options due to the more expensive materials in it.
- Water-proofing and water-resistance. For less extreme weather, water-resistance is typically adequate. Winnipeg, however, is another story. Extreme cold is a constant, and high winds are common. Water-proofing is the only option here. Not only will it protect more effectively from the extreme cold and winds, it will also prevent damage from ice formations. Installing it at the eaves can also help prevent future damage.
- Warranties are something few people want to address, but if you’re paying for a high-quality roof for your home, you need to protect your investment. These can also contain many stipulations about material, installation method, and they have variable lengths. For underlayment there is usual also a clause about needing a “clean roof deck” or removing all pre-existing roofing materials. The idea is that it will be a “fresh start” and the warranty covers installations and defective products, rather than any mistakes that may have been made previously. Speak with the contractor for more details.
- We also need to talk about the contractors. Make sure you have qualified roofing contractors. This means people who not only know their craft and are familiar with Manitoba building codes, but who also have the customer service side of things. Testimonials and reviews can answer the former, but you will need to judge a little bit more personally for the latter. Chances are you aren’t a construction expert, which is why you need a contractor. A quality contractor should be able and willing to explain what they plan on doing, what the costs will be, go over the warranty details, and explain what materials they will use. While they certainly don’t need to teach you all about roofing, they should be able to get the message across in a way that you can understand. You want to know what is being done to your house! Some will also give you an estimate with no charge or obligation, which can give you an idea of what you’re walking into.
Now you have the tools to acquire the right supports and make more informed decisions about the underlayment for your roof, often overlooked but incredibly important, especially in a chilly place like Winnipeg.
Is It Time for A Roof Upgrade?
Is it time for you to get a replacement or repair to your old roof? Be on the lookout for the following red flags before you call a roofer.
The majority of homeowners think they have to have new roofing after they see a leak in the ceiling. The leak might be because of many various roofing issues. However, what factors actually determine whether a roof repair is going to resolve the issue, or the property requires a roof replacement?
Below we list some tips to assist you in determining if you have to have a new roof:
Age of your Roof
How old is your current asphalt shingle roof? The majority of professionals concur that a normal roof is going to last from 20 – 25 years. In addition, it’ll depend upon whether your old roof was removed, and you just have a single layer of shingles, and if it’s correctly ventilated. If your roof was put in over an additional layer or multiple layers and it’s older than twenty years, odds are you have to have new roofing.
Roof shingles buckling and curling
Shingles which are buckling or curled are one other indication that you might have to have new roofing. Search your home’s slopes which obtain direct sunlight and if you see the shingles are losing granules and curling, it might mean the roof shingles are past their expectancy of life. Also, there could be a possibility that your roofing is defective. Call a licensed roofing business to check if you might be eligible for a reimbursement.
Roof valleys
If the roof shingles are missing or falling apart in this area, it is a definite indication that you have to have a new roof. Valleys include one of the most critical areas of the roof. Rain and snow flow through valleys and inside gutters. If its valley is compromised, you might be prone to roof leaks.
Missing roof shingles
These are one other indication that the roof might be failing. See if all the roof shingle “tabs” are intact. If a homeowner notices missing shingles after a severe storm, he or she might end up requiring a new roof.
Chimney flashing
It’s an additional area that you should be concerned about. If the chimney flashing is comprised of tar or roof cement, it might have to be replaced with a water-tight, long-term fitting, which might be a metal-flashing system.
Roof shingle granules inside the gutters
Look inside the gutters to check if they’re loaded up with roof shingle granules. Roofs usually lose more granules toward the completion of their life cycle. Darker or inconsistent color upon some roof parts is one other indication that the granules have worn away.
Daylight through your roof boards
You see a spongy feel or trampoline bounce while walking on your roof, which is a sign that the underlying decking is weakened from wetness. Check the attic to see if there’s daylight coming through your roof boards. Be on the lookout also for wetness inside the insulation.
For more information on our Winnipeg roofers contact Roofco today!