Hiring a Metal Roofing Contractor

Growing Popularity of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a versatile roofing material that is durable, attractive and long-lasting. The average lifespan of a copper, aluminum, or steel is between 35 and 50 years! Metal roofing styles and colors vary widely. Choose aluminum shingles for a “classic” roof look, or opt for the modern look of steel sheets.

Other benefits of metal roofing include a high resistance to mildew, mold, and other debris, as well as lower heating/cooling costs. And when installed correctly, a metal roof will reflect the sun away from your home, keeping your house cool and comfortable.

Hiring a Metal Roofing Contractor

Once you have decided to install a metal roof, it’s time to find a reputable, qualified contractor who knows the ins and outs of metal roofing installation. Just as in other professions, not all roofing contractors are equal.

When you shop around for that perfect roofing contractor, there are some obvious questions you want to ask before hiring any roofer. There are also things to consider that are specific to metal roofing installation and experience in that particular material is a must.

Metal roofing is laid directly on top of the existing roof. Although this technique may be less labor-intensive than ripping out the old materials, the job must be done right. Spending a lot of money on a metal roof is a fantastic investment, but improper installation will cost you down the road. Make sure you hire a metal contractor with proven experience to avoid common installation pitfalls.

Additional tips to consider when hiring a metal roofing contractor

• Get everything in writing. Make sure you understand the terms of your contract before you seal the deal.
• Understand where your money is going. The majority of roof installation costs are to purchase the copper, steel, or aluminum materials.
• Ask for references before you hire. Speak to former customers who have had metal roofs installed to get a feel for your contractor’s skills.
• Take your time. Don’t let a roofer pressure you. Make the final decision regarding your home improvements on your own schedule.

Thinking about a metal roof replacement?

If you’re considering installing this increasingly popular material, contact Trudel and Sons Roofing for help. We have nearly three decades of experience installing and repairing Ontario roofs and can handle all your metal roofing needs with dedication & skill. Each of our metal roofs comes with an extensive warranty, and is designed to accent and protect your home for decades to come.

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.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is a tried, tested, and true siding product. For more than 50 years it has been sought after for its status as the most cost effective, maintenance free, and effective siding on the market. Nearly every other building material has yet to surpass it in efficiency, and if you're aware of its few shortcomings and willing to work around them - you're sure to purchase a long-lasting, nearly maintenance free siding that will beautify your home for years to come.

Why Choose Aluminum Siding? 

This is one of the easiest questions to answer in the siding industry. For starters, aluminum is a weather and corrosion resistant material. It won't rot, rust or otherwise let you down. It's also incredibly cost effective when compared to other siding materials. Include the facts that it can be repainted if you're looking to improve the curb appeal of your home, and that it can mimic wood siding - and you're talking a siding material that stands on the heads of others.

What about Its Faults? 

As with any material, aluminum does have a few downsides as a siding product. First and foremost, it isn't as tough as some of the other materials on the market. It can dent and scratch easily in the hands of careless homeowners. Take care with your ladders and keep a can of touch up paint handy to treat any potential blemishes. The other criticism of aluminum siding is that it has a tendency to corrode at times. That shortcoming is more often than not the fault of the homeowner. If you regularly clean your siding, perform maintenance on any dents and scratches, and re-paint your siding every 20 to 30 years when it becomes necessary, you shouldn't have any problems with this popular material.

A Few Installation Tips...

Another benefit of aluminum is its ease of installation. Whether you're a dedicated "DIY-er", or are concerned about what it will cost to have aluminum siding installed by a contractor, you can rest easy that this is one of the most straightforward installation projects in the industry. Due to its relatively lightweight make-up, it's easy to work with, and if you know the ins and outs of the material, it's really easy to put up.

Put Up a Sufficient Backing. Foam board coupled with the appropriate furring not only ensures an even and seamless installation, it increases your home's insulation value as well.

Don't nail the product fast to the structure. Instead, use aluminum nails and be sure never to sink the nails in completely. That extra wiggle room is important since aluminum siding expands and contracts significantly with weather changes.

Plan for Expansion as you cut the materials to size. Remember, aluminum will expand 1/16 to 1/8 inch per 10 foot length in adverse weather, so be sure to account for that when you measure siding material and install it on your home.

By anticipating these common aluminum installation mistakes, you can be sure your aluminum siding will serve you well for years to come. If you have doubts about your ability to install this siding correctly, don't feel shy about contacting us at (905)642-3515 in order to get your new siding installation project underway as soon as possible!

Slate Roofing: The Good, The Bad, and The Cost.

The history of slate roofing is definitely a lengthy one. On one hand, slate roofing is generally known as one of the highest quality, longest lasting roofing materials on the market. On the other hand, the high cost, difficult installation, and fragile nature of slate roofing can leave little to be desired for some. Here's the good, the bad, and the costs that come with slate roofing:

The Good:
Due to the fact that it's a natural stone product, slate tiles have some huge upsides. In addition to being unique and appealing, slate roof tiles are known for their longevity among other roofing systems. Slate roofing tiles also offer more choices with regard to size, colour, and thickness which also contribute to their longevity factor; and in a world where a standard roof can be expected to last just 20-30 years, longevity is crucial. While on the topic of longevity, slate roofing tiles are regarded as the most fire resistant and environmentally friendly thus adding to their desirability.

The Bad:
Unfortunately, many contractors know very little about slate roofs. What's even more unfortunate is despite that fact, some contractors will advance with your slate roof installation anyway. When hiring your roofing contractor, be sure to inquire about experience and ask for references. A well installed slate roof could last you and your home a century, however, a poorly installed slate roof could feel like not having a roof at all. With regard to durability, slate roofing can be a big negative for homeowners. When it comes to your slate roof, the understanding of its delicacy cannot be stressed enough. Before you or any type of contractor ventures on to your slate roof, it is of the utmost importance to be aware of the proper precautions that need to be taken such as proper footwear. Always remember, the less time you spend on your slate roof - the better. It's also important to note that slate roofing is sold in lots, and those can change over the years. So if you have slate roofing damage any number of years after installation, there will never be a guarantee that your new tiles will match your old ones.

The Cost:
The most notable con when it comes to installing a slate tile roof on your home is its high cost. $1000-$4000 per square tile can seem a bit daunting upon initial investment, however, when the options are weighed against an asphalt roofing system that will need to be replaced more frequently, it makes more economical sense.