Make a Roof Last With Maintenance

If you think you can put a new low-slope roof on a building and then it’s out of sight, out of mind, think again. A roof should not be ignored; in fact, it needs to be maintained regularly in order to protect your investment.

Proper maintenance can potentially add years to a roof’s life, uncover minor problems before they become major issues, and save an owner money in the long run. Here are more reasons it’s important to have a maintenance program and how property owners can manage it and keep track of their service:

Most building owners make the wise decision to require a comprehensive manufacturer-backed NDL guarantee to ensure their new roof is protected against leaks. Depending on the system and guarantee, it could provide up to 35 years of coverage to a newly installed roof. Roof maintenance programs pay for themselves in the long run. It’s comparable to spending $20 on regular oil changes for your car or waiting to get a bill for a $2,000 engine replacement. Small fixes will cost a fraction over neglecting the roof and shelling out thousands of dollars to pay for significant repairs.

In addition, a leak doesn’t just affect the roof. Water damage can affect the building’s interior tile, walls, flooring, furnishings, fixtures, office equipment, inventory, and electrical systems. Hidden costs include lost revenue and income, lawsuits, slip and fall accidents, mold problems, and employee productivity issues. All of these consequential damages add up and can easily wreck an annual maintenance budget.

To protect a building’s roofing system, here is a list of steps that a building owner should perform:

Maintain records. Keep on file the guarantee, inspection reports, repair and maintenance bills, and original construction specs and invoices.

Conduct routine inspections at least once per year. (although, spring and fall are optimal). Inspect after severe weather. Don’t wait for a leak to appear; go out after a hailstorm, heavy rain, and high wind and check for yourself.

Repair correctly. In order to protect the warranty, make sure repairs are performed by an authorized contractor and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for repair and installation.

Always remove debris from the roof. Leaves, branches, rocks, and trash can cause a safety hazard and harm the roofing system.

Keep metal in good condition. Examine all the flashings for rust, damage, or deterioration, as these are common points for water entry.

Make sure masonry is in good condition. Examine walls for cracks, loose stones, or deteriorated sealant.

Maintain rooftop equipment. Check out air conditioners, vents, duct work, skylights, satellite dishes, and antennas. Eliminate spills of coolant, oils, or grease and repair if necessary.

Minimize rooftop traffic. Long-term traffic can wear out a roof and cause damage. Maintain a rooftop log so you know who has been on the roof from other trades.

Ways to Increase Your Impact on the Community

As a contractor, you are a member of the community. You live and work in the area and have a unique opportunity to form relationships and make a difference in your neighborhood. Here are some ways to boost your visibility, position yourself as being socially responsible, and commit yourself to helping to build the local community:

Partner with Habitat for Humanity to build and renovate affordable homes for families in need. Contractors who participate receive access to special logos for marketing their affiliation with the organization.

Become a Certified Green Roofer™, a designation that recognizes environmental leaders. This program enhances your positioning as an environmentally responsible contractor. All you need to do is commit to recycling shingles and to the sustainability of your roofing business, and become certified to sell and distribute Green Roofs.

Participate in programs to bring local communities and contractors together to help families in need. Where local citizens can nominate a family in need to win a new roof. Your company can then delegate the winner of the prized free roof and continue to run nominations once a month.


All of these programs will not only help your business and increase your credibility in the community, but will make you feel good about stepping up and making a difference.

Tips for Hiring the Right Roofing Contractor

The biggest obstacle homeowners face when looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right person to do the job. After a damaging storm, they need to quickly get back to normal and get the necessary roofing repairs completed. But that doesn’t mean they should just choose the first contractor who knocks on their door.

Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in. Contractors should share these 10 important tips with homeowners to show them that your company is reputable and can be trusted to protect their home and their wallet:

Get local referrals. There is less chance of potential issues or scams when you choose a contractor from your community. They are more familiar with local rules and code regulations and have a relationship with area crews and suppliers.

Look for manufacturer designations. Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others). Some contractors blow in (no pun intended) right after a storm looking for work, so it’s important to look them up on the BBB website or equivalent and make sure they have a good score.

Stay away from contractors who do not exist on BBB.org. or equivalent. Trudel and Sons Contractors are required to maintain satisfactory ratings  in order to retain their certification.

Get an extensive warranty. Not all contractors can offer manufacturer warranties that include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it may take months or years for the damage to show up and insurance won’t pay for it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your only recourse is to pay for their mistake yourself.

Be concerned about safety. A contractor without a training or safety program may not be the best person for your job.

Check for proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states and provinces require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work. In states or provinces where licenses are required, make sure your contractor provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online.

Pay your deductible. Any contractor who claims that they can handle the repair without having the homeowner pay their insurance deductible is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. The insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured, and the contractor should reflect that in the quote without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.

Handle your own claim. A contractor who says they are “a claim specialist” or can “handle your insurance claim” may be breaking the law. In most states or provinces, it is illegal for contractors to act on behalf of the homeowner when negotiating an insurance claim. Any contractor who opens the door to potential legal action is not acting in your best interest.

Don’t give in to pressure. Watch out for a contractor who pressures you to sign a contract before the insurance company has estimated the damage. Some contractors say they can work with whatever your insurance company settles upon, but the homeowner needs to ensure it’s not just any amount, but the right amount. The contractor should thoroughly examine the home and check that their insurance adjuster didn’t miss any damages.

Know your material choices. A contractor who does not offer you different shingle options is not looking out for your best interest. The style and color of the shingles you install can affect the resale value of your home.

Always remember - Knowledge Is Power!

A History on TPO: The Commercial Roofing Go-To

TPO is at times considered the new roofing system on the block, even though the material has been around for decades and has proven its worth in the industry. Here is a little background on how TPO came about, the history of its testing and development, and where it stands today:

Back in the 1970s, flexible sheet, for a variety of uses, was either EPDM or flexible PVC. EPDM was not weldable and flexible PVC contained liquid plasticizers. Those plasticizers led to hazing of automotive windshields and embrittlement of the PVC as they evaporated. Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) were developed to be inherently flexible, plasticizer and halogen free, and to heat-weld. TPO membranes were first used for geomembrane applications such as pond liners. They also began to appear in the automobile industry to protect exterior surfaces and to be used as wire covers.

The first known TPO roofing membrane was installed in 1986 in Michigan. The TPO was produced by Montell specifically for the roofing market. Montell merged with two other companies in 2000 to become Basell. That company merged in 2007 with Lyondell to become Lyondell-Basell, which still supplies the majority of TPO to the roofing industry. In the late 1980s, Versico, a division of Goodyear Tire and Rubber, started to promote VersiWeld®, a reinforced TPO roofing membrane. They were followed by JPS Elastomerics in the early 1990s which launched Hi Tuff EP. JPS eventually became Stevens Roofing Systems. In the early 1990s, concerns began to surface about the use of halogenated fire retardants in TPO and their effect on UV resistance. This caused manufacturers to alter their formulations, using magnesium hydroxide as the fire retardant. This remains the case today. In the mid-1990s, Carlisle Syntec Systems acquired Versico and began marketing a TPO roofing membrane named SureWeld.

Beginning in the late 1990s, TPO began to gain significant market share. The specification covers physical properties, dimensions, and durability properties. The latter includes ozone resistance, heat aging, and weather resistance. Oven aging was tested at 240°F and went for 28 days. The ultraviolet light resistance is tested using a xenon arc apparatus and the exposure was doubled in 2006 to 10,080 kJ/m2. In 2011, the ASTM standard was revised again to address the heat aging protocol. This was raised to 240°F exposure for 224 days or 32 weeks, from 28 days.

From 1998 to now, TPO membrane sales have grown annually at a double-digit rate, far outpacing any other single-ply, mod bit, BUR, or metal product and its popularity as a commercial roofing material has spread worldwide.

Advice for New Roofers

Roofing is a competitive field, so it’s important to differentiate yourself from the competition in order to stand out and get those jobs. Here are some of the most common tips that were gathered for new roofers in the industry:

Choose who you work for carefully and partner with great companies. We are often tempted to say “Yes” to keep the crews busy or to keep cash flow coming in, but sometimes “No” is the best answer you can give. But always be respectful – you don’t want to burn bridges.

Use technology. Technology is an easy way to differentiate your company during the sales and installation process. Many companies have developed apps to make the selection process for homeowners much easier.

Listen, listen, listen. In order to grow and learn you need to listen and take in any advice you receive. You may get advice from colleagues, your boss, the project manager, a homeowner, etc. Take it all in and use their comments to be better at your job.

Keep a positive attitude and use your time effectively. What is the key to sales longevity? Optimism! Sell value, not price. That’s easy to say, but much harder to do. Determine the answers to these questions: How does your company identify its unique value? What separates you from the competition? Does your entire team have the same answer? Can your competition say they have the same thing? (Be honest.) Most important: what is your unique value worth to your customer?

Don’t grow beyond your means. A complete forward-focused business plan can help ensure a company grows at the correct pace. Network and use the wisdom of those around you. Join business-networking groups. Start a local roofing contractor association if one does not exist in your market. Remember: “a high tide raises all boats.” Take an accounting class. Unfortunately, many roofing contractors know how to install a roof but don’t know how to determine job cost. Being too high can lose you jobs while being too low can lose you money.

Be honest. Unfortunately, roofing is an industry where a few deceptive people ruin it for the rest. Be honest and upfront every time. The honest roofers will increase their good reputation and secure more jobs. Make sure everyone is safe. Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.

Constantly improving the safety culture of your company is critical to company longevity, good crew morale, and the overall success of your enterprise. If you are just getting into roofing or need a way to stand out and grow your business, consider these hard-earned pieces of advice. By learning from others, you can avoid some of those errors yourself. Do you have any advice to add to the list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Etiquette Tips for Putting Your Best Business Self Forward

If you are a small business owner or employee, part of your responsibility is to get in front of a homeowner and sell a job and the other part is actually doing the work. Larger companies may have separate sales people, but frequently the contractor is selling his own work. If you’re a contractor who’s more comfortable on the roof than inside a home, here are some tips to make sure you put your best foot forward when trying to sell a residential roofing job:

Dress for success. We all love a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but when meeting a potential customer, put on a polo shirt or, even better, a company uniform and a pair of khakis. It makes a good, professional impression and whether we like it or not, first impressions count. Also take a moment to shine your shoes. You would be surprised by how rarely these simple steps are embraced in our profession.

Tend to your truck. Keep it neat by washing it, wrapping your logo on it, and putting away tools neatly. This also gives a good impression to a homeowner (and their neighbors) when they see the truck in their driveway. Does your truck wrap match your company uniform?

Be punctual. It’s better to be early and sit outside in your truck gathering your materials than be late or come running in at the last minute. Remember that the customer is waiting for you to arrive. It is always a good idea to arrive early and wait in the truck for 2 or 3 minutes. It lets them know you are there and respectful of their time.

Show you’re legit. Since you are now punctual, when you ring the doorbell, step back and have on a lanyard with your license or logo, photo, and name tag so a homeowner can see it clearly from the door’s peephole. Tip: Have your crews wear the same clip for easy identification.

Freshen up. You may have just inhaled an onion-infused burger or have been sweating it out on the roof, but the homeowner doesn’t need to smell that. Have mints on hand and wash up if you’re just coming off a job. A touch of cologne in the truck is never a bad idea either.

Respect the floor. Ask homeowners if they mind you walking in with your boots on or come with disposable booties that go over your shoes. 

Clean up after yourself. If you have to go in the attic or track a mess in the house, bring in a small portable cordless vac to clean up after yourself. A homeowner will appreciate your respect of their home.

Be courteous. Even if you are dealing with an unpleasant homeowner, don’t get drawn into conflict. Be pleasant and appreciative of the opportunity even if you want to run the other way. “Who’s the toughest customer?” Practice with your team how to handle difficult situations.

Put your phone away. The call or text can wait. Make the homeowner feel that they are important and deserve your attention. A good policy would be to turn your phone on silent (vibration off too) and leave it in your pocket unless you are accessing apps to help make the sale.

Don’t forget to say thanks. Shake hands firmly and thank the homeowner for the opportunity to serve them. And don’t be afraid to go the extra mile – send a thank you post card. A simple handwritten note adds a touch of class and can make a huge difference.

These small gestures go a long way and can help you make a good impression to sell that next job.

Spring Maintenance: Wood Shake Roofs

Part of the charm of a wood or cedar roof is the weathered look that comes with exposure to the natural elements. Wood shake roofing is surprisingly resilient to the weather, but it does require proper roof maintenance to enhance its appearance, maximize its effectiveness, and prolong its life.

By following few simple steps in the spring, the average homeowner can be assured of keeping a beautiful and efficient wood shake roof for many years to come.

Spring Maintenance of Your Wood Shake Roof 

Spring is the perfect time for homeowners to check wood shake roofing for damage after the ravages of winter weather and early spring storms. The inspection should take note of conditions like broken or curled shakes, rusted or loosened flashing, and cracked areas around chimneys and joints. These indicate repairs that will need to be made to maintain the integrity of the roof. Likewise, overhanging branches, debris-filled gutters, and moss or lichen growing on the shakes indicate areas where roof maintenance is needed. All of these conditions lead to the build-up of moisture, which can cause erosion and speed up decay of wood shakes. Typically, those repairs require the attention of your local roofer, but simple roof maintenance can be performed by the homeowner who is handy.

Tree limbs that shade or overhang the roof retard drying and should be trimmed away. Gutters should be cleaned to prevent blockage and the growth of mold and fungi. Rust that is detected on flashing and other metal surfaces should be removed and treated. Dirt, debris, lichen, and moss may prevent drainage of the roofing surface and retain moisture. A garden hose and a stiff brush should be used to loosen the build-up and wash it away.

The homeowner who prefers to leave roof maintenance tasks to a professional can choose additional options for preserving and enhancing wood shake roofing. Power-washing and the application of chemical cleaning solutions, preservatives, and pigmented finishes can add resilience and enhance the roof’s appearance.

These treatments require training and special equipment, and, if improperly applied, can erode the shakes and harm surrounding surfaces and foliage. A reputable roofing contractor can advise the homeowner on the appropriate treatments for his roof, and then make sure that those treatments are applied safely.

Preventing Heat Related Illness in Roofers

It’s the unofficial start of summer, causing many of us to daydream about having fun in the sun. But when you’re a contractor, the summer brings with it heat and humidity—and that’s no picnic. An excessively hot or humid work environment is not only an interference that can lead to fatigue and poor judgment and decision making, but it can be downright dangerous. Therefore, having a comprehensive heat-stress program is paramount.

Sufficient rest and proper hydration are key elements to any heat-stress program. Additionally, employees should avoid performing excessive outdoor physical activity prior to coming to work so as to avoid showing up at the job site in an already overheated and exhausted state. Despite warm weather, heat-related illnesses (heat stress, heat exhaustion, heat stroke) can be reduced by implementing effective programs.

Most importantly, employees should constantly monitor themselves and their co-workers for signs and symptoms of these illnesses, as immediate intervention is necessary when they’re observed. Here are the signs and symptoms of heat stress:

• Excessive sweating 
• Red, flushed skin 
• General body weakness 
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded 
• Nausea/vomiting 
• Headache 
• Muscle cramps in the hands and feet 
• Dark-colored urine 

To help avoid heat-related problems, make sure you have these countermeasures ready:

• Allow for breaks in air-conditioned areas. If AC is not available, find shade, cooler areas, and/or fans. 
• Drink plenty of decaffeinated drinks. Sports drinks such as Gatorade are preferred, as they will replenish lost electrolytes. Drink up to 10 8-oz. cups of water in an 8-hour shift. Be careful not to overhydrate. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Thirst is a poor indicator of heat stress. Wet your hair, neck, and face as frequently as possible with water or a spray bottle. 
• To help prevent work-related heat illnesses from occurring, pay attention to the weather predictions. If excessive heat and humidity are in the forecast, ensure that countermeasures have been developed and are ready to be implemented.
• Allow new employees assigned to high-heat areas time to acclimate to the elevated temperatures and humidity.
• Finally, do not drink alcohol prior to coming to work and avoid caffeinated drinks in high-heat situations. Caffeine is a diuretic and actually causes people to lose water! 

By recognizing heat-stress signs and symptoms at their onset and following the above simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your employees will be safe on the job and minimize heat-related illnesses this summer season.

Beware of Storm Chasers

The busy spring roofing season is in full swing and storms are coming our way, so now is the time for contractors to educate homeowners about the potential dangers of storm chasers. We all know that when a storm hits, it’s important to be ready and reach out to homeowners for business, but you also want to make sure you don’t lose a job to a fly-by-night contractor who will take their money and run.

Educate homeowners about who they can trust and what to look for in a reputable contractor. If you plan on mailing out information or going to homes after a storm, make sure you put your insurance number and manufacturer designation on any materials you give out. Show them that you’re the real deal and that they will work with a quality, reputable, and dependable professional contractor.

You can also share these Better Business Bureau tips with homeowners so they’ll know what to watch out for:

Make sure the contractor is registered with the province. Many areas require a solicitation permit to go door-to-door. Check to see if your area needs a permit and, if so, make sure they provide it to you.

Be careful about allowing anyone you don’t trust on your roof. Some unethical contractors could even create damage to get the job.

Do not pay for the work in advance. It’s a red flag if a contractor asks for full or half payment upfront. Get a written contract that outlines the price, work to be done, and amount of insurance coverage.

Get a copy of their insurance. Look up the business to make sure they are well rated. Pay by credit card so you have additional protection. Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics such as offering “deep discounts” and “deals” if they are hired right away. Get at least three quotes from prospective contractors so you’re being proactive in making an informed decision rather than reacting to sales pressure. Check their vehicle to make sure they have proper business markings such as company name, phone number, and license plates in the state where you live.

Protect Your Business Online

As we discussed in a previous blog, having a digital and social media presence is a great way to grow your business, but once your company is active online you need to keep an eye on your brand.

Everything that is put out in the digital world is viral and can be tracked, so it’s important to be aware that what you say about yourself and your competitors can either help or potentially hurt your company. One misstep and your company reputation could be on the line (all it takes is one click to share your misfortune to others). Also, you want to be aware of what others are saying about your business online. Here are some tips to make sure you put your best face forward to your customers and followers.


Have a plan. If you open a Facebook or Twitter account, you will need to determine your goals and how you will use social media to promote your business. Do you want to share information, talk with customers, and promote a product or service? Once you figure that out, stick to it and determine how often you want to communicate via social media (once a week, three times a week, every day?). Ideally, you will want to maintain a steady stream of communication to build your customer following and keep them retained and engaged in your company. Plus, it’s not all about promoting your service.

Engage in social conversation and post information beyond work, so it’s less corporate sounding and more human. It is also not recommended to open up accounts online, post a couple times, and then abandon it.

Designate one person to interact. Too many people responding via social media can get confusing. Determine one person at your company who will monitor and respond to questions or engage in conversations.

Make sure you use one unified voice that best represents your company. Get a policy. Speak with your lawyer and create a social media policy that guides employee use of social media.

Don’t air dirty laundry. Don’t get into a social fight. If someone is complaining about your service, take it offline or respond appropriately by immediately offering to help in a non-threatening way.

Be responsive. The digital world is all about getting answers quickly, so it’s important to be timely with your responses. They will remember the customer experience and may even share it with their friends. You will want to make sure to set up social media notifications so even if you are out in the field, you will instantly know when a customer posted, messaged, commented, or liked you on social media. You can also set up Google news alerts so you’ll know whenever your company is mentioned online.

By embracing the online and social landscape, you can help grow and promote your business and be readily available to respond to your customers.

Shingle Removal and Replacement

This blog post is for homeowners ready to challenge themselves by handling roofing replacement on their own. We’ve previously discussed tools necessary for shingle roof removal. If you are planning to repair or replace your shingle roof on your own, instead of hiring a roofing expert, expect to need some additional tools and materials at your disposal. We cover those below.

Safety First! As with shingle removal, safety should be your main concern (whether you’re on a flat roof or a pitched roof with steep surfaces). Borrow or purchase a heavy-duty, sturdy ladder—or consider renting scaffolding for safer access to extreme heights. In addition, consider a fall protection kit that comes with a harness, roof anchor, lanyard, counterweight and rope. Your fall protection kit should be used in conjunction with a hard hat, work gloves and slip-proof boots to prevent injury.

On top of applicable safety equipment, roof replacement and repairs require several common tools that can be purchased at your local hardware store or rented from a local equipment rental shop.

Tools Needed For Shingle Roof Replacement or Repair: Assuming that the flashing, felt and roof deck are in good order after removing your old shingles, when you are ready to repair or replace your shingle roofing you’ll need:

• 2×4 LUMBER STRIPS
• #16 NAILS
• HAMMER 

Prior to roof replacement, it’s a good idea to install a few 2×4 braces to maintain your footing. Lay each wood piece horizontal to the roof’s edge, and drive nails through each end of the 2×4 to attach them to the roof. Pull up the brace and re-nail it as you move around the roof surface.

ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES: Remember to select shingles that complement your home’s paint and trim. Shingles are generally sold in “squares,” and each of these units cover roughly 100 sq. feet.

ASPHALT ROOFING CEMENT: Applied to the back side of each shingle, roofing cement helps to secure the shingle during nailing and ensures a tight fit to the roof’s surface. It’s also a good idea to apply roofing cement to nail heads to avoid small leaks.

GALVANIZED ROOFING NAILS: Used to secure shingles during installation. Hammer several galvanized nails through self-sealing strips found on each shingle’s surface.

REPLACEMENT FLASHING: As you install shingles around eaves, ridges and valleys, it’s important to make sure that all metal flashing is in tact. If not, you’ll need to reapply replacement flashing strips as needed.

UTILITY or SHARP LINOLEUM KNIFE: Used to cut portions of shingles or trimming shingles to the correct shape and size.

CHALK LINE: To ensure symmetrical placement of shingles, most roofers snap horizontal and vertical chalk lines on the roof deck. A level is also a useful tool for measuring exact shingle positioning.

You should always consult a roofing professional prior to embarking on any "DIY" repairs or replacements. Trudel and Sons Roofing is a family-owned and operated roofing company with more than 30 years of experience in both residential and commercial roofing repairs and re-roofing. Call us today for your comprehensive consultation at: (905)642-3515

3 Common Roof Leak Locations: Prevention and Repair Tips

Spring has arrived—with its unpredictable moisture patterns, gale-force winds and leftover snowstorms. For Ontario homeowners, that often means pesky roof leaks galore—in many common locations.

3 Common Roof Leak Locations – Prevention and Repair Tips

There are certain areas where roof leaks tend to develop more easily: around chimneys, skylights and in roof valleys. Let’s discuss each in more detail.

Leaking Chimneys. Whether it’s due to aging caulk, cracked cement caps or flashing problems, chimneys are one of the biggest problem areas when it comes to leaks. Many (but not all) chimney leaks can be repaired by peeling off old, dried caulking and roof sealant from around the chimney’s base. Inspect each area of flashing for cracks or damage, and replace flashing as needed. To improve the integrity of your flashing, remember to use a high-quality, flashing cement to re-caulk the area (rather than traditional roofing cements and sealants). If you have a more invasive leak caused by cracked mortar joints, stone or brick displacement, consider calling your local roofer who will perform a thorough roof inspection. The goal is to diagnose and repair the damage quickly.

Leaks Around Skylights. Finding the source of a skylight leak can be tricky, however most skylight leaks occur in the flashing, which marks the point of contact between the skylight and the roof. Often, simply replacing the flashing will solve the leak problem. Another issue is improper installation, in which case skylight leak repair can be a real headache. Other, less common reasons behind skylight leaks are: improperly installed fasteners, poor flashing seals, glass micro-fractures or fissures, sealant failure due to thermal expansion. Some skylight leaks are simple and are easily handled by do-it-yourself homeowners, but if you’re experiencing severe interior effects, such as ceiling staining or flooring damage, call your roofing contractor immediately.

Leaks in Roof Valleys. When two portions of your roof intersect, the resulting line is called a “valley.” Valleys typically contain a type of metal flashing, but in some cases, shingles or tiles may just butt up against one another. Either way, valleys are a common source for roof leaks. If your roof valleys contain metal flashing, it’s possible that the shingles were improperly cut, allowing water to leak behind faulty shingle tips and seep into your attic or down your walls. Valley leaks tend to be more complex to repair than other types of damage, so it’s best to have a contractor handle your roof valley repairs.

Some common roof leaks, if caught early enough, can be fixed by a capable do-it-yourselfer - however, if you ever have any doubts or hesitations, call Trudel and Sons Roofing at (905)642-3515!

The Benefits and Risks of Replacing Your Roof During the Winter

It's a story that most roofers and contractors experience regularly every season... A customer calls in because of a leak, the roof is then assessed, and it requires a full replacement. It’s the middle of winter and the homeowner asks if this can wait until spring. Intuitively, roofing in the winter doesn’t seem to be such a good idea, right? Let’s sort this out by looking at three components that affect the final result: the human factor, the tools’ capacity to perform, and the shingle product itself.

First, there are human beings that will work on that roof. Morale in roofing is very important, as it is in many other trades—when people hate their job, they cut corners. Especially if those corners can make them go home faster! Starting the day shoveling and ice-breaking on the roof doesn’t help the morale of the crew. Nevertheless, it is imperative to install on an “appropriate substrate”—and snow and ice are not on the list. We need to reach the bare deck, especially in new construction. Any kind of precipitation will render the slope slippery, adding to the level of hazard and reducing the speed and comfort of the workers. The temperature is not to be neglected, as roofing is very physically demanding. Would you run a marathon carrying 30 pounds of gear? Wearing a winter jacket, pants, boots, hat, etc., can add another 15 pounds to your body weight. Because of the need to use your fingers precisely and bend your toes, a contractor can only wear small gloves and boots. For most roofers, it is uncomfortable below freezing and impossible with temperatures below that.

Second, the roofing crew uses many different tools. Some of them aren’t affected by temperature; but some, like compressors and nail guns, are certainly affected. When compressing and releasing the air in your system, humidity will turn into water. If the temperature is close to freezing, this water will freeze in the airlines and reduce the airflow that the installer receives on the roof. Nails needs to be installed flush with the shingle, not overdriven or under driven. When the airline is obstructed by ice, nails are not pushed as deep as they should, which introduces a risk for under driven nails. This situation will require extra attention from the roofer to constantly set the depth adjuster on the gun and from the crew to monitor the presence of humidity or ice in the system.

Third, there’s the question of whether shingles should be installed in cold weather. The short answer is yes, but with some precautions. The asphaltic material in the shingle will lose its flexibility and resistance as the temperature goes down. It will become harder to bend the shingles and to cut them straight. Being more “brittle,” they’ll be more likely to be overdriven by nails when using regular pressure in the system. The "sweet spot” adjustment in pressure will become smaller and smaller. However, providing that the crew is extra conscious of that and takes the time to do it right, there are ways to deliver a proper installation. Another important consideration is if cold weather application increases the chances of blow-offs. All shingles are equipped with a self-sealant strip, a line of glue that activates with the sun and tabs the shingles together, preventing the wind from catching them. If the shingles are NOT tabbing properly because of temperature, they should be hand-sealed. This will prevent the wind to lift them before there is sufficient heat for them to self-seal.

The manufacturer is responsible for the self-seal to properly bond to the roof when activated. The roofing contractor is responsible for making sure the crew is comfortable enough to apply the shingles properly and that the temperature or countermeasures taken are sufficient to have a constant airflow to avoid overdriven or under driven nails. Finally, the crew leader or site supervisor is responsible for deciding if the roof is tabbing or not and if cold weather precautions (hand seal) should be taken. Sometimes, the seriousness of the roof situation outweighs the risk of doing the job in winter, but in most cases, when replacing your roof during the winter - it’s wise to wait until the temperature is above freezing.

How Much Snow Can Your Roof Handle?

During a big winter snow storm people often are asked to stay inside and off the impassable roads. Your roof is then left to endure the elements and expected to keep you and your family safe... But what happens if your roof can’t handle the pressure? Here’s some information to share with your homeowners while they are stuck inside.

Signs that a roof may be at risk from bearing the weight of the heavy white stuff:

● Visible Sagging

● Noises that sound like creaking or popping

● Leaking coming from the roof

Flat or low-pitched roofs are more vulnerable, but pitched roofs can still be at risk when the snow is very heavy.

When it’s safe to travel, contractors in the area or within driving distance have an opportunity to help homeowners repair an unsafe roof. Unfortunately, there are never any guarantees when it comes to the strength of a roof due to factors including: age of structure, age of roof, slope of roof, (in)effective roof installation, etc. In general, as much snow as possible should be raked off their roof, but leave a few inches to avoid damaging the shingles. Also, make sure the snow is thrown away from the building and be careful using metal tools around power lines. Contractors should advise homeowners to call their insurance company to see if they are covered in the event of a roof collapse. 

Call Trudel at (905) 642-3515 if you have any reservations about the condition of your roof this winter, we will provide you with peace of mind with our comprehensive roof inspection including a full detailed report on the condition and life expectancy of your roof.