The town of Richmond Hill is located just north of the city of Toronto within easy driving distance to the vast downtown core. However it is just north enough to be both part of the GTA and a world away all at the same time. The town’s motto “A little north, a little nicer” says it all as sprawling neighbourhoods, over 160 parks and the largest outdoor wave pool in the country welcome locals and visitors alike. In the 1990’s the town saw quite a surge in population, a lot of which was thanks to immigration of minority groups that has made it one of the most multicultural places to live in the area. Couple this with the lovely topography of the town which enjoys a higher elevation than major centers in the GTA and you have a community that is a great one to raise a family.

As anyone with a house knows, the roof is one of the most important, if not the most important part of your structure. Not only does it look good and lend a hand in the general curb appeal of a property, but it also works to keep the weather out of your home. So, if you own a home in beautiful Richmond Hill you will want to keep your roof in tip top shape to keep your home protected and looking great for years to come. There are simple ways to achieve this because nipping little problems in the bud will save you time, money and headaches in the long run.

The first way to maintain your roof is to do inspections on a yearly basis. That is, in the fall before the winter weather hits and again in the spring to determine if your roof made it through the winter in fine fashion. No one wants to discover ice damage or a slow drip come spring that could have been located and repaired months before.

Another way to help preserve your roof is to check out your attic space once or twice a year. You will easily see any problems, both by visually locating water or sunlight or by smell if your attic’s insulation has a mouldy odor to it. Discoloured struts and pooling water are also obvious indicators of trouble above.

You don’t have to take to a ladder to check your roof, best leave that to the professionals, but you can walk around your home and take note of the shingles, downspouts and eavestroughs and call in those professionals should you notice anything amiss. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, even when it comes to roofing.

Water that accumulates on your house roof due to rain or melted snow and ice can result in severe water damages to different parts of the house. Hence, you need to install rain gutters in order to efficiently channelize water from the roof to the ground. However, while gutters can be immensely helpful in preventing water from accumulating on your house roof, it can also pose certain difficulties for you. In order for these gutters to keep up their functionality, it is extremely necessary to clean them on a regular basis. During seasonal changes, the gutters can be filled with leaves, tiny pine needles and various other wastes that can cause them to get clogged. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow and seepage, resulting in serious damage to the roof, walls and foundation of your house. Hence it is always advisable to protect your gutters with appropriate gutter guards or gutter shutters in order to avoid the hassles of cleaning, and also to provide adequate protection to your house.

Gutter guards are strong and durable protective shields that are installed on the gutters in order to restrict the entry of leaves and other kinds of wastes in the gutters. Materials like aluminum, steel mesh, vinyl, etc. are used for making these gutter guards in order to make them strong, sturdy and durable. They are designed in a way to withstand the effects of outer elements and last for years. You can benefit in a number of ways by installing gutter protectors. Let us discuss some of the ways you can benefit:

• Cleaning the gutters can be a strenuous task, especially if you do not have adequate knowledge and skill required to clean them. Moreover, getting on the roof of your house can also pose huge risks of physical injury. And if you choose to hire professionals for performing the cleaning tasks, it can be an expensive process. Installation of gutter guards prevents the entry of dirt and debris, and keep the gutters clean, thereby saving you the cost and hassle of cleaning them on a regular basis.
• Water accumulated in the gutters due to clogging can freeze during the winters, resulting in water seepage that can cause severe water damages to your house. By preventing water clogging, gutter guards save your house against potential water damages.
• Houses that are located in areas that are prone to bushfire, it can be extremely beneficial to install gutter guards that can protect your house against fire by preventing the accumulation of wastes in the gutters that can catch fire in case they come in contact with suspended embers.
• During monsoon, wet debris can accumulate inside the gutters causing gutter troughs to rust and corrode, thereby deteriorating their functionality. Gutter protectors can be immensely helpful in protecting the gutter troughs against rusting by preventing the accumulation of wet debris in the gutters.
• In most cases, gutter shutters are made in a way to look stylish and elegant. Hence, they not only help in protecting your house against possible damages, but also add to the beauty of your house.

Install gutter guards in your house to protect your house against potential damages.

Whether your home is already built, or you are starting a new construction project from the ground up, one of the most important components of your house is the roof. There are numerous roofing material options on the market today that can offer you every conceivable color or texture to suit your preferences. One material that is increasing in popularity is metal. Metallic roofing is no longer relegated to commercial and industrial structures only, and many homeowners are choosing metal for use on their homes. If you are weighing your options, here are factors to consider about this popular choice.

Long Lasting and Lightweight

Metal is fire resistant, mildew resistant, and impervious to insects and rot. You can expect this durable material to last for many decades to come. It can withstand severe winds, and its slippery surface repels water and snow, reducing the likelihood of leaks. Metallic tiles and shingles are non-combustible, earning a Grade A fire rating, and some home insurance companies even offer discounts to homeowners who install fire-resistant types. It is also considerably more lightweight compared to other popular roofing materials. Metal roofing, depending on the exact type, can weigh less than a pound per square foot. Concrete and clay tile, on the other hand, can weigh between five and ten pounds per square foot.

Easy to Install

Because the metal products are so lightweight, the installation process is relatively quick. Some metallic tiles can be installed directly over preexisting shingles. This can save you money on contractor costs, as you may not have to pay for the removal of the existing structure.

Energy Efficient

While asphalt shingles absorb heat, making your attic unbearably hot and taxing your cooling system, metal reflects heat away from your home. This difference can save you money on energy costs. Additionally, metal tiles and shingles are approximately 95% recyclable, so after their usefulness is over, they can be reused, rather than being dumped into a landfill.

Excellent Curb Appeal

Whatever look you are trying to achieve, you can get it with metal. Many of the major manufacturers are creating metallic tiles to mimic the look of other conventional options, such as clay tiles, asphalt, and slate. Copper will produce an attractive patina over time, while diamond-shaped metal tiles complement more ornate architectural home styles, such as Victorian and Queen Anne.

Easy Maintenance

Metallic shingles and tiles are very easy to maintain, requiring little more than an occasional removal of debris from the surface and the gutters. However, you will also want to keep nearby trees trimmed back to prevent possible abrasion of the finish or paint. Additionally, if you need to walk on top of the surface, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent denting.

For some homeowners, the initial cost to install metallic roofing is its biggest drawback, as it is similar to the cost of other premium materials. You will save money over the long haul, however, with minimal maintenance costs and lower energy bills. So, if you plan to stay in your home for many years to come, an investment of this nature makes good sense.

The inevitable need to fix or install new roofing systems can often feel painful to consider. Homeowners may even know their home requires upkeep, but it can be easy to put it out of mind until after it has become a problem. Even once you have decided to make the leap and find a contracting company, choosing the best one may feel overwhelming. Roofers aren’t necessarily banging on doors to find new clients, and sorting through the companies in your area may seem like a daunting process. However, a few considerations may help you find the right company for your roofing needs.

Construction Costs

Overall cost is the first thing you should consider. Most roofing companies offer free estimates, so take advantage of them! Call around and ask for a specialist to come check out the job. Using this strategy, you will be able to compare the information to other estimates and choose wisely who gets to do the job.

When To Call

Make your calls when the weather is good. Hiring roofers to work in bad weather will almost always warrant ‘hazard charges,’ which can sometimes double the overall cost of construction. Additionally, ask yourself this: would you be happy about working outdoors during a snowstorm?

Roofing Materials & Base Costs

Compare the base price of materials, e.g. slate tiles, asphalt shingles, tars, cedar shakes, and clay shingles. You can check with your local hardware store for specific pricing.

In addition to figuring out costs, ask the roofers to show you other work completed in the area and talk to the homeowners to hear their recommendations. Good reputations can go a long way. Carefully consider skill and experience over cheaper hourly rates. Having an inexperienced contractor install your new roof will just cause you to hire another one sooner than you think. Hire quality first and save yourself the headache of having to repeat the process too many times.

Contracts & Additional Info

Almost all work will be done under contract. Make sure you include material costs, labor costs, and any other costs associated with the job in the contract. If possible, try to secure a warranty or even get an expressed written warranty of the work.

Agree to specifics, such as how long your roof will be off, how long the equipment may be stored in your yard, and hours of operation. Would you mind having someone banging on your ceiling at 8 a.m.? If you answered yes, make sure the daily starting and stopping hours are expressed in writing.

Lastly, make sure to discuss and put in writing who will handle leaks within a certain period of time from the installation. Warranties and guarantees are one thing, but this is one of the specifics that many people overlook. Be sure to specify this in your contract.

When moving into or remodeling a home, you might come to a point in which you ask yourself whether or not gutters and downspouts are necessary. Many homeowners wrestle with the idea of installing a gutter and downspout system since it is an expensive investment and clogged gutters can cause a serious amount of costly damages. But this perspective is a risky one to have, and choosing to forgo gutter and downspout installation for the sake of saving money is not a wise nor lucrative decision. Continue reading to learn 3 important reasons why your home requires a quality an outdoor water drainage system.

Understanding the Importance

Before discussing the reasons why gutters and downspouts are so important, let’s first address the myth that clogged gutters will cause serious, costly damage, and forgoing them prevents flooding and foundation damage. This is untrue because without a gutter and downspout system, the water will run over the sides of your home; so every time it rains, you will have water pooling issues. Gutters only cause this issue when they become clogged, which can be easily prevented with a little routine maintenance.

Here’s Why You Need Them:

1. Soil Erosion Prevention. When homes are built to code, they are built on a slight slope so that water runoff is directed away from the home’s foundation. Without an outdoor water drainage system, water flow is not guided properly, and the soil supporting the foundation of the property will massively erode overtime. After a while, water run-off will flow towards the home rather than away. This causes the foundation to settle, and you can even experience uneven or buckling floors, cracked ceilings, and wall cracks, inside the home.

2. Basement Flood Prevention. Water has weight, and when soil becomes saturated with water, it is naturally heavier. Without gutters and downspouts, water accumulation weighs down the soil and adds excessive pressure on the foundation. Over time, basement walls will begin to push forward, warp, and crack. It can also lead to mold and mildew damage.

3. Siding Protection. Unguided water flow will carry dirt, sediment, and debris with it wherever it goes. As it runs down your siding, it will leave behind stains, and eventually cause it to rot away. It can also lead to mold and mildew growth. Not only is this detrimental to your home’s curb appeal, it negatively impacts your home’s overall value since siding rot can jeopardize its structural integrity.

Talk to a licensed home remodeling contractor about installing an outdoor water drainage system on your home. They have the knowledge and resources to provide professional assessments and solutions that fit your home’s water runoff needs, as well as your budget.

Roofs are made of various materials and when cleaning them the instructions and cleaning solution will be different for each one.

Asphalt shingles

Regardless of where the home is located, asphalt shingles is a common roof material. The shingles are known for their sand-like and granular finish. It is the type of finish that is designed to wear out slowly. Due to the layered, delicate nature of the shingles, it is important that when cleaning them that you do it gently so you do not destroy the layer of protection. Cleaning them too roughly will also decrease the lifespan of your roof. If you are using a pressure washer, you should use a low pressure washing of no higher than thirty psi, which is equal to a garden hose sprayer. You should not use a mixture of water trisodium phosphate (TSP), and bleach, even though it is found on the internet. There are several dangers associated with this solution. The bleach will only kill the surface layer of algae and mold, which will regrow, it will poison any vegetation that is under the roof when it runs off, and it can corrode the metal fastenings.

Ceramic tiles

This type of roof is very popular in the subtropical and Southwest regions and on Spanish-style houses. This roofing material can stand higher-pressure washing. It does it without suffering from wear or corrosion. One important thing to note is that when using a pressure washer you do need to control closely the psi because if you apply high pressure to the wrong place on the roof it could crack the ceramic tile. If this happens, it could require replacing ceramic tiles on your roof. To help prevent this, it is recommended that you use a soft wash. Ceramic tile roof cleaning should be done using a specialized formula that is designed to attack algae, mold, and fungi growth along with lifting stains.

Clay tiles

These tiles look similar to ceramic tiles and are popular in Southern and Southwest states, especially California. They are made using a method that combines sand and clay to make the tiles. This type of roof is excellent insulators. They help to reduce the homeowners cooling costs. The different between the ceramic and clay tiles is that the production methods make the clay tiles more porous. This makes them subject to wear even using low-pressure washing. You should clean them using a garden sprayer. A clay roof that is properly maintained should have a protective sealant to inhibit the grown of many organisms. You will still need to do roof cleaning using just water that is mixed with dish detergent or plain water. If you prefer there are specific cleaners that you can use on your clay tiles.

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council reveals that asbestos, a fibrous mineral, had numerous industrial and domestic uses in Australia during the 20th Century. In particular, people noticed that it had very desirable qualities that made it cheaper to build their houses cheaply.

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally-occurring silicate minerals, including: amosite (brown or grey asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), and chrysotile (white asbestos). Such minerals feature fine, fibrous crystals. During the 20th century, asbestos roof shingles were the preferred material when people needed to roof their houses. This was due the physical property of such roof shingles, which possessed high durability, came at a cheaper price and were far much lighter than slate.

In addition, asbestos roof shingles provided very high fire resistance and insulation from heat. Moreover, the roof shingles had a life span ranging from 50 to 60 years, apart from being less bulky compared to siding panels, which were eight times thicker.

Unfortunately, when the roof shingles aged, they would decrease in their imperviousness to water, making moss growth quite common. Also, such shingles would become very brittle and break up during winter when temperatures dropped, once they started absorbing water.

Challenges of Asbestos Roof Shingles

Removing asbestos roof shingles is an expensive and delicate procedure, especially if they are damaged or weathered. In such damaged and weathered conditions, the previously strong and durable shingles can be easily crushed by hand. This would necessitate hiring professional removers to handle the delicate material. Such a professional contractor would possess the required expertise in handling and managing the removal of potentially-harmful asbestos material.

Remember that, you still have to be careful even when your roof shingles are in good condition. Any screws should be removed instead of being unscrewed. This is because unscrewing fasteners from the already-brittle shingles releases asbestos dust into the air, making you susceptible to inhaling the poisonous asbestos fibers.

A homeowner should never contract the services of a contractor who is ill-equipped for the job and inexperienced in handling asbestos. It’s definitely a very challenging task, hence only an expert contractor can competently do it.

Safe asbestos roof removal would also involve proper disposal of the asbestos fiber. Moreover, pieces that break off during such a procedure must be handled carefully. Anyone attempting to carry out such a removal project must possess the necessary expertise and knowledge on how to eliminate risk of exposure; otherwise, both the homeowner, as well as the workers, would be susceptible to inhaling harmful asbestos dust.

Currently, there’s widespread awareness of the serious health risks associated with inhalation of asbestos fibers. You are likely to develop asbestosis and mesothelioma (a form of cancer). What makes it even more challenging is the fact that such health conditions take several decades to develop. That’s why the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council expects an increased number of cases of asbestos exposure well into the 21st century. By all means, you must avoid any contact with this harmful substance, even if you don’t immediately notice its harmful effects.

EPDM rubber roofing – also known under its longer name of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer roofing – is a popular roofing option that is both extremely durable and cost effective. This type of roofing material is commonly used on flat roofs, but also has uses on other surfaces as well.

In addition to lasting a long time and not being expensive to purchase, it is also relatively simple to install; for all of these reasons it has become one of the most widely used roofing products in the world, with an estimated 1.3 billion square metres of EPM rubber roof membrane installed worldwide.

To apply this type of roofing material, it is important to follow a few steps to adhere it to the roof surface. This requires a special adhesive which will provide a strong bond and allow for versatility when applying the roof membrane. Here are a few tips on how to apply this adhesive for best results.

Firstly, it is necessary to equip yourself with all the tools that you will need for the process. These include a 4 inch hand roller, pencils, safety glasses, a tape measure, and stirrers for the adhesive and solvent resistant gloves. Preparing all of these in advance will ensure that you do not find yourself without something essential mid-application of the adhesive.

In general, the type of adhesive that is commonly used with EPDM rubber roofing will adhere to all surfaces, including porous and non-porous ones. Some roof membranes and surfaces may require the use of a special adhesive, so make sure that you verify this with a professional before you start working on your roofing project.

Before applying the adhesive, you will need to make sure that the surface of the roof is absolutely clear of any dirt, rust or grease, as well as any moisture, as all of these can affect the efficacy of the adhesive and therefore the successful application of the rubber roofing membrane. Any moisture trapped under the membrane can also weaken the effect of the adhesive.

Once the roof protection has taken place and you have gathered all the necessary equipment, you can begin the process of applying the adhesive. You can apply the product to the side of the RUSS strip or the exposed decking. The product should also be applied to the relevant up stand termination or step down and to the backside of the roofing membrane.

Once the application of the adhesive on these surfaces has taken place, it is then time to press the two surfaces together. Before doing this, however, it is important for the adhesive to have become touch dry with no wet puddles. There should be no voids between the rubber roofing membrane and the receiving surface whatsoever.

After doing this, apply positive pressure to the membrane, working the membrane up the up stand to the required height. These particular areas should be rolled in order to achieve a strong bond between the rubber roofing membrane and the substrate.

This is all that is necessary to ensure the successful application of EPDM rubber roofing, although several precautions should be taken. One of these is to avoid stretching the membrane during application, as this can damage the integrity of the product.

In some cases, while you are waiting for the adhesive to become touch dry, condensation may form on the layer of adhesive. In this case, stop adhesive application and wait for the surface to dry completely. After this, you can reapply a coat of the product once again and proceed with the application as normal.

When reapplying adhesive in this case, apply a thin refresher coat that is approximately half of the normal coverage rate when applying to a surface that has previously been coated with adhesive. By following these steps, you are sure to achieve great results.

If your roof is damaged, you might wonder why you have to hire a specific type of contractor to carry out the repairs. Roofing contractors specialize in building and maintaining roofs on any type of building. They are considered their own specialty because they need to know how to use different materials to cover, waterproof, and weatherproof buildings. They undergo years of specialized training to hone their skills and, once they have reached a certain level of training and experience, they can become certified.

In order to understand why maintaining a roof requires specialized workers, let’s take a look at how these workers become certified.

What’s Behind Certified Roofing Contractors?

These are the steps certified roofing contractors go through in order to become licensed.

Step One: Acquire a job with a roofing company. Experience is required for certification no matter which state you work in, so most roofers apprentice with a company first.

Step Two: You will need a list of all the certification requirements in your area. You can usually find this online.

Step Three: Find study guides and study for the exam. Study guides are available for purchase online, or you can contact a local bookstore for help.

Step Four: Take the exam. Each state has its own level of proficiency that you must achieve to pass.

Step Five: After passing, submit all required documents to the state licensing board. You will have to prove you passed the state exam and have on-the-job experience in this field.

Costs to Replace Your Roof

Redressing the top of your home is one of the more expensive investments you will have to make. The average timeline for redressing is between 20 and 50 years, depending on the materials used. The cost of replacement will depend on the size and pitch of your roof, the accessibility of your home, and the cost of materials. Therefore, the price for redressing will greatly vary.

Roofing contractors charge by “roofing squares.” One roofing square is equal to a 10-by-10-foot area (100 square feet). The average cost of a shingle roof is $500 to $720 per square, depending on where you live. Weather is a factor in what type of material will be used, with shingles being the most widely used product.

If the top of your house is worn out, you can often tell just by looking at the shingles. If your shingles are old, you will see the corners of some of them curling upward, and they will have a dull appearance. An excellent way to check your roof is to inspect it from inside the attic; look for wet or discolored spots. These mean you have a leak, which should be addressed immediately.

Benefits of a New Roof

A well-maintained home covering will keep out rain and snow, and any other inclement weather. This ensures that your home is dry and protected. On the other hand, a weak covering will eventually, but inevitably, lead to damages that will cost far more to repair.

Owning a home comes with a laundry list of responsibilities. If you’re like most average homeowners, you can handle the little stuff like landscaping and painting. Big jobs like roofing, however, require an expert. Here are a few things to look for in a reputable company.

Documentation

Only hire a company that is both licensed and insured. Make sure that any contractor working on your home has both workers’ compensation and liability insurance so that you don’t end up liable if they get hurt on the job. Ask for certificates and call the insurance carrier to confirm their validity.

Straight Answers

If you are missing shingles, notice your roof buckling, or have water stains on your ceiling, it’s likely that you need a roofer. However, not all roofing issues require total replacement. Algae growth, for instance, may be unsightly, but it does not require a replacement job. Honest and competent specialists would not suggest work on such grounds. A professional roofer will give it to you straight. If you’re unsure whether you’re getting swindled or not, get a second opinion before hiring someone to do the work.

A good yardstick of dependability for roofing contractors is how willing they are to answer questions in a way that makes sense to you. If your contractor makes you feel stupid or acts frustrated by your questions, this is a bad sign. They should be more than willing to help you understand the complete process that you’re paying for. After all, you are not the expert… they are!

A Timeline

All reputable roofing contractors should be willing to provide you with a timeline, including a completion date. Get it in writing and don’t allow them to overcharge you if they go over the time they quote you. It’s important that you have a comprehensive understanding of what you’re getting into; how many days you’ll have workers in and around your home; how many workers will be on your project; and what hours of the day they plan on being there.

Testimonials

Talk to your friends and family about their experiences with local roofing contractors to find a reputable one. A good company should have a solid reputation in the local community and an established track record of success.

Whether installing new projects or renovating old ones, contractors know their field will always be needed. With this in mind, you are entitled to hold the results to a high standard. Before providing payment, make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction.