Why You Should Replace Your Roof in the Spring

If your roof failed to get you through the winter without problems, or if you’ve been putting off a roof replacement, now is the best time of the year to have a new roof installed. Spring is the best time of year to install a new roof, for several reasons.

Why You Should Replace Your Roofing in Spring

First, the season tends to offer very competitive rates from roofing contractors. The warmer weather also means the job will get done more quickly, saving you added money on labor costs. Finally, it’s also worth bearing in mind that certain roofing materials perform their best in spring, helping you get the longest possible lifespan out of your new roof.

Take Advantage of Roofing Market Tendencies. While market patterns vary from one contractor to the next, spring is generally a slower time of year. The arrival of warmer weather gives many people the impetus to put off necessary repairs until summer, giving them the added months to come up with the money needed to get the job done. Others scramble to address problems in the fall, in advance of the wild weather winter can bring. During the spring, many contractors experience lulls in business. In an effort to keep things rolling along, they may offer promotional deals and discounts. Competition for business intensifies, and best of all, you’ll generally have more choice when it comes to selecting a contractor, as companies that would otherwise be busy during the summer and fall may be available due to the springtime seasonal downturn. As an added bonus, contractors will usually be able to complete your roofing repairs or installation more quickly in the spring, since their resources aren’t depleted by a large backlog of jobs. Beyond the convenience, this can also save you money on labor costs, since the contractor will be in and out in less time. Moreover, contractors will usually be available to get started sooner; during busier times of year, you may have to wait weeks or months before the repair and installation processes can begin.

Enjoy Superior Performance from Your Roofing Materials. Many fundamental roofing materials, from adhesives and fasteners to shingles and wooden frames, are temperature-sensitive. If the weather is too cold or too hot, these materials may not perform optimally; the mild temperatures of spring create optimal conditions for installing a new roof while allowing the materials to settle before summer’s arrival. Trudel and Sons Roofing Offers Superb Workmanship. When you’re ready to replace your roof, call the licensed roofing experts at Trudel Roofing. We never take shortcuts and ensure every step is done right! We are a family owned and operated local Stouffville roofing contractor with more than 30 years in business. We specialize in roof repair and roof replacement in Ontario, and our work is 100% guaranteed.

3 Common Roof Leak Locations: Prevention and Repair Tips

Spring has arrived—with its unpredictable moisture patterns, gale-force winds and leftover snowstorms. For Ontario homeowners, that often means pesky roof leaks galore—in many common locations.

3 Common Roof Leak Locations – Prevention and Repair Tips

There are certain areas where roof leaks tend to develop more easily: around chimneys, skylights and in roof valleys. Let’s discuss each in more detail.

Leaking Chimneys. Whether it’s due to aging caulk, cracked cement caps or flashing problems, chimneys are one of the biggest problem areas when it comes to leaks. Many (but not all) chimney leaks can be repaired by peeling off old, dried caulking and roof sealant from around the chimney’s base. Inspect each area of flashing for cracks or damage, and replace flashing as needed. To improve the integrity of your flashing, remember to use a high-quality, flashing cement to re-caulk the area (rather than traditional roofing cements and sealants). If you have a more invasive leak caused by cracked mortar joints, stone or brick displacement, consider calling your local roofer who will perform a thorough roof inspection. The goal is to diagnose and repair the damage quickly.

Leaks Around Skylights. Finding the source of a skylight leak can be tricky, however most skylight leaks occur in the flashing, which marks the point of contact between the skylight and the roof. Often, simply replacing the flashing will solve the leak problem. Another issue is improper installation, in which case skylight leak repair can be a real headache. Other, less common reasons behind skylight leaks are: improperly installed fasteners, poor flashing seals, glass micro-fractures or fissures, sealant failure due to thermal expansion. Some skylight leaks are simple and are easily handled by do-it-yourself homeowners, but if you’re experiencing severe interior effects, such as ceiling staining or flooring damage, call your roofing contractor immediately.

Leaks in Roof Valleys. When two portions of your roof intersect, the resulting line is called a “valley.” Valleys typically contain a type of metal flashing, but in some cases, shingles or tiles may just butt up against one another. Either way, valleys are a common source for roof leaks. If your roof valleys contain metal flashing, it’s possible that the shingles were improperly cut, allowing water to leak behind faulty shingle tips and seep into your attic or down your walls. Valley leaks tend to be more complex to repair than other types of damage, so it’s best to have a contractor handle your roof valley repairs.

Some common roof leaks, if caught early enough, can be fixed by a capable do-it-yourselfer - however, if you ever have any doubts or hesitations, call Trudel and Sons Roofing at (905)642-3515!