Even if you rely on a contractor’s expertise to maintain your roof, it is important to be a responsible homeowner and keep an eye out for problems. After all, a lot can go wrong between yearly inspections. Two parts of the roof that often get overlooked are soffits and fascias. These architectural elements do much more than simply add a finished look to your home. Soffits and fascias are located on the part of the roof that protrudes away from the side of your home. The fascia is the lining on the bottom edge of the roof (typically what you attach gutters to), and the soffit is the flat section underneath your roof. Knowing when to replace soffits and fascias can protect your roof from other costly repairs. [Read more…]
TPO Roof Maintenance
Are you the proud owner of a building with TPO roofing? Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is an eco-friendly, synthetic material commonly used on commercial roofs. In fact, one of the most energy-efficient buildings in Canada, the Earth Rangers Centre in Woodbridge, Ontario, has a TPO roof. It uses 90 percent less energy than other buildings of its size, thanks to the reflective roof. TPO membranes also reflect UV radiation, so they help keep buildings cool during the hot summer months, saving you money on your cooling bill (source). Finally, TPO roofs are extremely durable and water-resistant, which are both huge pluses if you live in a region that experiences heavy rain or snowfall. To ensure that your roof can last for decades, it’s important that you stay on top of TPO roof maintenance.
How Composite Slate Shingles Compare to Slate
A slate roof is a hallmark of a historical house. Its gorgeous gray color and thick, rugged edges give even new houses a timeless European feel. But let’s not forget the major downside of slate roofs: They are pretty pricey. Luckily, you can get the same classic look of slate shingles for a fraction of the cost thanks to composite slate shingles. Let’s take a look at how composite slate shingles compare to slate. We’ll give you a hint: Composite shingles have the same great look and quality of slate, but they won’t destroy your renovation budget.
Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding
If your home needs to have its siding replaced or you’re ready for a new look altogether, you have a lot of options to choose from. Stone, stucco, engineered wood, brick, vinyl . . . the list goes on. One of the newer arrivals when it comes to siding is fiber cement, and there’s a reason This Old House is gushing over the advantages of fiber cement siding: “It masquerades as wood or masonry, wears like concrete, and survives even the harshest elements.” What’s not to love? Fireproof and able to repel termites and insects, this durable and adaptable siding is quickly growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. [Read more…]
Common Roofing Terminology
If you live in a house with a roof, you can benefit from learning common roofing terminology. After all, regardless of whether you rent or own your home, there is a good chance you’ll have to deal with a roof repair at some point in your life. Being able to communicate well with your roof repair company can save a lot of time and confusion when your roof requires an inspection, needs a cleaning, or begins to leak.
Types of Metal Roofs
Metal roofing is widely known as a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance roofing option, and the benefits of metal roofing make it a great choice for both residential and commercial roof designs. So if you haven’t explored metal roofing, we encourage you to check out the different types of metal roofs available. You can typically choose from copper, zinc, aluminum, and steel, which each have unique pros and cons.
When to Replace Siding
Your home’s siding isn’t just an aesthetic choice. It also serves as an important barrier, protecting your home’s structure from nuisances like insects, moisture, and foul weather. It’s important to keep your existing siding in good condition, but at some point you may need to replace it. After all, siding sees a lot of wear and tear. Wondering when to replace siding? Using a few telltale signs – higher energy bills, rot, moisture – you can decide when to make the investment.
EPDM Roofing Pros and Cons
Did you just purchase the perfect mid-century modern home? Or are you looking for the best solution to keep your office building’s roof in great shape? Finding the best roofing material for a flat roof is a whole different ballgame than choosing material for a traditional roof. Luckily, flat roofs on buildings are discrete, and homes with flat roofs are a statement of their own. This means you don’t have to worry about choosing the trendiest type of material on the market. Instead, you can focus on durability and quality. One option that many property owners turn to is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofing. Explore EPDM roofing pros and cons to ensure you make the right decision for your commercial or residential property.
Is It Legal For a Roofer to Cover My Insurance Deductible?
If you’re looking to repair your roof, you may come into contact with roofers who advertise “waived” insurance deductibles. These contractors claim that they’re able to skirt insurance deductibles during repairs, saving the homeowners money. Some may even offer to “absorb” the deductible into their repairs, steeply discounting their services or even paying the homeowners for their business. While tempting, this practice is problematic – and not strictly legal. It’s a tricky scenario, and a tough one to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with insurance logistics. If you have questions about how roofing repairs impact your insurance deductible, read on to find out more.
The Importance of Hiring an Insured Contractor
Some things you just have to learn the hard way: Don’t microwave metal. Separate your dark and light laundry. Cutting your own hair is harder than you think. However, the importance of hiring an insured contractor should not be one of those things. In the event that your contractor or an employee becomes injured on the job or causes damage to your roof, you’ll want to make sure that they are insured. If you hire a contractor who doesn’t have adequate insurance, you may be held liable for on-the-job injuries and property damage. However, if the contractor has appropriate insurance, the insurer will pay for covered risks.
