COVID and cost of your roof

How COVID-19 Will Impact the Cost of Your Roof

by Roofing Services

How COVID-19 Will Impact the Cost of Your Roof? There’s every reason to believe that property owners hoping to replace or install a new roof will have to prepare for significantly higher costs amid the pandemic.

As there is no reason for optimism about COVID-19, it’s no surprise that costs are already on their way up. The average price of a new shingle roof rose by at least 5% in 2021.

And it gets worse – the impact of COVID-19 on affordable housing providers will be even more significant. There is no simple way for them to make roof installation more affordable; in other words, local roofers expect to spend more across the board.

Economic Shutdown’s Impact on Roof Materials

The shutdown of several manufacturing plants and the loss of skilled labourers have meant that roofing suppliers and manufacturers have had to import materials from overseas.

Though the materials aren’t any different, they’re imported means there are additional shipping costs. For the most part, the added expense is shouldered by property owners who need to replace their roofs and buy products.

Opting for imported roofing materials is a costlier option – but with local supplies hit by the stranded economy, both property owners and roofing contractors don’t have much choice.

Even if a substantially lower number of property owners spend on a roof replacement during the pandemic, this trend doesn’t translate to cheaper materials. Companies, especially those that struggle to compete with well-established brands, are forced to adhere to COVID-19 adjustments in the factories.

This means social distancing, limited physical contact, and constrained work hours. All in all, everyone in the roofing industry must deal with reduced production.

Costlier Supplies + Lower Demand = Higher Prices for Your Roof

Whatever your roofing needs, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll need to prepare for higher costs.

For homeowners struggling to maintain their properties, this means putting home improvement projects on hold. But when the roof can no longer function the way it’s expected, you have no other choice but to have it replaced, even if it means having to take the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Manufacturers of roof materials know all too well that property owners are forced to pay a premium for their products. And since many homeowners are compelled to turn to less affordable options, they’re also more likely to sell at a higher price.

We’re not saying that everyone’s taking advantage of it. Nevertheless, even big-time manufacturers and suppliers are struggling to meet ends, forcing them to increase the price of roofing materials.

Mandatory Safety Guidelines Make Everything Difficult

Roofers and manufacturers don’t dictate the price of roofing materials, at least for the most part – they’re not the ones to blame for the increased cost of roof replacement.

Government-mandated safety guidelines and policies in the workplaces across all service industries make it almost impossible to stick to the usual turnaround time. This is quite true in the construction sector, where roofing belongs.

The result?

  • More delays
  • More time for the roof to deteriorate
  • Increased construction costs all around

As a result, you’re forced to pay more if you want your roof replacement as soon as possible.

So, aside from paying more for the materials, property owners are likely to acquiesce to higher cost estimates for labour. Several factors come into play, including that workers must be cautious not to get infected with the virus on site. It usually means a higher demand for paid overtime, extra compensation, and hazard pay.

Some property owners decide to do things cheaply, i.e., hiring a handyman to install a new roof. But this, too, could cost you more in the long run. Working with an unqualified roofer means increased susceptibility to mistakes. This only makes the roof more vulnerable to leaks and expensive repairs sooner than later.

Is It Best to Delay Roof Replacement?

If your roof is in good condition, then you might want to consider deferring the replacement for now. However, when there’s a massive storm approaching or when it starts leaking, you’ll have no other choice but to replace it in time.

You need to protect your family under the assessment of a professional – regardless of whether COVID-19 already hit your community or not.  Fortunately, there are ways to limit physical interaction while you’re weighing your options.

For example, you can search and hire a roofing contractor without meeting them in person. You can also arrange for a virtual appointment and a simulation of their work sites.

An online meeting with your prospects will suffice when it comes to figuring out the best options available. Another alternative would be to have a third party contact them on your behalf.

Cost Of Your Roof And COVID-19

With most roofing companies adapting to the new normal, you expect them to be fully versed in online correspondence. After all, working with clients online reduces overhead costs and maintains productivity.

There always will be a handful of prospects out there who’ll give you a reasonable quotation to get some work done in otherwise slow trade.

So, the problem isn’t finding a qualified contractor to install your new roof in the middle of the pandemic. The more obvious concern is the cost – will it be too much for anyone to back off and put the project on hold? Even with the pandemic ravaging the entire construction industry, there’s no way that roofing companies will cease their operations.

The roofing industry is going through a tough time. But if you’re smart about it, then there’s no need for you to pay an outrageous price to have your roof replaced in time. Know how to compare prices online, get free quotes from multiple contractors, and ask the right questions.

Keep in mind that COVID-19 is already making impact over the cost of your roof. Be ready to deal with it while saving money in the long term.

How to Remove Moss from Shingles to Preserve Your Roof

How to Remove Moss from Shingles to Preserve Your Roof

by RoofingRoofing Services

Quick and simple: Remove moss from shingles if you want to extend your roof’s life span. Shingles with a dark green appearance may look harmless, but it’s a sign of moss buildup. Moss grows in the roof’s shaded area, like when tall and thick trees cover it. Some homeowners think that their shingle-type roofing system doesn’t look bad with moss in it, not realizing that it speeds up the roof’s deterioration.

A thin layer of moss isn’t a cause for alarm, but when it grows into large clusters, it’ll find its way under the shingles and wreak havoc to the whole structure. You’ll read a boatload of tips on DIY moss removal, but it doesn’t mean they’re legit. You may even damage your roof in the process.

The idea is to safely remove moss on the shingles to maintain your roof’s structural integrity. While it sounds relatively straightforward, there’s a bunch of issues you need to address after the removal. How do you prevent it from growing back? If you’re getting rid of it on your own, how do you prevent further damage to the shingles?

Why Remove Moss in the First Place?

Aesthetics and charm aside, moss is bad for your shingles. No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t change the fact that it damages the roof and will shorten its life. Unlike plants that collect water through their roots, moss uses its leaves instead.

In other words, mosses don’t need soil to get the nutrients and water needed for growth. The dry surface of the roof shingle is no deterrent for its roots to grow and spread. If you ignore the presence of moss on your roof, it’ll slowly tear the shingles apart and cause leaks.

You don’t want moss on your roof when it rains; it soaks up and retains water naturally, putting unwanted weight and moisture on the shingles. Furthermore, moss buildup impedes proper water drainage. Instead of finding its way straight down to the gutters, water must go around the moss growth.

If left unattended, moss finds its way underneath the shingles, forcing them to lift and open up for water to penetrate. As soon as water penetrates the inner layer of the roof, it’ll result in leaks.

Removing Moss: How to Address a Moss Problem

Don’t wait for the growth to spread to the entire roofing surface before you act. The last thing you need is an expensive roof replacement project – a severe moss infection means that the shingles are no longer salvageable.

There’s a handful of ways to remove moss from your shingles; the strategy you choose depends on the state of your roof, budget, and severity of the infection. The easiest yet nastiest method is to scrub it manually. But the task is doubly difficult because of the “height” factor and the complexity of your roof’s design.

Put the ladder close to the affected area; this way, you don’t have to walk through a distance on the roof. Wearing protective equipment is a must, i.e., rubber gloves, slip-resistant shoes, and eye protection. Grab a safety rope to secure yourself – there’s a constant risk of falling.

Find a soft-bristled brush with a long handle so you won’t have to bend over and potentially lose balance. To remove moss, start scrubbing from the top to prevent lifting or damaging the shingles. Remember, there’s a difference between scrubbing the shingles gently and scraping them. You don’t want to scour or pound it either.

What If Scrubbing Doesn’t Work?

Scrubbing the roof doesn’t work at all times. Fortunately, there are other ways to get rid of the moss, including:

1 – Liquid Moss Killer

You need sufficient water pressure that reaches the roof’s ridge to apply a liquid moss killer. It comes in a container that conveniently attaches to the garden hose. You can also mix liquid bleach and water and spray the solution on the affected area. See to it that you let the solution adhere to the surface by leaving it for about half an hour before rinsing. You may have to repeat the process in severe moss growth.

Pro Tip: Never use a pressure washer on asphalt shingles since it might result in granule loss.

2 – Dry Moss Killer

Any home improvement store sells dry moss killer in powder form. You have to sprinkle the powder in lines parallel to the roof ridge. Be sure each line is about four feet from the other. The idea is for rainwater to combine with the dry powder, finding its way to the eaves.

Pro Tip: Don’t go for the dry moss killer powder if there’s no rain forecast for several weeks.

Prevention

Don’t wait for the moss to appear on your shingles before you do something. Put in place preventive measures that’ll help suppress moss’ growth; clean the gutters regularly (or install gutter protection), trim tree branches that grow near or over the roof and get rid of anything that collects moisture, such as seedpods and leaves.

Lastly, roofing professionals recommend the installation of copper or zinc-coated strips below the roofing ridge caps. Rainwater flows over the strips, releasing the zinc particles into the shingles. This effectively thwarts any sign of moss growth.

Proper Roof Maintenance Will Extend the Life of Your Roof

Proper Roof Maintenance Will Extend the Life of Your Roof

by Roofing Services

Proper Roof Maintenance will extend the life of your roof, that is a fact you need to keep in mind.

Very few home improvement projects cost more than a new roof. This alone is enough reason to keep it in pristine condition for as long as possible. Regardless of the roofing material, the structure will eventually give in to wear and tear, exacerbated by extreme weather and the lack of proper maintenance—even the most affordable composite shingle roof costs at least $12,000. So, after investing your hard-earned money to install a new roof, you need to protect it.

You couldn’t be more wrong to think that a newly installed roof doesn’t need your attention. Again, proper roof maintenance will extend your roof’s life span.

Regardless of age, the structure must be regularly inspected to ensure that it’s in excellent condition. Appropriate maintenance will extend its life. But as someone who doesn’t really go up there to check what’s going on, you’re clueless about what comprises the term “proper maintenance.” Here’s what you need to know:

1 – Gutter Cleaning

Did you know that when your gutters are clogged with debris, the overflow can both go downwards and upwards? Aside from the wet basement and damaged paint on the side of your house, clogged gutters force water into the roof decking and rafters. Since these components are usually made from wood boards, the presence of water in them leads to rotting. That type of damage could amount to thousands of dollars in repair work.

You can avoid costly repair on your roofing components caused by water penetration by merely cleaning the gutters – do it every fall and spring. If you’re not up to the task, you can hire a contractor for a $100 job.

Pro Tip: Installing gutter protection, i.e., gutter guards and mesh, helps prevent clogging and reduce the need to clean the gutters.

2 – Mind the Moss

Some roofing materials are vulnerable to moss, i.e., wood and composite shingles. Moss looks like black algae, but you need to get rid of it from the onset, unlike black algae. Black algae affect the roof’s aesthetics, but it doesn’t hurt it. You’ll easily remove it with bleach and water.

On the other hand, moss must be dealt with right away because it traps water. If you ignore the buildup of moss on your roof, it’ll cause multiple problems such as added weight to the roof, rotting, and blocking the drainage points. Prevent the growth and eventual buildup of moss by using potassium salts of fatty acids. A more aggressive approach requires the use of chemicals like zinc sulfate.

Pro Tip: Put zinc strips on your roof to prevent the likelihood of another growth. Hire a roofer when using pesticide on your roof, especially when you’re near a river or lake.

3 – Find a Solution Against Ice Dams

Ice buildup puts all types of roofing material at risk. The pressure and weight take their toll even on the most durable and expensive roofing material. Although removing some of the snow in between storms provide a remedy, it’s wrong to try to pry off an ice dam. Doing so may damage the roof and cause a leak, which you wanted to prevent in the first place.

The key is finding a way to reduce the risk of ice dams forming on your roof. Start by improving attic insulation and sealing air leaks. You’ll notice a significant improvement in the next winter if you invest in better insulation.

Pro Tip: Use heated cables to prevent ice dams. Attach the cables along the roof’s edge using clips. The heated cables work by balancing the roof’s temperature by heating it from the outside. It’s an alternative to the traditional method of blowing in cold air.

4 – Detect Roof Damage

The roof is at its most vulnerable state after a hailstorm, torrential rain, or strong wind. The key to extending its life is to inspect it right after a storm hits. You don’t have to do the fixing yourself, but you must learn the signs of a damaged roof. Look for the telltale signs like:

  • Damaged flashing around the chimney, skylight, vents, and all other roof openings
  • Missing or loose shingles
  • Visible water infiltration
  • Broken gutters and downspouts
  • Loose debris
  • Granule loss

If you notice something out of the ordinary, call a local roofing contractor right away for a comprehensive inspection. The idea is to act on it as soon as possible. Most of the roof damage after a storm can be fixed at a cheap. The cost goes up if you continue ignoring it.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to call your insurance company. Figure out if the damage is extensive enough for it to be covered by your home insurance. If not, it’ll be more practical to hire a roofer directly to perform the minor repairs.

5 – Prevent Tree Damage

Preventing tree damage is a critical part of your roof maintenance routine. Trim overhanging branches to keep leaves from accumulating on the roof and gutters. By keeping a reasonable space between a tree and your roofing system, you reduce the risk of moss growth, too. Even a small branch can puncture a roof when it breaks. It’s best to get rid of an overgrown tree near your house.

Pro Tip: Maintain a gap of 10 feet between your roof and tree branches. If branches get any closer, they’ll act as a bridge for rodents to gain access to your home via the roof. If there’s a significant presence of rodents on your property, wrap the trunk of a nearby tree with a sheet metal bank to discourage them from climbing.

To Get Proper Roof Maintenance, Hire a Pro

Local roofing contractors offer a customized maintenance plan for your roof, so there’s no reason to get stressed out. Find one that suits your budget but see to it that you compare multiple quotes. It makes sense to spend on maintenance and repair instead of paying top dollar for a roof replacement job.

Hiring a Roofing Contractor Checklist

Hiring A Roofing Contractor Checklist

by Roofing Services

It’s not easy hiring a roofing contractor for the first time. You’re here because you need help for a repair or replacement project, but you’re clueless on where (or how) to begin your search. Unsurprisingly, many homeowners abandon the plan of a roofing project simply because searching, vetting, and choosing a roofer is way too much of a burden. 

Hiring A Roofing Contractor Checklist

Hiring a roofer doesn’t have to be that hard if you know what you’re doing, including the questions to ask and the red flags. If you continue reading this post, you’ll realize that it’s relatively uncomplicated after all. We’ve put together a checklist to explain every element of the search and hiring process. 

Work with a Contractor You Trust

Roof repair is unlike any other home renovation job. Once you figure out that there’s something wrong, hiring a local roofer is no longer just an option. To restore the roof’s structural integrity, you’ll have to cover the repair or replacement as soon as possible. The first step is to find a trustworthy roofing contractor. Here’s what you have to do: 

  • Ask your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors for recommendations. 
  • Call or visit the local organization of roofers for referrals. 
  • Search for prospects online.
  • Find prospects via local newspaper and TV ads. 

Assess Your Prospects

Not every roofer is a fit. If possible, avoid hiring someone who’s not based locally. You want a quick turnaround and response in case something goes wrong after the completion of the job. Working with a company headquartered outside of the city could prove difficult because of the distance. 
To figure out which among your prospects is the best fit for the roof repair or replacement project, follow these steps:

  • Request individual quotes from at least four local roofers. Focus on those who are willing to visit your home to see the site. Some roofers hand out an estimate without an inspection. 
  • Visit the website (provided there’s one) of each roofing prospect. Favor those with an established online presence and with multiple positive reviews from previous clients. 
  • Read all reviews, especially negative feedback. Figure out if there’s a pattern of bad practice from the roofer. If you notice a trend, remove that prospect from your list.

Questions to Ask

Narrow down your list to two or three local roofers. Request a phone interview and ask these questions:

  • How long have you been in the roofing business?
  • What is your experience in a similar roofing job?
  • Can you give me a list of references?
  • Can you furnish a copy of your liability insurance? Does it cover property damage and worker’s compensation?

You’ll have a much better understanding of each prospect based on how they answer those questions. One of them will likely stand out. 

In-Person Interview

You have all your questions answered on the phone, so why go the extra mile for an in-person interview? You must personally meet the remaining prospects to review all the roofing job details; it’s also your best opportunity to temper expectations. If possible, come up with a spreadsheet to help you compare each contractor’s pitch. Discuss the technical details, including:

  • Get some more details on the insurance, i.e., policy number and limits.
  • Talk about the warranty details and the person responsible for the claim. 
  • See to it that you agree to a fixed price and that it must be included in the contract. 

Red Flags when hiring roofing contractors

As honest as your intentions are, some roofers will rip you off, while others engage in bad practice. Be wary of door-to-door contractors who go to areas devastated by storms and tornadoes. They usually scam innocent homeowners with outrageously cheap offers and misleading pre-payment deductibles. These are the common warning signs:

  • The contractor demands an upfront payment or a large down payment
  • They compel you to sign a contract right away
  • It sounds too good to be true. Whether it’s shockingly cheap bid compared to others, or whatever other reason.

Final Meeting

The final meeting is as crucial as the other steps in the hiring process. There’s a handful of things to iron out before the project begins:

  • Reconfirm the roofer’s initial quote
  • Explore payment options and make sure both parties agree on a payment plan
  • Ask for a copy of the contract, project plan, bills and invoices, proof of insurance, local government permits, and order changes

Wrapping It Up – Roofing Contractor Services

There’s no turning back once you sign the contract, so see that you get it right the first time. If you follow these steps, then you should see yourself hiring the best available roofing contractor. A roof repair or replacement project is one of the priciest investments for you this year, so there’s no room for mistakes.

Blistering and alligatoring, DIY vs Qualified Roofer in Vancouver

DIY vs Qualified Roofer in Vancouver, what’s better?

by Roof RepairRoofing Services

Hiring a DIY vs Qualified Vancouver Roofer

DIY vs Qualified Roofer, what are the pros and cons? Is it worthy to devote your time, money and security in giving to yourself that satisfaction of fixing your roof; or is it better to directly hire professionals?

Do-it-yourself home repair gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Not to mention, DIY feeds your hope of saving money. However, not all improvement projects are tenable with a DIY approach. Case in point: roofing.

But if you have all the skills to cover by yourself all other home improvement tasks, why can’t you do your own roof repairs?
There’s no doubt you can give it a try. But if your skillset do not include a license as a roofer, and the equipment you need to carry it on, then you still are missing all what you need to get the job well done.

Roof repair, installation, or replacement is possibly the most dangerous job when factoring in things like height, exposure to the weather, and the likelihood of making an expensive mistake.

Experience tells us that replacing a roof it’s nothing like replacing a light bulb, remodeling the bathroom, or installing kitchen tiles. Countless homeowners can tell you about it, too. 

Then, why professional roofing contractors make it look easy? Simple: They have experience, training and count with the correct equipment. You’re better off hiring a qualified Vancouver roofer over DIY. Here are the most important reasons to do it.

DIY vs Qualified Vancouver Roofer: All you need to know

1 – Licensed roofers have knowledge and experience

The untrained eye sees a roof as a structure made of shingles or tiles. But deep down, hidden underneath, those shingles and tiles have multiple layers of different materials.

So, if you think that there’s nothing complicated about replacing a missing shingle, you couldn’t be more wrong. The roof is a complex structure made up of a wide array of parts – it takes an expert to inspect and diagnose a problem right before coming up with a solution.

Roofing pros in Vancouver understand how different roofing systems work, including their weaknesses. They take advantage of their knowledge and experience to fix, install, or replace a roof in the quickest turnaround possible.

You can learn as much as you need about your roof, but at the end of the day, there are many ways for a DIY repair job to go wrong, even if it’s as simple as replacing a shingle. 

2 – Roofing companies recognize the value of aesthetics

Regardless of its age and material, the roof eventually shows signs of damage, i.e., leaks, curled shingles. A homeowner’s natural response is to remedy the issue before it gets worst. One of the most common mistakes we find, is the homeowner’s approach to the DIY project.

We mean, as you try a DIY approach when fixing your roof, aesthetics is something secondary in your list of priorities.
In other words, it’s easy to forget about maintaining the structure’s aesthetic value. When you realise how important it is, then it’s usually too late. Haven’t you ever seen roofs with mismatched shingles? There you go.

On the other hand, a professional roofer in Vancouver fixes a roofing issue with aesthetics and function in mind. A crucial part of fixing, installing, or replacing a roof is to ensure that the solution enhances the home’s curb appeal. 

3 – Professional roofers bring with them liability insurance

Even with home insurance, you’re less likely to get covered if you choose the DIY route when fixing your roof. The insurance company could argue that you aren’t qualified to perform the job in the first place or negligent. Hence, you’ll end up paying for the damage on your property as a result of a botched roof repair project.

With experience and training, licensed roofing contractors in Vancouver are less likely to make mistakes. In the likelihood of an incident that led to property damage or injury, they have it covered with liability insurance.

So, you’re not just paying them for their expertise but the security of your investment as well. Remember that if you make a mistake in fixing the roof on your own with the insurance policy payout, you’re giving the insurance company a reason to deny any further claim. 

4 – Your roof is covered with limited warranties by working with a professional roofer

Vancouver local roofing contractors offer two types of roof warranties: labor and material. But if you choose a DIY approach for any roof repair, installation, or replacement job, you lose your right to be covered by the contractor’s limited warranty. You might very well void the material warranty against defects from the manufacturer.

Manufacturers will only honor warranties against defects if their product follow their instructions and Vancouver building code requirements. This is why it makes sense to let a licensed roofer do the job as they’re in the best position to maintain a high workmanship standard.

There’s no way to go around this rule. So, if you damage your roof after a botched DIY project, you can’t force a licensed contractor to cover for you to restore the warranty. It’ll be easy for them to argue that the existing problem with your roof was a direct result of the damage you caused. 

5 – Hiring a professional roofer helps you save money

It seems ironic, but a DIY approach to roof repair or replacement may cost you more money than hiring a professional. Even the slightest mistake may render a roofing material useless.

When you choose the DIY project, you most probably will damage your material before realizing the right way to use it. And then there’s the risk of buying the wrong materials – it’s just way too stressful to try to do it on your own.

In contrast, hiring a licensed and experienced contractor means you have someone who’ll do the hard work on your behalf, including the procurement of the materials, repair, or installation.

DIY vs Qualified Vancouver Roofer: Final thoughts

There’s a lot of intrigue in DIY roofing, but it’s not worth your time. Even if you’re a home improvement buff, roof repair or replacement is way out of your league.

There’s even a likelihood that your DIY roof repair projects reduce your home’s value, making it more challenging to sell at a fair price. 

Spring Cleaning Maintenance on Your Roof

Spring Cleaning Maintenance on Your Roof

by Roofing Services

In this blog post, we’re going to talk about spring maintenance on your roof and how it’s different this year. The snow is melted, the sun is out – it’s Springtime in Vancouver. While for most it means more hikes, walks, mountain biking, it also means that it’s time to do a little spring cleaning—and that also means roof repair.

A tough winter can be hard on your roof, especially after long periods of snow, wind and ice. Make sure trees and shrubs are not rubbing the roof, and clear from causing damage.

Maintenance on Your Roof

Every residential roof could use a simple inspection in the spring. With regular, seasonal maintenance on your roof, it lasts longer and performs better. Whether you do some of the maintenance work on your roof yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor to do it, there are some key things to do in the spring.

You should incorporate, roof repairs and maintenance routines into the seasonal changes. This is because roofing problems vary with the climatic conditions, especially the rough colder months and it’s a perfect time to fix them. The winter weather can cause problems such as:

  • Leaks around flashings or chimneys and skylights
  • Ice dams forming inside the gutters and at the edge of your roof
  • Broken and cracked shingles
  • Damages to the insulation and blocked attic vents

The first step is to get a roofing professional to do a roofing inspection to make sure that your roof is still in good shape after the winter.

Although it has been a mild winter by Vancouver’s standards, we still recommend you get a roofer to take a look at our roof to prevent large repairs. Here is a list of things to look out for:

Clearing Debris

Cleaning the roof is essential because it helps you get a better view and determine if there are any broken or cracked spots that need repairing. When you’ve had a couple days of sun without rain, brush away branches, twigs, leaves, nests and other debris. Check gutters and downspouts as part of the inspection process.

Leak Repair

After you’ve cleared away debris from your roof, you should inspect the attic, chimney, vents, skylights for any water pooling, leaks or damp areas. Darker patches are often a sign of water damage and you should address them immediately. If you see any black mould it means that the area has been problematic for awhile and might be a symptom of a much larger problem. You should contact a roofer immediately.

Replacing Shingles

If any shingles are missing, they should be replaced immediately as they can lead to leakage and other structural damage. If you see small holes, cracks, or tears, they can be fixed without replacing them, saving you money. Any broken, curled or missing pieces must be taken care of before waterproofing the vents.

Resealing Vents

Examine the vents or get a roofer to do it to make sure the sealants have not cracked or chipped. Be careful while checking the areas around the vents to prevent any mishaps. If a vent cracks, you should get a professional roofer to fix it.

Recaulk Your Chimney

When inspecting a chimney, you should be extra vigilant as this is a common problem area. If the caulking is worn, get a professional to replace it. They will apply a new high-quality sealant to prevent any water damage which will be more costly than fixing the problem immediately.

Clean Your Gutters

Troughs and downspouts are meant to safely carry water off your roof and away from the walls to prevent pooling and water damage. If your gutters have debris from leaves, sticks, or branches built up in them you will need to clean them out in preparation for spring showers. Cleaning gutters is a simple task and you can do them by yourself or hire a handyman to do it for you.

Trim The Surrounding Trees and Remove Leaves

Make sure tree limbs don’t touch or overhang your roof. If they do, they can easily scrape or fall on the shingles and loosen the granules that protect your roof. Trim trees close to your home to avoid any limbs touching the roof surface or the gutter.

If you trim your trees it will also prevent organic matter from falling onto your roof. A little leaf or a few pine needles won’t damage your roof, but if they collect and are deep enough to hold moisture, they need to be removed from you roof. Anything that holds moisture will cause mildew to form and can block gutters or cause extra weight on the roof.

Clean Any Excess Moss or Mold

Dark coloured patches on a roof can indicate mold, algae, or fungus is living there which can eat away at the roofing material and can cause leaks.

A treatment of chlorine bleach or copper sulfate solution can be applied and can kill the mould but there are more environmentally friendly options available. Recently some shingle manufacturers have created algae-resistant shingles that have a specially formulated granule that inhibits algae and moss growth. Be sure to ask your roofer about these options.

Cutting back trees in the surrounding area will reduce moss growth, as it will allow sunlight to dry up the shade and moisture that moss love. To get rid of moss, there are some environmentally friendly sprays you can use to get deep into the roots.

Examine Your Soffit and Fascia

Soffits are metal or wood panels between the wall of the house and the roofline, while fascia are the metal or wood boards along the roofline. Both of these components are crucial for a leak-free roof so don’t overlook them when doing your spring roof maintenance.
Check to see if the soffits or fascia have any water spots, cracks, or holes. Depending on how damaged they are, they might need to be repaired or replaced. If you’re unsure, ask a professional roofer to take a look at them.

Conclusion

Spring time is for renewal. It’s when flowers start to blossom and plants start to grow. It also a time when homeowners take a look around and try to tidy up and throw away things that aren’t doing any good.

Part of your spring cleaning should include either taking a good hard look at the condition of your roof to see if it’s time to call a roofer. If you need a roofing expert, give Cambie Roofing a call. They will answer any questions you might have and will give you a free roof inspection so you can make the most informed decisions about your home.

Originally published on April 15 2019, updated on March 9th 2021

roofing company, Selecting a Roofing Company

5 Things A Property Manager Should Consider when Selecting a Roofing Company

by property management and strata councilRoofing Services

For someone whose job is to manage a commercial building or property, you’re in charge of taking care of all the maintenance and repairs to keep everything in excellent working order. Of course, this implies choosing the best roofing company near you. Though you usually call a handyman or general contractor for minor repairs, there are times when you’re compelled to call in the pros. One of those instances is when the building is up for a major roofing project, be it replacement, installation, or repair. I am going to share “5 Things A Property Manager Should Consider when Selecting a Roofing Company”.

A roofing project’s success depends on the guys you hire, so you know how important it is to work with a reputable company. The roof is more than just a structure that protects the building and its residents.
As a property manager, it’s your job to guarantee the tenant’s comfort and convenience. When the attic or ceiling leaks and rats find their way inside through the roof, you’ve got a serious problem on hand. The last thing you need is a line of residents or tenants complaining about those things.

A handyman or general contractor can fix minor problems, i.e., missing shingle, clogged gutters, and sagging roof deck. But when you’re faced with issues that require a major repair job or replacement, you turn to an experienced and licensed roofing company.
How do you find an experienced local roofing contractor? Your job starts by learning what you should look for in your list of prospects. Finding viable candidates is the easy part – the challenge lies in selecting which among the companies in your list deserves the roofing repair or installation contract.

5 Things To Consider when Selecting a Roofing Company

Property managers like you must factor in these things:

1 – Roofing company: License and Insurance

This is non-negotiable. Never compromise on these two in the hope of saving money by hiring a cheap contractor. A local roofer with no license means it doesn’t have the qualifications to obtain one. There’s no sense in operating as an unlicensed roofer when you realize that everyone else gets theirs to become legitimate contractors.
Letting an unlicensed contractor fix or install a roof on a building or property you manage is like playing with fire. When something goes wrong, you’re only putting yourself in a precarious situation; you’re also placing your job as a property manager at risk.
The absence of liability insurance means the property owner is likely to cover the costs of repair in case of damage to the building. The same applies to hospital expenses due to an injury suffered by a worker. So, license and insurance are not just options, but requisites when selecting a roofing company.

2 – Keep your Eyes on The Contract

Put everything into writing. There’s no such thing as a verbal agreement between a property manager and a contractor hired for a roofing project.
Take your time in describing every detail on ink because it will serve as your protection from possible breach of the contract. Anything that’s written and signed becomes a legal proof against the failure to deliver the necessary services.
While the roofer produces the contract, your job is to scrutinize every provision. Pay particular attention to the start date and the estimated completion date. Be sure to account for all the expenses and materials listed.
Signing the dotted contract puts you and the contractor at a bind; it means you agree and consent to all the details written inside. So, before you sign it, be sure you’ve read it at least a couple of times.

3 – Comprehensive Experience in Roofing Services

Not all roofers are created equal. As much as you prefer to hire a company because you played football with the owner in high school, you can’t be subjective or personally attached to this decision.
The one thing that counts the most is the experience of the roofing contractor. Many local roofers handle residential roof repair and replacement, but do they have some experience in roofing projects involving buildings and commercial properties?
There’s a considerable difference between fixing or replacing a roof on an average house and an apartment or building complex.
Experience matters because it tells you that the roofer is less likely to make costly mistakes along the way. Since they’ve done it before, they know how to be successful at it.

4 – Nature of Service when Choosing a Roofing Company

Roofing contractors differ in the manner of fulfilling a job. Some companies choose to work with subcontractors. Others hire day-labour workers, and the well-establish ones have enough people in their payroll to get the job done.
Some property owners and managers don’t care about how the service is delivered, but you should pay attention to it. The reason is that you’re looking at the long-term effect of a topnotch and reliable service. A roofing company that relies on day-labour and temporary workers isn’t likely to be as dependable.

5 – Future Upkeep

Consider future repair and maintenance needs when you’re about to choose a roofing contractor. As a property manager, your job doesn’t end after the project. Ask your prospects about service guarantee, material or product warranty, and emergency services.
Work with a company that offers ongoing support because you’ll need it sooner or later. It’s a lot more convenient to have one roofer handling all your future maintenance and repair needs instead of going over the tedious job of finding another contractor.
A property manager is responsible for the comfort and welfare of the people residing and renting in the apartment complex, building, or commercial space. Part of that responsibility is taking care of the building, including the roof. Hiring a licensed and experienced roofing company assures that you fulfill this duty.