Winterizing your roof in Canada.

Winterizing your roof in Canada

Winterizing your roof in Canada

Winter has arrived and in Canada which means some homeowners will face challenges associated with unforgiving weather conditions. The roof, being the first line of defense against snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, requires special attention to ensure it can withstand the harsh elements. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the essential steps for winterizing your roof in Canada, offering detailed insights and tips, particularly tailored for the challenging winter.

Inspect and Repair Roof Damage:

The importance of a meticulous roof inspection cannot be overstated. Begin by examining the overall condition of your roof, paying close attention to any visible damage. Cracked or missing shingles, loose flashing, and compromised seals around vents and chimneys should be promptly addressed. Repairing these issues before winter sets in is critical to preventing further damage caused by the weight of snow and the freezing temperatures.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts:

Gutters and downspouts are vital components of your roofing system, directing water away from your home. Neglecting their maintenance can lead to clogs and ice dams during winter. Before the first snowfall, take the time to clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly. This will ensure proper water drainage and minimize the risk of ice-related problems on your roof.

Install Ice and Water Shield:

For added protection in regions experiencing severe winter conditions, consider installing an ice and water shield beneath your roofing material. This waterproof membrane acts as an additional barrier against ice dams, safeguarding your home from potential water infiltration. This is not always necessary but if you are replacing your roof, you could benefit from an added layer of protection. The experts here at Cambie Roofing can provide a free estimate and can inform you on whether or not this is necessary.

Trim Overhanging Branches:

Overhanging branches laden with snow and ice can pose a threat to your roof during winter storms. Trim branches that extend over your roof to prevent breakage and minimize the risk of damage caused by falling debris.

Insulate Attic and Ventilation:

A well-insulated attic is crucial for maintaining a consistent temperature on your roof. Inadequate insulation can result in heat escaping, leading to uneven melting and the formation of ice dams. Ensure your attic is properly insulated and well-ventilated to regulate temperature and moisture, reducing the likelihood of condensation and mold growth.

Check for Leaks and Seal Gaps:

Leaks and drafts in your attic can contribute to heat loss, exacerbating the risk of ice dams. Conduct a thorough inspection of your attic for any signs of water intrusion. Seal gaps and cracks in the attic floor, walls, and around openings such as vents and chimneys to maintain a tight thermal envelope.

Consider Snow and Ice Removal:

In areas prone to heavy snowfall, consider proactive snow and ice removal from your roof. Using a roof rake or enlisting the services of snow removal professionals can prevent the accumulation of excessive snow, reducing the risk of overloading and potential structural damage.

Contact Cambie for an Inspection

If you’re uncertain about your roofing system’s condition or lack the expertise to perform a comprehensive inspection, the experts at Cambie Roofing have more than 75 years of experience and can offer top of the line advice following a comprehensive inspection. We can identify potential issues and provide expert recommendations to ensure your roof is well-prepared for the challenges of the Canadian winter.

Final thoughts

Winterizing your roof in Canada is a multifaceted task that requires attention to detail and proactive measures to fortify your home against the rigors of winter. By following these extensive tips and recommendations, particularly tailored for the Canadian climate, you can ensure that your roof remains resilient and your home stays protected throughout the winter months. Taking the time to invest in these preventative measures will not only safeguard your property but also contribute to a more comfortable and worry-free winter living experience.

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What Is The Best Roofing Company in 2023?

What Is The Best Roofing Company in 2023?

If you’re looking for the best roofing company in 2023, there are several steps you can take to ensure you find a reliable and trustworthy contractor. Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or your local Homeowner Association (HOA).

Additionally, research roofing contractors in your area by checking directories, reading reviews on online platforms like Angi or HomeAdvisor. It’s crucial to verify that the contractors are licensed, insured and bonded. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, schedule consultations with at least two or three contractors. Do this so you can compare their services, credentials and pricing. During the consultations, ask for references and inquire about their experience, insurance coverage, warranties and safety practices. By taking these steps, you can feel confident in your decision to hire the best roofing company for your project.

So what’s changed in 2023? There are some pretty major shifts in roofing over the last year that you should be aware of. These changes might affect the type of company you hire to fix or replace your roof.

Supply chain issues

For starters, supply chain issues have become commonplace due to rising material costs and a shortage of labor. Unfortunately, these problems are expected to persist this year, as suppliers and manufacturers struggle to keep up with the demands of the market. As a result, roofing contractors may face challenges in taking on new projects. To address this issue, the Better Business Bureau recommends that roofing businesses communicate more frequently with their existing supply network or seek out new suppliers to ensure a steady supply of materials.

Rising costs

In addition, with the rising costs of energy, many people are seeking ways to save money and installing solar panels is becoming an increasingly popular solution. The government is also introducing measures to make solar panels more affordable, which is expected to drive up the number of solar panel installations in 2023.

So, how do you choose the right roofer for your project and budget? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to find and hire a trustworthy roofing contractor.

Step 1: Ask for Recommendations and Check Credentials

Before you start looking for roofing contractors online, ask your neighbors, friends, or Homeowner Association (HOA) for recommendations. If someone you trust has had a positive experience with a roofer, that’s a good sign that they’re reliable and competent. Additionally, check your area’s roofing contractor requirements and directories to ensure that the contractors you’re considering are licensed, insured and bonded. You can also find reviews of roofing contractors on websites like Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Yelp.

Step 2: Schedule Consultations and Compare Bids

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential roofing contractors, call two or three of them to schedule consultations. During the consultation, the roofer will inspect your roof, identify any issues and provide you with an estimate. It’s important to get bids from multiple contractors so that you can compare prices and services. Be wary of contractors who give you an estimate over the phone without inspecting your roof in person.

Step 3: Check References and Qualifications

Before you sign a contract with a roofing contractor, check their references and qualifications.
You can request contact information from previous clients to see how their experience was firsthand. Additionally, make sure that the roofing contractor meets the following qualifications:

  • Experience: Choose a roofer who has been in business for several years and has experience working on roofs similar to yours.
  • License: Check that the contractor is licensed to work in your area and that their license is up-to-date.
  • Insurance: Verify that the contractor has liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance to protect you from liability in case of accidents.
  • Bonding: Ensure that the contractor is bonded, which means that a bonding company has money available to a consumer in case they need to file a claim against that company.
  • Written estimate: Get a written estimate from the roofer that includes the scope of work, materials to be used, labor costs and a timeline for completion.

Step 4: Understand the Services a Roofer Offers

Roofing contractors offer a range of services, from inspections and repairs to replacements and installations. Before you hire a roofer, make sure you understand what services they offer and which ones you need. Here are some common roofing services that contractors provide:

  • Roof inspections: Roofers can inspect your roof for leaks, damage, and wear and tear, and provide you with a report of their findings.
  • Repairs and maintenance: Roofers can fix broken shingles, seal leaks, clean gutters, and perform other maintenance tasks to extend the life of your roof.
  • Installation or replacement: If your roof is beyond repair, a roofer can install a new one for you. They can also help you choose the right materials and style for your property.
  • Weatherproofing: A reputable company will ensure your roofing system can protect your home against all elements.

Conclusion

Cambie Roofing is a roofing and drainage company that specializes in residential, commercial and industrial projects. They adhere to the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) standards and their risk management policies comply with WCB regulations. With over 75 years of experience in the industry, Cambie roofing has developed expertise in handling complex projects and overcoming unique challenges. Contact us today for a free quote.

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Why you should clean and inspect your roof this spring

Why you should clean and inspect your roof this spring

Springtime is right around the corner which means it’s almost time to inspect your roof. With the changing of seasons, it’s always a good idea to create a checklist and spend some time ensuring your roof is working properly. Doing this will help protect you against a costly and unexpected repair down the road. We know that living through Canada winters can sometimes be challenging for people and the same goes for our roofs! With the combination of mother nature’s extreme weather conditions and forgetting to clean and inspect your roof, there will come a time when your roof fails. Harsh conditions our homes face include heavy rain, strong winds, large snowfalls and more. To help protect against a costly and unexpected repair, we’ve compiled a list of simple cleaning steps and things to look out for once springtime arrives.

Remove debris safely

Once the colder months have passed and the snow has melted, there is a very likely chance your gutters will be full of wet leaves and twigs. This is especially true if your home is situated near lots of trees and foliage. Doing this is a very easy job but it can take a bit of time depending on the amount of debris stuck in your gutters. Many people will wear gloves and physically pick up the debris and throw it out of the gutters. Because you’ll be on a ladder, you can get someone to help you collect the debris into a garbage bag as you remove it.

Deciding not to do this each springtime could mean your gutters become filled with mold which is an open invitation to pests and rodents looking for new homes. Not maintaining your gutters will also increase the chances of roof damage such as water leaks, raised shingles, and could risk the integrity of your home’s soffits, fascias, flashing, siding and overall roof functionality.

Clean your roof

While washing out your gutters, you’ll want to also clean off your roof itself. Removing debris then using a basic hose and/or leaf blower to wash off any dust and dirt will suffice. Sometimes people make the mistake of using a pressure washer to clean their roofs but this can be detrimental because it uses too much pressure and doing so may damage your shingles. And never forget to always get someone to help you with cleaning your roof because doing it alone is a safety hazard.

Don’t forget your downspout

Lastly, you should also clean out your downspout once the gutters are complete. You can do so by removing the horizontal pipes (if your downspouts have these), taking your garden hose and feeding water through the top where the gutter meets the downspout. You’ll know you’ve cleared the debris once the water flows easily through the downspout and onto the ground.

Look for early warning signs of damage

Once your roof, gutters and downspouts are all clean, it’s time to look for any damage that may have occurred over the winter. While looking for signs of damage on your roof it’s a good idea to record anything you find on a document so you can provide the information to a roofing professional if you decide to seek one.

Shingles, dark spots, flashing

Firstly, you’ll want to scan your roof for any raised, missing or damaged shingles. Shingles can become worn overtime as they face different weather conditions. Then you will want to examine your roof for any dark greenish spots as this is an indication of mold and/or water damage. Looking for these spots is especially important if your roof is beneath plenty of trees! Next, you’ll want to check your roof’s flashing to ensure it has not become loose. This is common in areas surrounding chimneys, edges and even skylights.

Check the inside of your home

Routine roof examinations shouldn’t end while you’re outside because checking the interior of your roof is just as important! If you discovered a missing shingle or crack in flashing, it could mean the problem has traveled into your home. Finding a leak early could be the difference between a minor repair and a costly and harmful problem such as mold and mildew. Using a basic flashlight, take a moment to inspect your attic for any signs of water, rotting, smells, rodent poop, ect.

Know when to call a professional

We are the experts at Cambie Roofing and we pride ourselves in the fact that we offer free estimates to potential customers. So, if you’ve performed your routine springtime roof check and you’ve discovered the need for a repair, don’t hesitate to call us! No matter what the problem is, big or small, old roof or new roof, we will be happy to help. Tackling a problem sooner than later will help protect you against an even more expensive bill. And even if you don’t think there’s a problem with your roof, you can give us a call if you’d like us to perform your springtime inspection. Some people are not comfortable or physically capable of using a ladder to check their roofs but that is where we come in handy! Our trained professionals can assist you with any roofing needs and/or questions. Getting someone to inspect your roof twice a year is best, especially in the springtime.