Category: Residential Roofing

With the amount of wind damage in Canada, it’s no surprise that people are keeping an eye on their roofs.

But, how do you know if you need roof repairs? What are the key signs that your roof could have damages?

If you’re not sure, read this article. In it, we’ll tell you about five signs that you should look out for that will tell you if you need roofing repairs in Calgary.

Damaged Shingles

Damaged shingles have cracks and curls. If this is the case on your roof, you need to replace them. That said, it may be past replacing shingles as your roof may already have significant damage.

This is especially true if you have a lot of them. Either way, shingles with damages are past their life expectancy. To prevent extra damage and leaks, get your roof checked by professionals.

Also, be sure to choose the best shingles for your roof in the first place. Cheap shingles may save you money for now, but they could cost you a fortune in the long run.

Shingle Granules in Your Gutters

Asphalt and composite granules shed sections when they become old. These fragments find themselves in your gutters.

If you have blocked gutters, check for pieces of shingles. If you find chunks of black sand, you may have a roofing problem.

Peeling Paint on the Exterior of Your Home

Always keep an eye on the outside of your home. If your gutters are collapsing or the paint on your home is falling off, this may be a repair sign.

When your roof is weak, it can leave your attic with poor ventilation. Over time, your home is prone to humidity. This humidity builds up around the roofline.

When there is a build-up of humidity, paint can start cracking. The first signs of moisture will appear around the roofline. These signs will come in the form of peeling and blistering paint.

While the issue could come from your roof, make sure to check that you do not have gutter problems as well.

Staining on Your Walls and Ceiling

Another repair sign is if new stains appear on your wall or ceiling. These stains usually arise because of humidity and water damage.

Unless there is another clear cause of water damage, you should call an expert to check your roof.

The problem could also be slight, i.e. you could not see it straight away. There could be a problem with your underlayment which could cause moisture to come in.

Unusual High Energy Bills

Have you been suffering from high energy bills? Are your energy bills a lot lower during this time of the year? If so, this could be a repair sign.

If your energy bills spike and you’re not facing an extreme of hot or cold temperatures, then you could have a leak.

You may also notice that you have to crank up the heating or turn up the air conditioning. All these unusual changes could mean there is a leak in your roof that needs repairing.

Thinking of Roofing Repairs in Calgary?

The temperature in Calgary can drop from hot to cold and vice versa in a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, this can lead to severe problems with your roof.

If you need roofing repairs, it’s important you call a local roofing company in Calgary.

At H&J Roofing, we offer fantastic customer service and exceptional quality. So, if you’re looking for a trustworthy roof repair service in the area, get in touch with us today.

Whether you have roof damage or need a full replacement, there are some vital things you need to consider before you choose a roofing company in Calgary.

Home improvement spending in Canada reached 72.7 billion dollars in 2017. That is an all-time high for the country.

So with that much spending comes a slew of contractors and home professionals. If you’re looking for roofing services, how can you know you’re picking a reliable company?

Read on for the five most important questions to ask your potential professional roofing services provider to ensure that you make the right choice.

1. Do They Have Insurance?

There are two types of insurance you should ask about. The first is called Workmans’ compensation and the second is liability insurance. Your professional roofing services provider should have both.

Workmans’ compensation protects homeowners if a worker is injured on your roofing project. Liability protects your home if any damages take place during the project.

Some contractors use sub-contractors during labour. Make sure that if they do that the sub-contracted workers are also insured.

2. Do They Have a Roofing Contractor License?

Having a license ensures that a professional roofing services provider abides by the laws and standards set by local authorities.

Licensing requirements vary by region. So you should first check what your local laws require in the way of licensing.

Ask your contractor if they are fully licensed. And once you know, check with your local licensing offices to verify that their license hasn’t expired and that your potential contractor doesn’t have any unresolved violations.

3. Do Their Professional Roofing Services Come With a Warranty?

There are two types of warranties you’ll want to ask about. The roofer’s warranty covers the work provided by contractors and usually lasts one year. Some may offer longer warranties, so don’t be afraid to ask.

The second warranty is the manufacturer’s warranty which covers the materials.

Ask your roofing contractor for the details and get a length of coverage in writing for both.

4. How Do They Ensure the Protection of Your Home?

Some roofing jobs require contractors to have access to the inside of the home and attic. Make sure to clarify if they’ll need access. If they do, don’t be afraid to ask how the screen their employees.

Make sure to ask about their procedure for protecting the interior of your home from the materials used during the job.

5. Do They Have a Portfolio?

Truly professional roofing services will have a portfolio of their work. This gives you a perfect insight into the quality of their work.

If a professional portfolio isn’t available, you can ask if they have any current or recent clients whose work you can see.

Roofing repairs and replacements can be costly. Don’t be afraid to ask for examples so that you know what kind of quality to anticipate for your money.

Hiring a Calgary Roofing Company

You have every right to be selective when considering that you’re asking someone to enter your home, work in a potentially dangerous environment, and do work on one of your homes most essential elements.

Contact us for your roofing needs!

Winter weather warnings in the news aren’t just a prompt to wrap up warm. They’re a wake-up call to homeowners that some roof care is going to be required by a top roofing company in Calgary.

You might be tempted to wait until spring when the job will be more comfortable, but leaving large drifts of snow and ice on your roof can be problematic.

Below, we’ve listed the key reasons why winter roof care is so necessary. We’ve also given some tips on how to take care of the problems before they get too serious.

Winter Weight

The first problem you need to be aware of is the sheer weight building up on your roof. Snow never seems like a “heavy” substance when you pick it up, but when it builds up in drifts, the weight accumulates.

In general, roofs aren’t designed to handle the weight of heavy loads. So the snow and ice can lead to roof sagging, cracks and leaks, and even collapse if left untended.

If you hear creaking from your roof or hear drips in your attic, you need to get your roof cleared right away. Otherwise, you’ll be facing a much more expensive problem.

Gutter Ice

Since water expands by around 9% as it freezes, this increases the outward pressure acting on your gutters. This can damage them.

Furthermore, the formation of ice in the gutters can also prevent snow from melting and draining from the roof as water, since the drainage system is blocked.

This means that the weight problem on your roof will get even worse, as the snow and ice are stuck behind a ridge, or “wall,” of gutter ice. Roof care services may be required to remove this ice before it causes gutters to collapse.

Icicles can also form underneath the gutters, which can fall and injure people.

Better insulation in the attic can help to prevent both problems. With poorly insulated roofs, warmth from your home is melting the snow and driving it into the cooler gutters – where it reforms as ice.

Condensation in Your Attic

When warm air meets cold air, the warm air cools and releases water vapour. This process is known as condensation.

On a cold day, this can happen in your attic, as warmer air in your home rises to meet the frigid temperatures from the outside.

Heavy condensation can lead to wooden structures rotting and issues with mould. Both represent a severe risk to the safety of your family.

Proper insulation is key to reducing this risk. It’ll prevent the cold air from entering your home so that there’s far less condensation occurring.

Roof Care Services in Calgary

If you’re a homeowner in Calgary struggling with the winter weather, H & J Roofing Solutions can help to repair problems and prevent them from reoccurring.

Our professional team can also offer expert advice on how to reduce the risk of roof damage even further this winter.

Give us a call today at (587) 433-9746 or read our blog for more advice on taking good care of your roof throughout the year.

If you’re in need of a new roof, you want to choose the best roof shingles for your home. There are several important factors you should consider when deciding which type to use. The variety of Calgary roofing services you’ll need can depend on many things, including the style and structure of your house, your climate, and your budget.

We’ve put together an excellent guide to help you pick the best roof shingles for your home. Read on to learn more.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the least expensive and most commonly used shingles. These shingles are made of waste paper materials that have been saturated in waterproofing asphalt and embedded with ceramic granules. Asphalt shingles come in a thinner, less expensive three-tab style, a laminated style, and a more costly architectural style. While these are more budget-friendly, they do have a shorter lifespan than other shingle types. A roof with asphalt shingles usually lasts between 20 and 30 years.

Tile Shingles

Tile shingles are made of durable clay and can last up to 50 years. They’re great for more extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. They’re also more resistant to wind damage than asphalt. Tile shingles are significantly more expensive than asphalt, usually around double the price. These shingles look great for a variety of house styles. They’re frequently used on Southwestern and villa-style homes. Weight is a factor when deciding if a tile is best for your home. Tile shingles are very heavy, so it’s important to find out if the structure of your house can carry the weight of this roof type.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are made of cypress, red cedar, redwood, and pine. These are more expensive but more durable and resistant to roof damage than asphalt shingles. They can last from 30 to 50 years. Wood shingles are aesthetically pleasing and give your roof a more natural, organic look. They also insulate your home more than asphalt and can withstand severe weather conditions and high winds quite well.

A Few Cons

While they are durable, wood shingles do have a few downsides to keep in mind. Because they are made of dry wood, they are less fire resistant than other shingle types. Some states consider them a fire hazard. Wood-damaging insects such as termites and wood borers can also be problematic with wood shingles if proper preventative measures aren’t taken. Wood shingles should be treated with stain, varnish, or paint to deter pests. This also helps prevent rotting, warping, and cracking.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are made of natural stone. They’re an expensive but incredibly durable shingle type that can have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years. They’re especially good choices for areas with frigid winter temperatures because of their resistance to damage caused by water and extreme cold. Repairs and maintenance for slate roofs can be pricey. They’re also heavy. Like tile shingles, you’ll need to make sure your home’s roof structure can handle the weight of slate shingles. There are synthetic slate shingles that are much lighter. They’re made to replicate the look of slate. While they’ve got the visual appeal of slate, they’re less durable.

Choose the Best Roofing Shingles for Your Home

When choosing a roof, spend some time deciding what look you’re trying to achieve, how long you’d like your roof to last, and how much money you can contribute. If you’re in the Calgary, Alberta area and you need a roof upgrade, contact us. You can ask for more information and prices or arrange for a consultation. If you’d like more helpful information on roofing and other home maintenance and upgrades, feel free to explore our other blog posts.