Category: Roofing

To have a roof in good condition is critical to our living conditions. Roofs provide us with safety and stability. But to know which type of roofing material to use can get difficult. If your roof is damaged or you are planning on getting it replaced, you need to know about the different options. 

Although many homeowners give little or no thought about their roof, no one can live without it. There are a few popular roofing materials used for Canadian homes. So here is all you need to know about them.

Wood Shingles

Wooden shingles are great environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional roofing shingle materials. Not only do they give you a more unique and traditional look but they have a lot of advantages. They are rot proof, insect resistant, and come in a variety of shades. 

Wood shingles are available in two types: cedar and pressure-treated lumber. The pressure treated wood is sturdier and more weather proof. However, this wood type is not that good-looking. Cedar wood is pretty expensive to purchase and install compared to the other type. Also, it needs a bit more regular maintenance.  Both types on the other hand keep the moisture out which minimizes decay. 

With the right maintenance, wood shingles typically last 30 years before needing to be replaced. 

Different Type of Roofing Materials: Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular types of roofing materials. They are known for their affordable prices, easy installation, and energy efficiency. Due to heavy snow storms, Canadians should always look for something that can withstand them. Shingles are relatively heavy, making them a good choice in Canada. Plus they don’t get affected by the fluctuations in temperature. 

There are two kinds of asphalt shingles; organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles are not made out of sustainable materials as many people might think. The organic refers to a non-synthetic material that distinguishes them from fiberglass. Organic asphalt shingles can last up to 20 years with proper installation and maintenance. As for fiberglass, they are a more modern version of the organic shingles. Fiberglass shingles use glass instead of paper layers. 

Fiberglass shingles compared to organic shingles are lighter, more resistant to heat, and less expensive. Before they are installed, a professional roofer will install a layer of felt so you can get these shingles installed.

Subtypes have varying durability, but mostly all types of shingles need to be replaced every 20 years. No one wants to keep investing in a huge roofing project, that’s why you need to ensure it’s going to last you for a long time. Have a professional take a look to tell you what type of roofing material is suitable for your house. A specialist will be able to make the right recommendation. 

Slate Shingles

Slate is one of the oldest materials used for roofing. The shingles are 100% natural stone with no additives. For the right type of classic home style, slate shingles tie in well with the house. You can also say they are aesthetically pleasing. And they come in a variety of colors.

Durability is one of the strong points. Slate is unaffected by insects such as termites or carpenter ants. Also, because it’s a dense stone, it absorbs relatively little water. As a stone, it’s fireproof. This protects the home from burning due to sparks or embers landing on the roof. 

One thing you need to keep in mind is that slate shingles are heavy. This means not every home will be able to support the weight. Also, there are specialists to install this type of roofing material so be sure to hire a professional.

An important thing to know about the slates is that they are expensive to purchase and install, but they require zero maintenance. Often they come with a 100-year warranty. Slate shingles are a great option for homes in extreme climates.

Tile Shingles

Tile shingles are not very popular amongst Canadians. That is likely due to their distinctive color and their price. Nevertheless, they are extremely durable and need to be replaced only every 50 years. Much like the slate shingles, some homes aren’t built to handle the weight of them. Request a professional to come and look at your house to tell you if it is suitable to install or not. 

Different Type of Roofing Material: Metal Roofs

If your house has a steep roof then this type of roofing material is for you. Metal roofs come in two forms; solid metal or individual tiles. The tiles come in different materials. They are typically made out of galvanized or stainless steel, copper, titanium, or aluminum. On the other hand, metal roofs are on the pricier side of the spectrum. The cost of the project depends on the type of metal you are using. On the bright side, and what might sell you on this material is it can last up to 50 years.

Now that you are more informed about the different types of roofing material, you should be ready to start your roofing project. Contact a professional and start building your dream home today!

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Roof damage happens in different ways and some damage may be more obvious than others. Strong wind during a storm is a common cause of roof damage which may lead to an entire part of your roof being damaged, resulting in lost shingles or even the roofing material under the shingles getting affected leading to the need of roof repair services.

If you have holes in your roof after a violent hurricane, repairing the damage is probably the first and foremost priority to protect your house internally from further damages. If you end up hiring just anyone to get the job done, it may lead to more damage and costs to fix the issue since the roof is by far one of the most expensive parts of your home to replace if not handled properly.

The roof is also your home’s first line of defense against natural phenomenon, which means that you will need to proceed with caution when searching for an expert to deal with your roof. Spending a few nights in short-term renovations is much better than spending years with a dilapidated and poorly patched roof. The best way to make sure your roof is durable and practical is to contact the right roofing expert. Recognize the red flags of an unreliable roof repair worker easily through the WeServe App by comparing experts and reviewing the star ratings and reviews left by others.

Signs showing the need of a roof repair service

If you are experiencing these signs, you may need a roof repairing service.

Sunlight coming through

Holes in your roof that are large enough to let in sunlight are a clear sign that your roof is damaged. This sign is usually the most obvious among all signs since it may also cause leakage. However, this sign is sometimes forgotten, especially in attics and other rooms that are rarely used. Check for openings that let in sunlight, room by room. Turn off all lights, close the blinds and close the door. In general, make the room as dark as possible on the inside.

Leaks when it rains

Another visible sign that your roof needs repair works is leakage and allowing water in. If you are aware of such a damage, try to instantly act and get it repaired.  It allows moisture to pass between cracks, which might penetrate further into the roofing material. 

Spots and discoloration

When leaks have been occurring for a very long time, you can see its symptoms on the ceiling and walls. Such damage may be observed as a gray, brown, or yellowish discoloration. Discoloration may also take place on a room’s ceiling forming a circular shape. Such signs represent very serious water damage and must be repaired immediately.

Damaged or missing shingles

If shingles or tiles are missing, broken, cracked, damaged, or peeling in any way, try to take action as soon as possible to save further expenses and avoid any further problems or damage done to the roof.

Rot and decay

Check for signs of rot and decay. Mildew fungus or mold will damage the outer protective layer of your roof. It may also make the entire house be more vulnerable to blistering.

Factors affecting the cost of roof repair services

Below are several factors that affect the cost of roof repair:

• Repair area – the greater the area and space needed the higher the cost is.
• Additional costs (if any): cladding, screed works, gutter repair, internal structures redevelopment, insulation, and damage to the inner ceiling.

Choosing the right roof repair expert

If you’ve decided to renovate your residential or commercial property roof, your next challenge will be choosing the right roof repair expert/company for the job. To ensure you are getting quality repairing services at the best price, we recommend following these general guidelines while choosing a roof repair services.

You should always ask for recommendations. Ask colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family about the best roofing experts/companies they already had their service from.

Check out the WeServe App ​​for nearby experts with star-rankings and reviews left by other customers. 

Think beyond service cost Quotes can be quite different and sometimes these differences are significant. You can choose the lowest cost roof repair service but consider the investment you make – a little more can make a huge difference to the overall quality of the job.

Try getting materials warranty Working with a roofing repair service provider that can provide you with materials manufacturer warranty can save additional costs if any of those materials are damaged during the warranty period.

When looking for the right roofing professional, you should always look at the following vital factors: license, location, and experience. By area, we suggest you hire a nearby expert to work on your roof. What for? Experts within your area know the best materials to be used and the best roofing techniques according to the climate changes your area goes through.

Conclusion:

Roof repair or maintenance must be done to assure preventing further damage to your home. Knowing what to expect can help you find a reliable roofing expert, who will take care of the problem for you. The WeServe app will help you connect with professionals and certified roofing experts that can do the work quickly and efficiently. Request the best roofing repair professionals by downloading the WeServe App today!