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.

10 Things to Do in Common Leak Areas

It’s important to make sure a roof is protected at critical areas to avoid coverage problems and not all roofing manufacturer warranties are the same. In order for the homeowner—and the roof—to get the most out of a warranty, it’s important that the contractor ensures a home is well protected from leaks. The right materials can make the difference. Here are 10 things a contractor should do to ensure warranty coverage for a homeowner:

Install waterproof leak barriers at critical areas that are prone to leaks including valleys, side walls, penetrations, chimneys, dormers, and eaves.Use edge metal at rakes and eaves to help protect from water infiltration at the roof’s edges. This is especially critical in high wind areas and colder climates.Install premanufactured flashing at all pipe penetrations to help prevent water entry.Install roof deck protection, also known as underlayment, to ensure shingles will lie flat and to protect against wind-driven rain that can blow under the shingles.Install proper attic ventilation to help manage the attic temperature and prevent moisture from being trapped in the attic space. Shingle roofs last longer when attics are properly ventilated.Install hip and ridge cap shingles to help protect those areas since they get more wind pressure than other parts of the roof. The finished look of hip & ridge cap shingles can also help increase curb appeal.Check skylight conditions. Old skylights should be replaced to better match the new roof’s age; also, new skylights will probably have better energy ratings.Install a single roofing system, like GAF’s Lifetime Roofing System.* When installing components from different manufacturers, mismatches in warranty coverage can occur. A complete system with shingles, leak barriers, hip and ridge cap shingles, roof deck protection, starter strips, and attic ventilation from the same manufacturer will allow all these components to be covered by one warranty and help to avoid finger-pointing in the event of an issue.Take advantage of problem-prevention inspections by factory-certified roof inspectors, when available. For example, when a homeowner buys a GAF Golden Pledge ltd. warranty**, they are entitled to an inspection by a GAF inspector. These inspectors are technical experts who also provide feedback on the installation.Install systems that have transferable warranties. This is a valuable feature to have if you ever sell your property in the future.

For more information on GAF’s residential warranties, see our comparison.

Cool Weather Application Precautions

Roofing work doesn’t stop in the winter, but if you are applying single-ply roofing systems in the cool weather, there are precautions you should take. By following proper procedures, cold weather applications can progress more efficiently and effectively, resulting in higher quality roof installations. Here are some helpful tips:

Always follow any cool weather application instructions for the product or system you are installing when the temperature is below 7.2°C, as special care may be required. Acceptable weather conditions are not only based on the actual ambient temperature, but also the total combination of nature’s elements (e.g., wind, humidity, snow, sleet, etc.). These installation recommendations should reduce the potential for:

• Membrane wrinkling
• Failures and blow-offs due to improper adhesion
• Poor/false welds
• Membrane blisters on adhered systems

Careful planning of work during cool weather can greatly improve the quality of the installation and can minimize problems.

• There must be no ice, dew, or water on the roof substrate
• Do not apply roofing materials during inclement or threatening weather
• The roof substrate must be clean and dry
• All membrane rolls, adhesives, and coatings must be stored at least overnight at a minimum temperature of 12.8°C prior to their application. All water-based products must be protected from freezing temperatures at all times. Any water-based materials that have been frozen must be discarded.
• Lay out the roof area and place materials where they will be needed prior to starting your application
• Complete each roof section daily. Application should be scheduled so there are no partially completed portions of the roof left exposed.

Membrane rolls are to be removed from the heated storage only as they are being installed. Install membrane rolls immediately after removal from storage to avoid membrane cooling.

Field seaming during cooler temperatures is an even more critical time to perform test welds in the morning, after any extended break such as lunch, or after significant change in weather (air temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, etc.). Many factors will affect the settings, including overcast skies and lower temperatures. This will require a slower speed that will provide the additional heat energy to compensate for heat-draining conditions.

• The correct speed and temperature settings for automatic welders are determined by preparing test welds at various settings
• Hand-welding during colder temperatures also needs to be adjusted
• Perform daily quality control, including probing and checking seams at the end of the day

Adhesives, sealants, and primers will take longer to flash-off and dry in lower temperatures.

• Adhesives, sealants, and primers should be kept in a warmer environment until just prior to usage in order to minimize exposure to cooler temperatures
• Not waiting the appropriate time it takes for the adhesive to set up will most likely result in adhesion problems
• At low temperatures, non-solvent-based adhesives, coatings, sealants, and caulks can be difficult to apply properly and may not adhere or cure as they do in warmer temperatures. Temperatures above 4.4°C and rising are best. Do not heat adhesive containers with torches or other high-temperature devices
• Do not attempt to thin these products

White Roofing: Rising Demand Charges Make the Case

There has been much trade press the past year arguing how far south a black roof will yield energy savings. Their main point is that black roofing has a winter warming benefit. However, the winter sun in is generally not very warm, and many of the calculations assume that commercial buildings are heated with electricity, which is usually not the case.

So, what is the right roof color to help lower energy costs? Much of the modeling understates the case for white roofing, but electric demand charges are changing that perception, since they can increase an electric bill by three times. Whether you’re designing a building or managing a facility, it’s important to understand demand charges—and white roofing is one way to keep costs under control.

Utility companies have to worry about two things when supplying a region—how much power they have to supply each month or quarter, and how to manage peak demands. Think peak summer season, when everyone’s air conditioning is cranked up. If a lot of power is used one hot afternoon in July, the electric company will charge at a higher rate all month long. They focus on the high demand charges that occur in a short period of time and will penalize a building owner for it.

Let's look at two types of customers whose monthly power usage is 2,500 kWh, except one of them paid over three times more than the other. How is this possible? Let’s take a look at the math:

(Credit: Department of Energy)

Even though both customers used the same total power, Customer A used it within a short window of time and was charged $1,775. Customer B spread out their demand and paid just $515—a third as much.

Sounds convincing, but all bills aren’t that simple. In fact, they’re actually very complicated to figure out, since they often don’t even mention demand charges. Here's an example of how this looks on a typical utility bill:

Look closely at the “Time of Use Detail” section. There are three charges based on actual usage: peak, partial-peak, and off-peak times of the day. Below that is a similar set of charges based on the actual rate of use, where demand charges account for 45% of the total bill! This shows the importance of checking these charges, especially since they rise faster than base charges.

Demand charges are an electrical phenomenon, and will be largest during the summer months when AC usage is at its peak. However, there are ways an architect or building manager can combat these extra costs:

• Add additional insulation.   Since insulation saves on both summer and winter charges, it always generates an improvement, regardless of geography.
• White roofing can have its biggest impact in lowering peak demand and, therefore, in lowering demand charges. This is true even for well-insulated buildings.
• Time the start-up of load-intensive equipment (such as refrigerators and air conditioners) to prevent spikes, and of building energy management software to avoid simultaneous operation of HVAC units.
• Use a professionally installed cool, reflective roof such as a roof coating to reduce a building’s cooling needs and demand charges.
• For the building designer: by lowering AC demand with white roofs, the unit can be downsized. This will lower demand charges even further and reduce upfront capital costs—a true win-win.

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!

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.

5 Tips to Stay on Schedule During a Roofing Project

Installing a roof on a building is a big job with many various and sometimes changing components. Effective coordination and communication between the crew needs to happen, but unfortunately schedules can get derailed in the process. 

Here are some ways you can be better prepared for the unexpected and ensure your company’s project runs on time:

1. Plan around the weather. Use a satellite weather monitoring system to get the forecast in real-time. This will eliminate scheduling conflicts and help to avoid costly delays.
   
2. Make sure your materials are on site. Some products are easily purchased, but others may need to be specially ordered in advance. If the latter is the case, you will need extra time to ensure everything has been delivered in time to begin your project.
   
3. Designate a foreman/manager/site supervisor. This person will direct and supervise the roofing process, plan the work to be done for the days ahead, make sure the installation is done to standard, and secure materials, equipment, manpower, and subcontractors (if needed) to keep the project moving smoothly. Preferably, this person will not be installing, but rather spends his/her time supervising and coordinating.
   
4. Use scheduling software. Every project should have a plan and schedule set in place before ground breaking day. It should be allotted into manageable phases with completion targets clearly determined. The schedule should be updated daily and distributed to all parties involved in the project. Making your trades and employees aware of the timelines will make meeting deadlines a breeze.
   
5. Get a dedicated delivery vehicle. To prevent unforeseen shortages, breakdowns, or to replace broken tools, have a vehicle and dedicated "runner" available to handle these problems as they arise. You want the foreman and contractors to be on the roof working and coordinating, not dealing with equipment or material errors.

All of these steps will help ensure that your roof is completed on schedule. And remember: preventing problems takes planning!

3 Tips to Keep Your Roofing Company Busy During The Winter Season

With each changing season comes changing, and sometimes unpredictable, weather conditions. The building and contracting industries can both tend to feel the effects of the long cold winter season -- if there are any major fluctuations in temperature from extreme cold to above the freezing mark, any concrete pouring or foundation work must come to a halt if the project is to be completed properly, putting a serious delay on obtaining revenue. 

Extreme snowfall is also a huge factor for business in the industry as it is the number one cause of ice damming and roof leaks. Here are our tips for keeping the busy season alive when changing seasons slow or halt your building or contracting service:

1) Plan Ahead. Planning your bigger projects that provide more wiggle room with scheduling and timelines around the winter season can be a huge savior for your business. During the slow season is also when you can take the time to:

• Help your clients that have booked projects for the spring/summer season to select long-lead items such as custom windows, siding, or shingles - that way the project is set to begin without delay once the snow melts.
  
• Shift your focus to interior work. Old Man Winter will inevitably bring ice damming and roof leaks, so indoor roofing, insulation, ventilation, and attic repairs will spike in demand. Keep your outdoor work climate specific, it can not only be damaging for your businesses reputation but also for the health of your employees if outdoor work is completed in harsh below-freezing conditions.
  
• Offer cleanup and snow removal for flat roof, residential, industrial, and commercial clients. Not only will the service be called for and appreciated, but it can secure the integrity of your product.

2) Develop Your Marketing and Sales Strategies. The winter season can generally bring you and your employees indoors, use this down time to:

• Educate yourself and your employees on the latest building and design trends to maintain a competitive edge during the summer season.
  
• Offer value pricing on maintenance inspections for the Spring season.
  
• Offer Winter specials on smaller installations and repairs

3) Damage Control. With winter comes heavy wet precipitation and varying temperatures which can lead to ice damming and even structural damage. This misfortune tends to be more popular on older flat roof homes, however, with the right amount of snowfall - any roof can be susceptible to damage. This is a headache for homeowners, but a rejoice for the roofing and building industry as these small and even large repairs can get us through the slow season.

Homeowners should note that venturing on to the roof of your home after extreme weather conditions to inspect damage is not recommended, you are always better off calling a pro for your safety and the integrity of your home. Trudel and Sons Roofing offers comprehensive roof inspections and is always here during any season for your roofing and repair needs!

10 Signs You Need a New Roof

If you're like most homeowners, getting a good look at your roof happens from your vehicle as you move in and out of the driveway shuttling kids or running errands. However, inspecting your roof on a regular basis and mending areas that need repair can prevent unexpected costs later on. Not to mention, keeping your roof in good condition will also benefit you if you decide to put your home on the market.

"What should I be looking for, then?", you ask. Well, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends inspecting your roof at least twice a year - spring and fall. The best place to start is inside your home, so, grab a flashlight and venture up to the attic.

While at the highest point of the inside of your home, here's what you want to look for:

1) Signs of water damage/leaking.

2) Places where the roof is sagging.

3) Exterior light shining through the roof.

4) Dark spots/trails.

Once you make your way outside and to the tip top of your home, make sure to pay extra attention to things such as missing shingles, damaged flashing, rotting or algae growth, curling, blistering, or buckling. Areas where some shingles are darker than others are a huge concern for bigger problems as that's where moisture has already begun to collect. Here's some tips for inspecting/handling these issues outside of your home:

5) Scan the roof for loose material/wear around the chimney, vents, pipes and other exposed penetrations.

6) Check all kitchen, bath and dryer vents and ensure they run completely outside of your home - not just into the attic space.

7) Check for signs of moisture, mold, or rot. Water can travel down to its lowest spot before it starts dripping inside the home and mold, fungi and bacteria can grow within 24-48 hours of a water related issue.

8) Visually inspect your roof for cracked, bald, torn or missing shingles.

9) Be aware of an excessive amount of shingle granules in your gutters - a sign of advanced wear.

10) Examine your drainage and make sure all gutters and downspouts are securely attached. Also ensure drainage is open and allows water to flow out freely.