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.

Moisture Control in Low-Slope and Flat Roofing Systems

Condensation within a flat roofing system mainly occurs during cold weather seasons when moisture and vapor in the air caused by heat from within the building rising out into the cold roof void above the ceiling. When the temperature of the moisture falls to or below its dew point, the water vapor condenses on the cold surfaces around it causing damage and leaks. Condensation is a particular problem in flat or low-sloped roofing systems above rooms that generate a lot of heat such as kitchens and bathrooms. A flat roof should be designed to minimize condensation and a proper analysis of the positioning of insulation materials, vapor control layers, ventilation, and thermal insulation should be reviewed prior to installation. Here are our tips on preventing the likelihood of leaks on low-slope/flat roofing systems:

During Design/Specification:

1. Provide a positive roof slope. This will provide roof drainage and better ventilation to the outdoors.

2. Provide as much ventilation for moisture "traps" as possible. This can be achieved by cutting back ends of reflective foil/batt insulation which are installed below the roof sheathing.

3. Use insulation above the wood deck. Where low design temperatures or high interior humidity are expected, this method can help keep wood temperatures above dew point.

During Construction:

1. Install roofing over the wood deck ASAP. This will protect the insulation from exposure to the elements.

2. Provide proper ventilation to remove moisture. Moisture build up during the construction of a roofing system is expected due to the curing of concrete and gypsum jointing materials. Proper ventilation will prevent these aspects of installation from having long-term effects on the roof.

During Service Life/Homeowner Tips:

1. Don't let moisture stand a chance. If you own a home with a low-slope or flat roofing system, it's going to require a little more care than a standard shingle roof. Your best bet at maintaining the integrity of your roof and preventing leaks is calling a pro for any snow/heavy rainfall removal - this way you know the job is being done correctly. If you've had any extreme weather (snow. rain, or wind) be sure to notify your professional, this way, they can ensure all roof membrane and HVAC systems are in working condition.

How to Recognize and Prevent Ice Damming

The cold winter season is the time when many homeowners see icicles hanging from their eaves or water coming in the house due to ice damming on the roof. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow/water from draining properly off the roof. The water that then backs up behind the dam can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. 

There are three main causes of ice damming:

• Poor insulation from a house ceiling. An attic with inadequate or deteriorated insulation can cause ice damming.

• Lack of ventilation. A house with proper ventilation allows the necessary cold air to mix and cool the hot air from the house, which slows the snow melting down.

• Leaking gaps between the living space and the attic. These spaces allow extra heat to “escape” into the attic, which warms the space and melts even more snow.

Here is what you can do to prevent ice damming:

• Seal the living space.

• Install adequate attic insulation.

• Make sure that the attic is properly ventilated.

Shingle roofs are designed to shed water; they are engineered and installed to reject freestanding water. That is why a good quality leak barrier is needed at the eaves. The most important thing a contractor can do to help homeowners with ice dam problems is to first clean the snow off the roof (following strict safety rules) and then create exits for the trapped water.

Preventing ice dams and icicles may not be possible at all times, but these are measures that can be taken to help stop water from entering the house.

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.