Choosing a residential roofing company is a decision that should not be taken lightly.  Roofing repairs and replacement can not only be costly, but they are crucial to protecting your home, belongings, and most importantly – your family.  So, when selecting a roofing contractor, what should you consider?  From the company’s reputation and experience to your preferred working style, there are many things to look for in a residential roofing company.  Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors to consider.

Reputation

When first shortlisting candidates for a residential roofing company to complete your roofing project, you should consider the reputation of the contractor.  Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they can recommend a good contractor, but also consider how long that roofing company has been in business and their portfolio of work.  Not only do you want to know that the company has experience with your type of project, but working with a roofing contractor that has established roots in your community ensures that they will still be around if anything goes wrong with your roofing repairs or replacement.

This means that your residential roofing company should have a bricks-and-mortar location that includes a business address, phone number, and email.  Nowadays, most companies will also have a website that can direct you to testimonials from past customers, contact information for the roofer, and examples of the kind of experience they have.  All these elements suggest you are working with an established and reputable roofing contractor that is committed to serving its customers.

Staff

Some residential roofing companies hire subcontractors to complete roofing repairs and replacement, and this may be an early red flag.  Subcontractors are hired on one job at a time, and if the roofing company does not have a long-standing relationship with said subcontractor quality control may be an issue.  The best way for a residential roofing company to ensure exceptional workmanship is to hire and train their staff to meet or exceed their expectations of roofing quality.

Estimates

Any reputable roofing contractor will provide a written estimate and detailed contract for all roofing work that needs to be done.  Job specifications should be made explicit and the cost of materials and labour should be clearly outlined before you begin a roofing project. 

Liability Insurance

The next thing you want to know before you hire a residential roofing company is that they have adequate liability insurance to protect your property and their workers.  Ask your roofer if they can provide proof of liability insurance before agreeing to work with them.

Ongoing Maintenance and Emergency Service

Many roofing contractors will offer warranties for their workmanship that differ from the warranties for materials used in the project.  If there are problems with your roof that arise from errors made by your contractor or their staff, you want to be sure that repairs will be covered.  Likewise, always try to work with a residential roofing company that provides service outside usual business hours in case an emergency arises.

The post What to Look for in a Residential Roofing Company appeared first on K2 Roofing Blog.

If the time has come for you to repair or replace your residential roof, it’s also time to learn something about the most common materials used in residential roofing.  Depending on your geographic region, the materials currently used in your roof, and your budget, your choice of roofing materials is going to vary.  In Canada, there are several commonly utilized residential roofing materials including asphalt, clay, concrete, and metal.  Let’s take a moment to describe and compare each of these materials.

Asphalt Shingles

Sometimes referred to as composition shingles, asphalt shingles are probably the most common residential roofing material in the world.  They are affordable, lightweight, easily installed and maintained, and they are available in a wide range of colours and styles.  Typically, asphalt shingles represent a durable roofing material, particularly when you consider their cost.  Still, their lightweight nature means they are easily damaged by wind.  Moreover, their popularity means they are produced by a large number of manufacturers so you want to take care to choose a company that produces quality shingles.

As an alternative to asphalt shingles, laminated shingles are very similar but provide better protection in windy environments and they even offer better fire protection.  Also, whereas asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, laminated shingles can last up to 50 years.

Clay

Although among the most expensive residential roofing materials (ranging from $10 to $30 per square foot), clay tiles offer superior durability and can last up to 100 years in the right climate.  That being said, these residential roofing materials are very heavy, so your home must be able to provide the adequate structural support.  Additionally, clay tile are not suitable for colder environments as they can crack when temperatures cause them to freeze and thaw.  Still, they stand up well to strong winds and fire, and they are available in a beautiful array of colours.

Concrete

Concrete tiles are a more affordable alternative that have similar properties and appearance to clay tiles.  However, concrete tiles are more versatile with respect to styles and they are even manufactured to look like wood.  Another strength of concrete tiles is that they withstand freezing temperatures better than clay, and they offer incredibly durability with lifespans of up to 50 years.  Unlike other residential roofing materials, concrete tiles tend to absorb a lot of water and may develop mildew so they are not ideal for rainy climates.

Metal

Metal roofs are lightweight and durable and provide superior fire protection.  For environmentally-aware homeowners, metal roofs may be constructed from recycled materials and can be installed over your existing roof to reduce the waste associated with roof replacement.  A somewhat expensive material, costs are balanced with longevity as metal roofs tend to last between 50 and 70 years.  Nevertheless, metal roofs are difficult to repair and they are not suitable to all climates.

For more information on residential roofing, please your roofers in Vancouver online or call (604) 317-0004

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Roof maintenance is important, no matter the cost.  As one of the most structurally significant aspects of your home, keeping your roof in tip top condition also helps you protect your home and your belongings.  Indeed, a quality roof does more than just keep the rain out.  The structural integrity of your roof is important for insulation too.  In other words, your roof keeps your home dry and warm!  So, if you’ve discovered a leak and a professional roofer is recommending repairs, follow their advice – the costs associated with roof repair are usually a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Repair costs can vary significantly.  The most basic repairs may be as little as $100 to $200, while the most advanced repairs could exceed $2000.  On average, roofing repairs land somewhere in the middle, usually between $400 and $800.  While these costs certainly seem expensive, you need to consider the importance of your roof as well as the cost of replacement (which can easily exceed $5000 depending on the type and style of your roof). 

Types of Repairs

Among the most common roofing repairs relate to shingles.  During storms, it’s not uncommon for shingles to be broken or even blown off completely, particularly on older roofs.  In fact, even on newer roofs shingles can be lifted off during high winds.  Heavier shingles stand up better to high winds, but no material is entirely weatherproof.

Another common roofing repair relates to flashing.  Flashing is the material that surrounds vents or other roofing fixtures, and while they are sealed to your roof flashing is usually made from metal material and prone to corrosion over time.  This includes flashing around chimneys and skylights which can pose a significant risk to leaks.

Roof valleys are another part of the roof that commonly requires repair due to water build-up on the interior angles of your roof.  A great deal of water flows down roof valleys making these roof areas more susceptible to damage over time.

If you live in a cold climate, ice dams pose another significant problem.  When accumulated snow on your roof melts and then re-freezes, ice dams form.  This can prevent normal drainage from your roof and eventually causes leaks.

Professional Repairs

Unless you are a roofing professional yourself, you should always hire an expert roofer for repairs.  While you can often see signs of a leak inside your home, it can be difficult to trace the original source of the leak on your roof.  In addition, professional roofers have the expertise to identify potential future roofing problems so they can conduct preventative repairs that are generally less costly.  For this reason, you should also have your roof professionally inspected every year.

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Your roof is a major structural component of your home (or any building for that matter), and one that requires regular maintenance and repairs in order to preserve optimal functioning.  With respect to shingled roofs, shingle replacement is a common repair.  Sometimes you’ll replace an entire roof, while other times you’ll need only to conduct repairs to a portion of your roof.  Because roofing repairs and/or replacements constitute a sizeable investment, you want to take every precaution to prevent major repairs.  So, let’s turn our attention to flashing and the integral role it plays in protecting your roof.

What is Flashing?

First, let’s get a better understanding of flashing.  Simply put, flashing serves one major purpose, and one purpose only: flashing prevents water from entering wherever there are penetrations on your roof.  Examples of roof penetrations include vents, chimneys, pipes, and drains. 

Flashing is a relatively inexpensive roofing material, and many professionals will replace flashing whenever shingle damage is near or incorporates flashing.  That being said, it isn’t always necessary to replace flashing when conducting shingle repairs or replacements.  In fact, depending on the type of flashing, you may or may not need to replace it.  Let’s have a closer look.

Drip Edge Flashing

Generally speaking, there are two varieties of drip edge flashing.  One type of drip edge flashing is designed to protect the gutter edge of your roof and the other to protect the edge or roof rake edge of your roof.  Drip edge flashing channels water off the roof and away from the fascia, and it is attached to the roof before roofing felt is applied.  Most roofing professionals advise replacing drip edge flashing unless the current flashing is in new condition.

Gutter Flashing

Roofers will also recommend replacing gutter flashing when shingle repairs or replacement is already being done.  However, if you have decorative attachments that are attached to gutter flashing using screws or spikes, you should consider overlaying your drip edge with new gutter flashing. 

Penetration Flashing

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning penetrations, pluming vent pipes, and other roofing penetrations usually feature metal or rubber flashing that serves to seal penetrations and prevent water from entering your home.  Ideally, you want to replace all rubber boots during your roofing repairs.  Metal flashing should be replaced unless it is in new condition.

Valley Flashing

As the name suggests, valley flashing is installed whenever two roof planes intersect in order to direct water flow.  Valley flashing should always be replaced as the demands on this type of flashing can be significant. 

Vertical Wall Flashing

Similar to valley flashing, vertical wall flashing is installed when one roofing plan meets a wall such as a chimney, dormer, or even a split-level roof.  It can be difficult to remove and replace this flashing, particularly when the flashing has been grouted at the joints.  Nevertheless, unless this flashing appears in new condition, you should replace it.

Food For Thought

As you can see, it is almost always beneficial to replace flashing when you are conducting roof repairs.  That being said, this kind of work is always best left to roofing professionals who can more accurately assess the quality and durability of all your roofing structures and materials.

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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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The roof on your home is not only important for providing protection and shelter, but it is also one of the most structurally significant parts of the building.  Therefore, it is especially important that you keep your roof in good condition which will require regular maintenance and repairs as well as the occasional replacement.  Unfortunately, roofing work is also among the most expensive to undertake, so how much should you pay for a new roof?

First, it’s important to understand that there are many factors that will affect the cost of a new roof.  Some of these factors include:

• The size of your roof
• The pitch of your roof
• The type of roof and materials used
• Your geographic location
• The presence of roofing fixtures (i.e. skylights, chimneys, or pipes)
• Hourly contractor rates
• The nature of replacement (i.e. scheduled versus emergency)

As you can see, it can be very difficult to provide an estimate of roofing costs without more details about your particularly roof.  Nevertheless, the average roof replacement in North America runs between $5000-7000 which represents a sizeable investment for most homeowners.  Sometimes roofing repairs are an adequate and much more affordable solution to leaks or damage; and still, there are some circumstances under which you should consider getting a new roof.

When is it time to install a new roof?  Typically, the lifespan of residential roofs is around 25 years.  When an older roof (i.e. one near the end of its life cycle) is leaking or showing signs of visible damage, it is always advisable to invest in a replacement roof.  At the very least, have your roof inspected by an experienced professional and follow their advice.

In addition, regardless of the age of your roof, extensive leaking is another cause for concern.  If you have multiple leaks that are clearly affecting different parts of your roof, replacement is a better option than repair.  You should take care to review the warranty on your current roof as you may be able to have some of the replacement covered, especially if you have a relatively new roof. 

Finally, many homeowners choose to install a new roof purely for aesthetic appeal.  Investing in a roof that improves the look of your home while complementing its style can actually have a significant impact on the resale value of your home.

Now that you know a little bit more about the costs of roof replacement and the situations wherein replacement is recommended, you can start contacting local roofers for advice or quotes.  Also, remember to be proactive about your roof.  Emergency roofing repairs and replacement are always more expensive; not to mention, waiting for an emergency puts your home and belongings at risk.

The post How Much Should You Pay for a New Roof? appeared first on K2 Roofing Blog.

What is in a residential roof?  They are pretty standard structures, are they not?  The untrained eye can easily make the mistake of thinking that all residential roofs are made from the same material; and the untrained builder could make the even bigger mistake of thinking that all residential roofing materials are appropriate in all geographies and climates.  Neither of these sentiments is true, however.  Indeed, there are many different roofing materials that can be used in residential roof construction, and each offer different strengths and weaknesses. 

Among the major types of materials used for residential roofs are asphalt shingles, wood, metal, tile, and slate.  Let’s take a closer look.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingle roofs are easily the most common variety of residential roof in North America.  Asphalt shingles are popular because they are inexpensive and easy to install.  Constructed from fibreglass and asphalt, these shingles can be sold in single-thickness varieties or more durable laminated alternatives.  While single-thickness shingles are much cheaper, laminated shingles are generally considered more attractive and more durable.

Wood Roofs

Wood roofs are certainly not a newcomer to the roofing market; in fact, they’ve been utilized for hundreds of years.  While these roofs are not suitable in regions that are at high risk for fires (they may even be banned in some areas), wood roofs are still a popular option for residential structures.  The lifespan of a wood roof is usually around 25 years, and these make very attractive options.  Available in cedar, redwood, or pine, home owners often find wood roofs are a beautiful alternative to asphalt.

Metal

Among the most versatile and durable roofs, metal roofs are another common choice for residential buildings.  Aluminum, copper, and lead roofing structures stand up well to even the most inclement weather, though they tend to be quite expensive.  Lead and copper-asphalt varieties of metal roofs usually come as shingles whereas the other varieties are used for seamed roofs where vertical sheets of metal are soldered together. 

Tile

Another attractive residential roofing material is tile.  Tile roofs are most commonly found on homes featuring Spanish Colonial and Mission designs.  These roofs are among the most expensive, and while they are very durable they are not always an appropriate choice as they are also very heavy.  As such, some existing homes cannot be retrofitted with tile roofing materials.

Slate

Finally, when it comes to residential roofing materials few products compare with the strength and durability of slate.  Indeed, it is not unheard of for slate roofs to last a hundred years or more.  Still, slate tends to be very expensive and heavy as well, so depending on your budget and the residential structure may not make an appropriate roofing option.

The post Residential Roofing Material Options appeared first on K2 Roofing Blog.

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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Your home is a significant investment that you likely want to protect for many years to come.  Your roof is likely the most important structural component of you home not only for protecting your family and belongings but also for providing integral support to the entire building.  When it comes to caring for your home, you really must ensure the quality of your roof by working with a residential roofing company.  From installation and maintenance to basic repairs and replacement, a residential roofing company helps ensure the outermost protective shield of your home (the roof) is in optimal condition and protects you and your family from even the harshest weather.

So, why should you use a residential roofing company?  It’s simple – they are experts in all things roof.  Your residential roofing contractor should be a highly qualified professional with extensive knowledge about roofing products, materials, and installation.  They’ll understand all the ins-and-outs of different roofing systems and which are most effective in different climates.  They’ll be able to quickly assess the condition of your roof and identify any potential problems based on the most recent roofing regulations.  More importantly, a residential roofing company will be well-versed in modern roofing technology and will suggest roofing solutions based on your budget, climate, and preferences.

In addition to their expertise, roofing contractors are also equipped with the necessary tools to properly maintain and repair your roof.  While you may feel confident climbing up on your roof to make minor repairs such as shingle replacement, residential roofing companies can not only make those repairs, they’ll have the right tools for the job so they can prevent future problems as well.  Plus, your roofing professional will not only notice obvious signs of damage, they can identify and rectify minor problems before they become more serious problems.

Another reason you should consider using a residential roofing company is regular maintenance.  One of the most important steps a homeowner can take in protecting their home and roof is to develop a comprehensive maintenance program.  Your residential roofer can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof by conducting regular inspections and providing maintenance as required.  Included in this maintenance program would be things like debris removal, gutter cleaning, fixture inspection, and all minor repairs.

Finally, consider working with a residential roofing company to ensure that your roof is properly maintained and repaired by qualified individuals.  Roofing contractors should be bonded and licensed according to local regulations and they should also be covered by appropriate insurance.  Indeed, perhaps the best reason to use a residential roofing contractor is to protect yourself and your family from risk of injury and also from liability.  A residential roofing company is knowledgeable, well-equipped, and legally protected to conduct roofing repair and maintenance.

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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/

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