How to Inspect Your Next Commercial Roofing Project

Commercial re-roof job walks are crucial to assessing the existing roof system. They help you learn the steps needed to remove and install a new roof system efficiently while minimizing occupant impact and maximizing company profits. An improperly assessed building can easily move the project from successful to detrimental. With a fairly simple checklist and an inspection kit, you can make a thorough assessment on the roof and minimize costly hidden pitfalls to help you land the job and gain the trust of the client.

Let’s start with your basic tool kit. Most of the time, you will need to climb a ladder to get onto the roof, and a safe way to transport your tools is to put them in a simple backpack. Here are the supplies you should carry with you during your inspection:

• Camera (video capability is highly recommended)
• Tape measure (25’ is sufficient)
• Measuring wheel
• Roof plan or aerial photo for making notes (Google Earth, for example)
• Note pad and pencil
• Flashlight
• Golf ball (it is important to know where the water goes)
• Laser temperature gun
• Roof core cutter
• Repair medium (such as plastic cement) to temporarily patch a core cut
• Infrared moisture scanner, if possible (hired services are also available)
• Spare batteries for all electronic devices

Once you’re on a roof, you’ll want to make a thorough assessment and minimize your time up there. However, keep in mind that sometimes you only get one shot to access the roof, so make sure to cover everything. Here is the basic information to collect:

• Building location
• Access for equipment, loading, staging, waste removal, etc. (be sure to consider the safety of pedestrians below and other trades working)
• Will the building be occupied or empty during roof installation?
• Safety requirements (fall protection, hazmat abatement, noise, debris, etc.)
• Chronological order and locations of other trades (any trades following roofing may need to take precautions to protect your work, such as stucco or metalwork over a single-ply roof)
• Substrate type
• Roofing system
• Desired warranty term
• Height of all roof decks and parapets (for both safety and loading materials)
• Where and how the system terminates on all planes
• Specifics of immediately adjacent trades (HVAC, plumbing, metal, stucco, etc.), including who covers the details that are often overlooked, such as wood blocking, drains, pipe flashings, metal flashings, etc.
• Establish with the person controlling the schedule (usually the general contractor, consultant, or owner) whether the project will be phased or available all at once.

Once you have all those answers, it is time to walk the roof. Be sure to double check measurements on the roof plan with the measuring wheel. Take time to observe the general condition of the existing membrane as it will give you clues about the maintenance, drainage, environmental conditions, and occupant’s use. Use your golf ball in any area that the drainage is not completely obvious. Observe, measure, count, and photograph every type of penetration, and note whether electrical, gas, and plumbing lines will be disconnected or remain as is. Make notes on your roof plan for yourself, as well as concerns for the superintendent and/or foreman. Helpful tip: take video pans across different areas of the roof. This will allow you to “revisit” the roof in case you missed something on your initial inspection.Visit the inside of the building to look for signs of leaks and try to examine the underside of the roof deck whenever possible.

In commercial construction projects, a small overlooked detail can lead to huge unforeseen costs, so it is critical to cover all the bases. Create a checklist and follow it every time. A successful project starts with a thorough roof walk. Know that you can trust Trudel and Sons to meet all of your commercial roofing standards!

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!

Benefits of a Metal Roof During Winter

Winter is here, as we all know too well, but it's never too late to begin a roofing project - or least begin planning for one. There are many myths about metal roofing, however; one thing is true - metal roofing has many advantages. 

Metal roofing is an optimal roofing composite because it does not deteriorate and is very visually appealing. The material will end up costing you less in the long run due to its durability and resistance to the elements. In addition, it can truly increase the financial value of a home. Here are three reasons that metal roofing is a great winter option for your home or business:

1. It seals in the heat. Metal roofs can actually insulate your home and keep cold air from entering. In fact, the material might even lower your heating bills! A fun fact about metal roofing is that it can be installed over a roof you already have which will further prevent warm air from leaving and cool air from entering. This will keep your house cool in the summer as well.

2. Metal roofs can be installed during the winter. It's true that other roofing composites can be installed during the winter, however; the process will not be as simple. Metal roofing can be installed and the winter elements will have no affect on the process. In fact, a non-metal roof often weakens from heavy snow and cold weather.

3. It can shed the snow. This is especially true if you have a sloped roof. When snow melts during the spring, you will see it quickly slide off of your roof. The metal will prevent ice from building up and ruining your gutters. In addition, the chance of having leaks is extremely unlikely because metal will stand up to the harsh winter climate without breaking.

If your home or business is in need of a new roof, but you feel that it's too late in the season, we hope this article negates any misconceptions that you may have. The truth is - metal roofing is great for winter as it can be installed throughout the year, reduce your heating costs and shed snow. If you have any questions about winter metal roofing installation, feel free to contact our experts at (905)642-3515. We’d love to hear from you!

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Roof Leaks

One of the most common and expensive issues homeowners call a contractor for is to fix a leaky roof. However, even for a pro, the source of a leak in your roof can be elusive because it rarely matches where the water is entering the home. Your contractor then becomes an investigator trying to identify the source of a leaky situation and determine the path in which the water is traveling. The good news here is that all of this frustration can be avoided by following a proper maintenance program that should be performed at least twice a year to help avoid future problems.

Before an inspection, ensure you take a look around from the ground level and make your contractor aware of any recent extreme weather, leaves, falling debris, trees, animals around the home, satellite or cable work, or additional accident causers that may have damaged the roof.

Once on the roof, keep these 5 simple tips in mind so you may locate future leaks and problem areas before they cause further costly damage.

1. On Edge. Drip edges are not only aesthetically pleasing, but are highly important in ensuring water is kept away from the fascia and directed away from the roof. A bonus is that they also help to keep out insects, snakes, and critters. Always check your drip edge when looking for leaks.

2. Your Roof Isn't Bullet Proof. Penetrations are the most common source for leaks and will block the natural water flow off your roof. Check to make sure:

• Your chimney doesn't need to be re-sealed and has the proper flashing/counter flashing
• If you have a skylight that it is properly flashed and is not leaking itself
• The neoprene/rubber around your plumbing vents has not cracked with age and is not in need of flashing
• Your satellite or cable cords are flashed properly

3. What's on the Inside Really Does Matter. More often than not, homeowners will blame the roof for being the cause of a leaky roof, but the problem can also come from improper air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, condensation, vent fans, or animal bug infestation in the attic. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Mold
• Wet insulation when there hasn't been rainfall
• Algae stains on interior plywood
• Blockage in the intake vents from paint, dust, spider webs, or insulation
• Lack of ventilation which causes the attic or overheat/accumulate moisture
• Black rings/rust around nails - the first sign of condensed moisture in your attic space

4. Big Foot. Areas where step flashing should be installed are a common source for roof leaks and a huge part of maintenance. Inspect these areas for damage:

• Roof-to-wall transitions
• Wherever low quality sealant/mastic has been used
• Dormers

5. The Gutter Counts When it Comes to Your Roof. Most homeowners completely underestimate the value of their gutters. They must be installed and sloped correctly to drain, free of debris, and tightly fastened. Contractors should always stress to homeowners the importance of gutter maintenance and that it should be left to a professional.

This is our basic list of maintenance suggestions, however, Trudel and Sons Roofing offers a full comprehensive roof inspection when quoting or beginning a contract. A thorough inspection, performed regularly by a professional roofing contractor, can monitor the roof's condition and help prevent small problems from becoming major roof leaks.