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!

Hiring Your Next Commercial Roofer

If your business, warehouse or facility requires a roofing facelift, it’s important to find a licensed roofer who understands the unique requirements of commercial roofing. While residential and commercial roofs serve the same, protective purpose, their design and installation are different—and therefore require a different repair and construction approach.

Selecting a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Before hiring your roofer, keep in mind the following fundamental differences between commercial and residential roofing jobs:

When installing a commercial roof, it’s important for your contractor to be flexible about working around scheduled business hours. Rather than disrupting clients or closing facilities during regular work periods, a qualified commercial roofing contractor may need to work off-hours or over weekends to complete the job.

Commercial roofers must take building use into account when they’re installing your company’s roof— especially if your business contains heat-generating machinery, processing equipment or volatile chemicals. Reputable roofing contractors should carefully consider all aspects of your facility’s design before recommending a roofing material and installation process.

For most commercial jobs, total roofing area is much larger than residential projects. Because of this, facility roofing should be industrial-strength, and should contain a heavy-duty underlay that will withstand weather extremes and regular inspection foot traffic. Make sure the roofer you select is well-versed in the installation of these heavy-duty materials—and that their crew is large enough to complete your project in a timely manner.

Many large warehouses and commercial facilities are designed with flat roofs, rather than the slanted, gabled roofs common to Ontario residents. Talk with your roofing contractor about commercial roofing material options and their process for ensuring that your flat roof is strong and water-tight—since preventing leaks is critical to maintaining the integrity of your business equipment and product inventory. 

It’s likely that your company’s roof also contains many vents, drains and exposed pipelines, which commercial roofers have to work around (and seal properly) during roof installation.
Before you settle on a commercial roofing contractor, take time to contact their references, check their licensing and conduct online research to ensure that you’re hiring a qualified, budget-friendly roofer with your best interests in mind.

Raising the Roof When it's Time to Sell Your Home

                                   

Are you aware of an issue with your roof? Are you in the process of selling your home? If so, it makes good sense to repair your roof before potential buyers begin to walk through. While you may think you are pulling off a fast one, most buyers are going to order a home inspection. In turn, the problem will show and you will be forced to fix it at a later date –  only this time on the buyer’s terms instead of your own.

Also, keep in mind that a major roof problem can lead to other issues. For instance, a small leak can lead to insulation and structural issues if ignored. The last thing you need while trying to sell your home is water damage.

It is very important that you show potential buyers just how great your home is. A roof in good condition is a huge plus for anybody looking to buy a home. The smartest move you can make as a homeowner and seller is to have your roof inspected before placing it on the market. 

By contracting with a company like Trudel and Sons Roofing, you get the option of getting a full Assessment Report on your roof that you can show to your prospective buyers proving to them that you have nothing to hide.

Stay Safe on Your Next Roofing Job

Roofing can be a dangerous job…even deadly if taken lightly. According to the 2013 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 734 contractors died on the job and nearly 39 percent of them were roofers. These types of deaths are largely preventable if contractors put safety first everyday. By following stringent safety standards, contractors not only distinguish themselves as professionals rather than average installers, but prevent accidents that can limit productivity and lower employee morale. Plus, a safer company is more profitable. Here are 10 ways to be safe on your next roofing job:

Tailor safety to the project. Safety practices should be covered daily with specific information for each project.

Discourage unsafe work practices.  Stop them as soon as you see them.

Lead by example. Work as safely as possible so others will follow your lead.

Keep a clean and organized site. This will offer fewer hazards and allow the site to be more productive.

Identify and avoid site danger areas.  Dangerous power lines, unsafe roof access areas and underground hazards such as cesspools and power lines should be avoided.

Inspect ladders before use. Make sure the rungs are not broken or cracked and clean off any oils, tars, or dirt. The ladder must be tied off.

Do not leave ladders unattended. Take them off the job site every day or lock them on the ground overnight.

Climb ladders safely. Always face the ladder and use both hands when possible.  Don’t slide down a ladder or overload them.

Be wary of electrical wiring. Electricity can “jump” from a wire to a ladder several feet away. Keep your distance from electrical wiring or boxes and remember that metal flashing, drip edge, etc., should never touch electrical wires.

Use tools properly. Wear eye protection when using hammers and nail guns. This will help protect you if an object such as a nail comes flying out.  Always cut away from your body when using a utility knife and replace dull blades frequently.

By following best safety practices on all your roofing jobs you can make sure accidents are few and far between.

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!

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.