The reality of the roofing industry is such that no matter the time of year you can get a roof replacement if you really need it.  That being said, a reroofing is a major project that is best scheduled for a convenient time rather than left for an emergency.  Why?  Simply put, if you try to schedule a roofing project (reroofing or repairs) during a roofer’s busiest season, you are likely to pay a premium for the work.  On the other hand, if you take care to maintain your roof and schedule regular inspections, you will be in a better position to schedule a roof replacement during your roofer’s off season.  This usually means the labour costs are lower.  So, when is the best time to reroof a house?

Roofing Season

Ok, we’ve already established there is not a single season for roofing work, but there are times of the year when roofers tend to be quite busy.  While roofing contractors work year-round, their busiest time tends to land between the end of summer and beginning of winter when the weather is warm and dry and homeowners are preparing for winter weather.  Roofers actually prefer to work during these months too; fall weather is cooler and more predictable, and usually the rainy season hasn’t kicked in yet.  So, to make a long story short, late summer and fall months might be considered “roofing season” and a time when emergency roof replacement will be difficult to schedule and roofing contractors tend to charge more.

Winter Replacement

Many homeowners probably would never consider reroofing a house during the winter months, but there are some advantages to scheduling work at this time.  If late summer and fall are the roofing season, you can consider winter the roofing offseason.  During the winter months, you’ll find there is much more flexibility around when you can schedule work and costs can be lower.  There are certainly some challenges to roofing in the winter namely due to unpredictable weather.

Summer Replacement

Reroofing in the summer is advisable because of weather considerations, but unadvisable because of cost.  In fact, summer tends to be almost as busy as the “roofing season” we’ve already discussed, and because of higher temperatures shingle installation is more challenging too.  Nevertheless, in a pinch anything is possible and reroofing in the summer can also be easier because of more consistent weather.

The Best Time to Reroof

I’m sure you’re scratching your head right now and asking, “So, when is the best time to reroof?”  Ultimately, the best time for roof replacement is when you’ve carefully planned the project and scheduled it with a trusted roofing contractor.  This means you’ve already taken the preventative approach and scheduled regular inspections and maintenance for your roof and you and your contractor have decided that planning a roof replacement is in your best interests.

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Nesting birds can be a nightmare for homeowners as they can have a significant negative impact on the quality and durability of your roof.  Not only can their droppings make a considerable mess, but they also expose your home to parasites such as worms and mites.  Nesting birds can also cause damage to roof tiles and shingles while also making a lot of noise.  Still, preventing birds from nesting in and around roof structures can be difficult, especially if you prefer to take humane measures.  So what are some safe methods for protecting your roof from birds?

Birds are often put off by surfaces that reflect the sun – so, if you want to “deflect” birds, there are a few easy enough solutions.  Using drinking cans, disposable baking dishes, old CDs, or aluminum foil, you can create reflective strips and attach them to the sides and surface of your roof.  Birds will usually avoid the glare created by these reflective surfaces and nest elsewhere.

Scare the Crow

Scarecrows are used by farmers for a reason; and while you probably don’t want to fix scarecrows to your roof, figures of cats or owls are often enough of a distraction without being an eyesore.  In fact, home supply stores often sell owl decoys that can be installed on roofs or in gardens to deter pesky birds.

Peppers and Spray

Now, I’m not suggesting you go out and buy pepper spray (which is actually illegal in Canada), but you can make a natural pepper spray that helps deter birds and other wildlife.  First, crush some chili peppers and put them in a large glass of water.  Let the mixture sit in the sun for a couple of days until the peppers ferment, then put the mixture in a spray bottle.  You can then spray this mixture around the surface of your roof, or even around established nests.  Birds will be reluctant to establish themselves, and already nested birds will likely depart.

Protect with Nets

Your local home and garden supply store is sure to sell bird netting.  You can lay this netting over your roof (and specifically roof structures that are prone to nesting) and this will prevent birds from access.  The netting does not harm the birds and it’s not intended to catch the birds.  Instead, bird netting is intended as an easy solution for preventing birds from getting into areas where they like to build nests.  Take care to buy netting specific for birds, as other types of netting can be dangerous for birds.

Unfortunately, natural solutions are not always effective.  You may find you need to employ more than one of these techniques.  If you’ve tried one or more of these solutions without success, you should consider hiring a pest control expert.

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An unfortunate reality of today’s day and age is that everybody is trying to make a quick buck and we can see it everywhere.  Most of the products we buy on a daily basis come from factories overseas where quality control is not of paramount concern.  We can also see it at home when under-qualified or dishonest tradesmen make wild promises but never deliver.  If you’re planning to install a new roof or undergo major roofing repairs on your home, you need to take the necessary precautions to avoid new roof scams.  So what can you do?

The Basics

There are a few basic steps you can take to protect your home and your family from roofing scams.  First and foremost, always interview a number of potential roofing contractors and choose a professional with a long-standing history of successful roofing projects in your community.  Seek referrals and ask for references that will give you an early picture of potential contractors’ skill and workmanship.

Screening possible roofers is the first step in avoiding scams, but you should also be sure to get all quotes in writing.  Your quote should include not only the costs of labour and materials, but also a clear definition of what work will be done and timelines for the project.  In addition, make sure you understand this quote as well as any contract you sign.  If you’re uncertain about particular terms, always ask for clarification.

With respect to invoices, estimates, and contracts, you also want to make sure that these documents include the full name, address, and phone number of the sales person and roofing contractor.  You should also take a moment to confirm with the sales person or roofing contractor that all staff are properly trained and that the roofing company carries appropriate insurance (including 3^rd party liability insurance).

Finally, always follow your gut instinct.  For the most part, common sense will help you avoid scams.  If a roofer offers you an “off the books, tax-free’ repair or replacement, this should be a red flag.  All work with any contractor should be properly documented and permitted, and tax-free deals are often a sign that your contractor is avoiding tax and other responsibilities.

Consumers Beware

Many municipalities offer a Consumers Beware List that can alert you to any dubious contractors in your area.  Similarly, you can check with your local Better Business Bureau to get more information about different roofing contractors in your area.  Ultimately, taking a bit of extra time in the early stages to vet several contractors and then choose the best roofer for your project is the best way to avoid roofing scams.   Then get everything in writing so that you have legal protection in case anything goes wrong.

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Your commercial roof is leaking and you’re in a panic.  Calm down.  Even if you’re in a rush to find a good commercial roofer, you want to take some time to pick somebody who is qualified and has a history of doing great work.  So, before we move on to what to do in an emergency situation, let’s take a few breaths and talk about what to look for in a commercial roofer.

The Best Commercial Roofers

The best commercial roofers will offer a number of important qualities, namely knowledge, craftsmanship, integrity, and timeliness.

Indeed, good commercial roofing contractors are knowledgeable.  They know a lot about the different kinds of roofing systems and the products that make or break them.  Whether you’ve got all the time in the world, or you’re looking for a roofer in a pinch, quality roofing contractors are effective at every stage of the project from quoting and planning to executing and completing your roofing project.

Moreover, good contractors do good work.  If you have the time, you want to speak with potential contractors and ask them for references for their work.  If you can inspect their body of work, you’ll be more confident that they provide quality craftsmanship.  If you’re in a rush to find somebody now, start calling colleagues, family, and friends to find somebody that they know to do excellent work.  After all, those individuals with personal relationships with you are going to be more likely to point you in the right direction.

Integrity is another important quality in a roofer.  You want to know that your roofing contractor is going to do the best work for you as the client, even if it means costing him or her time and money.  Obviously, we’re all interested in making a buck, but the best roofing contractor will give you accurate advice, even if it means their project profit is diminished.

Finally, timeliness is crucial.  You want your roofer not only to get projects done on time, but you also want them to be available to you in times of crisis.  Whether you’re talking about getting a roofing project completed before the inclement weather arrives, or knowing that your roofer is available to respond in an emergency – the best roofing contractors are available to you and they’re on time.

You Need Somebody NOW

Ok, so your roof is leaking, and you’ve calmed down, but that hasn’t stopped your roof from leaking.  You want to start contacting commercial roofers based on personal referrals or even from a list of quality contractors in the Better Business Bureau (BBB).  You’re also likely to find online reviews for local commercial roofers that can help you find somebody that you know embodies the qualities we discussed above.

Some tips for you:

• Avoid pushy sales tactics and choose a contractor that tries to get valuable information about your roof and your leak.
• Call at least a couple of contractors and choose the one that seems to have your interests in mind.
• Check for credentials – quality roofers will be highly ranked by the BBB or may be a member of a professional association such as the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association.
• Choose a contractor that has been in business at the same address for an extended period of time (10 years or more) as this helps to establish their commitment to the community and by extension the quality of their work.
• Choose a roofer and build a relationship so you know you have somebody you can trust for future work – emergency or not!

Related: 

Residential roofing: http://www.k2roofing.com/roofing-services/residential-roofing/ 

The post What to Look for in a Commercial Roofer appeared first on K2 Roofing Blog.

Though more typical for commercial structures, it is not uncommon for homes to feature flat roofs.  Still, homeowners tend to know very little about roofs in general, much less flat roofs.  In fact, when it comes to roofs, homeowners are typically only interested in one factor: aesthetic.  Pitched roofs are certainly the standard for residential structures, but flat roofs are actually less expensive to install and are therefore a common choice for homes in North America.  If you have a flat roof or you’ve chosen a flat roof for your new home, the obvious question is what is the best roofing material for flat roofs?

Essentially, there are three varieties of flat roof: felt, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), and fibreglass.  So, let’s take a closer look.

Felt (aka Torch On)

Sometimes known as a felt roof, polyester reinforced, or torch on flat roof have come a long way in the last couple of decades.  In the past, bitumen felt roofs were criticized for poor flexibility and durability, but these roofs have improved considerably in the past few years.  Usually applied with a 3 layer system, felt roofs feature a vapour control layer, 2mm of reinforced felt, and a final layer of 4mm felt cap sheet.  This final layer of torch on roofs may be plain black bitumen, solar reflective finish, or mineral fleck finish which is available in a range of colours.

Felt roofs are generally guaranteed for 10 years, but some contractors may offer guarantees of up to 20 years.  That being said, it’s not unheard of for a well-installed torch on roof to last up to 30 years if it is properly maintained.  Easily the cheapest option with respect to flat roofs, felt roofs are a great choice for the budget-conscious. 

EPDM

EPDM is a fancy way of saying rubber.  EPDM roofs have become increasingly popular since they were introduced in the UK a few years ago.  Often installed in one layer, EPDM roofs can eliminate the need for joins thereby reducing the risk of leaks.  These roofs are very light weight, flexible, and durable and make a great choice regardless of the climate in your region. 

In fact, EPDM roofs are very tough and guarantees can last up to 50 years, and their cost is not prohibitive.  Though, you should expect to pay about 20% more for an EPDM roof than a felt roof.

Fibreglass

Sometimes known as glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), fibreglass roofs are by no means new, but they definitely represent the most advanced technology in flat roofs.  With modern resins and proper installation, fibreglass flat roofs are highly resistant to damage and can be repaired very easily.  The main benefit of fibreglass roofing systems is their appearance, but they also tend to be the most expensive.  Guarantees on fibreglass roofs are usually for around 25 years, but can last much longer than 30 years when they are installed properly.

Ultimately, determining the best material for flat roofs depends on a number of factors, including your budget and aesthetic preferences.  Likely, EPDM roofs offer the best bang for your buck, but you should probably discuss your options with a qualified roofing professional.  

Related: 

Residential roofing: http://www.k2roofing.com/roofing-services/residential-roofing/ 

Commercial roofing: http://www.k2roofing.com/roofing-services/commercial-roofing/

The post Best Roofing Material for Flat Roofs appeared first on K2 Roofing Blog.

Damaged shingles can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your roof, but they’re not particularly difficult or costly to replace.  If you’re an experienced handyman with the proper tools and safety equipment, you can likely do the repairs yourself.  Here is a quick outline of the steps involved, but take care!  If you’re not confident in your abilities or you lack adequate equipment, hire a professional for your roof repair.  It’s not expensive and your safety should be your primary concern.

Remove Damaged Shingles

First things first, you need to remove the damaged shingles, so follow these steps:

1. Employ proper safety measures, not only do you want to wear protective gear including eyewear, gripping boots, and gloves, you should install roof jacks so you have something to stand on, and use a harness.  Also, always work with a partner.  No matter how simple or quick the repair job, ALWAYS use a harness and roof jacks.
2. Assess the damage – are just the shingles damaged or are their signs of damage to the moisture barrier or flashing.  If you can’t answer these questions, you’ll want to hire a professional roofer.  Replacing shingles is fine, but if there is underlying damage, more extensive roofing repairs may be required.
3. Use a pry bar, crow bar, or even a hammer claw to carefully pry shingles away from the roof and loosen the adhesive.  You want to separate the adhesive and revealing nails of damaged shingles.  You’ll also probably want to loosen the tabs of a few of the shingles around the damaged area to make sure you make a complete repair.
4. Loosen exposed nails with a pry bar or hammer claw being careful not to break or damage remaining shingles.  If you need to remove shingles surrounding the damaged shingles take care, you may be able to reuse them – providing they are not damaged in the process.
5. Continue to loosen the adhesive under the damaged shingles and carefully remove the shingles.  Don’t try to save severely damaged shingles.

Replacing Shingles

Now that you’ve removed the damaged shingles, they’re ready to be replaced.

1. Place the new shingle in the same position as the damaged one that has been removed.  If the new shingles have an adhesive strip, remove the covering then slide them into position.  Finally, nail the new shingle to secure them.  Look for pre-cut nail holes, as most new shingles will have them so you can easily nail the shingles into place.  Otherwise, use other shingles on the roof as a guide for nail placement.
2. Apply sealant under the edges of all shingles that have been replaced as well as surrounding shingles that have been loosened.  Lift the shingle tabs and apply a 1-inch spot of shingle cement under each tab on the shingle.  Press the tabs down to ensure they are property secured. 

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