OLDER ROOFS SHOULD GET AN ANNUAL INSPECTION

Consider these steps to protect your roof:

The roof that covers and protects your family isn’t necessarily the most exciting feature of your home but it is arguably the most important and often overlooked. For some homeowners, it’s hard to know when to replace or repair a roof, which means it usually gets put off until it’s too late. Even a small leak can cause major damage to the interior of your home, resulting in preventable and unnecessary bills. If you aren’t sure or are simply curious about the condition of your roof, here are a few great home maintenance tips that might help prevent a roofing disaster in your home.

1. Review your home improvement records. Figure out when your roof was installed and or repaired. The lifespan of most fibreglass shingles is between 15-20 years and the lifespan of an organic shingle is between 8-13 years. That said, there is nothing average about the climate here in Ottawa. Along with the dramatic changes in temperature, humidity, high winds, hail storms, snow and ice comes a shorter life expectancy for shingle roofs.
2. If your roof is older than 10 years or if you are curious about its condition, the best place to start your roof inspection is in the attic. On a sunny day, climb into your attic and search for signs of light beaming through the cracks or holes in the plywood. Additionally, look for signs of water stains, watermarks or streaks that could indicate previous leaks in your roof.
3. The second stage of a thorough roof inspection involves getting on top of your home and checking the shingles themselves. It is highly inadvisable to climb onto a roof without proper safety equipment, including harnesses, ladders and footwear. Even better, call your local roofing professionals, who often provide sound inspections at a relatively low cost.
4. Look out for shingles that are curled, cracking, showing granule wear or heavy moss growth. These are all telltale signs that your roof needs to be replaced.
5. Ottawa’s hot summers and cold winters mean that metal flashing and the seals or fasteners that keep water out are constantly expanding and contracting. Over time, this will cause seals to dry out and crack, fasteners to loosen and the bottom-flashing flange to lift. These can be re-sealed using IKO Cold Gold Flashing Adhesive or a similar roofing product. Not sure where to start? Get an introduction to roofing, check out our step-by-step roof repair guide or have the certified professional roof repair team here at Rydel inspect and repair your roof.
6. The valleys of your roof allow for rain and snow to flow down into the gutters and eavestroughs of your home. Check these for signs of shingle granule buildup and general deterioration.
7. Pay attention to the roofline of your home. Noticeable sagging or flexibility in your roof could be a sure sign that your roof is attracting inner or trapped moisture and the underlay has been compromised. Surface signs of trapped moisture include rotting boards, sagging areas or a spongy feel while walking on your roof.

Keep a close eye out for any of these indicators as mould or bacteria can grow in under 48 hours of the first water-related issue and never hesitate to call the pros at Rydel Roofing in Ottawa for professional roof repairs in Ottawa and free advice!

One of the scariest and most frustrating things that can happen to you is when you learn that the roofing company that you hired to do your roof is uninsured, inexperienced, not licensed, and doesn’t cover their workers through WSIB. It’s even worse to find this out after they have completed work on your roof. This is where taking initiative to expand your knowledge will help you know what to look for when choosing the best roofing company for your project.

Our homes are generally the most valuable asset we own and it’s roof is the first line of defense towards ensuring it maintains it’s value. This complete roofing buyers guide will help you ask the right questions and determine what the most important qualifications you are looking for from your roof installation or repair company in Ottawa. Have questions? Please never hesitate to reach out to our team via email at info@rydelroofing.ca or give us a phone call at 613-656-8606 and our professionals will be happy to help answer all of the roofing or siding questions you may have.

1. Credibility
   Is your roofing company credible? Thanks to the internet, there are a wide variety of ways you can find out if your roofing or siding company is credible. Check out your local BBB, HomeStars, Facebook reviews and even the testimonials posted by past clients for a good idea towards whether or not your roofing company lives up to it’s hype.
2. Experience & Attitude
   Does your roofer have the experience necessary to make sure your latest project is up to code and done right the first time? Your project could run into some unexpected speed bumps. Does your roofer have a positive and flexible attitude that will help solve issues should they arise?
3. Manufacturers Certification
   Is your roofing company certified to install the products they carry? Certain manufacturers will only offer warranties to projects that are installed by certified roofing companies. Make sure that the roofing team you pick is certified by the manufacturer to ensure your project is done right and under warranty.
4. Contracts
   Did your roofing company provide you with a contract? Be absolutely sure you get things in writing! This includes a detailed list of the scope of work, products being used and a description of the work being done.
5. Payment
   How is your roofing project payment structured? Never pay for the whole project until it’s completed. A reputable roofing company will ask for a small deposit and would only expect to be paid in full once the job is complete and the customer is satisfied with the work.
6. Knowledge
   Does your roofing company seem knowledgeable? Follow your gut instinct. Does the contractor or sales consultant appear to know what he or she is talking about? Do you trust them?
7. Safety
   Is your roofing company safe? Safety should probably listed as the first item on this page because it’s arguably the most important skill you should be looking for from your roofing company. Does the company you are thinking about hiring require all of it’s workers to have their “Working at Heights” certification and do they carry it on them at all times?
8. Insurance
   Is your roofing company insured? Ask your roofing company if they hold valid insurance. Any contractor should be insured for a minimum of $1,000,000.
9. Warranties
   Is your roofing project under warranty and if so, for how long? Is there any fine print? Referring back to our Manufacturers Certification, it’s really important to remember that while a product may be advertised as holding a 10 year, 25 year, 50 year or lifetime warranty, these warranties are often void if they are installed by company who isn’t certified.

Canadian winters can be a challenging time for our roofs. Our neighbourhoods are often composed of more mature homes that also come with specific needs to maintain performance. The biggest problem homeowners are presented with would be ice build-up, or ice dams, around the eaves and valleys of the roof. This is a common problem that varies greatly with the weather we are experiencing on any given winter. More significant concerns are seen when winter fluctuates from frigid to warmer temperatures. Repetitive freeze and thaw patterns cause a roof to work the hardest.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is any hump or ridge of ice that forms, usually along the eaves or valleys of a roof, that prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. When the water is unable to flow down off the roof, it can sometimes get trapped under older shingles and leak into your home. This often causes damages to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.

At Rydel Roofing, we specialize in permanent solutions to resolve these challenges. We want you to be knowledgeable about your home to avoid costly complications in the future as well. The style and type of roof on your home can present different solutions and we want to show you the best possible outcome. The solution may vary slightly, but the theory to any ice build-up solution always consists of three main components.

Roof Insulation

Adequate insulation is not only paramount in colder winter months, but also in warmer seasons as well. As we all know, insulation helps keep our homes warm in the winter. Proper insulation also helps direct the air flow in our attics as well. Attics which are over-heated can be a leading cause of ice build-up concerns. During summer months, the insulation keeps your home cool by blocking some of the warm air from entering your home.

Solution: An adequately insulated attic contains an R-50 value of insulation. There are different types of insulation to suit your attic and budget, and Rydel Roofing is pleased to help you make an informed decision. Your style of attic, existing insulation, and budget are three key factors we look at to determine what may be done to add insulation, if needed. Baffles are equally important to ensure sufficient airflow to enter from your soffits. Insulation and baffles can only work together, one without the other does not allow the system to work.

Roof Ventilation

Homes with roofs which have not been replaced within the last 6-8 years most likely have small square “mushroom” like vents scattered along their roof. These only ventilate approximately 200-250 square feet of attic space and most homes do not have enough of these vents on their roof to ensure adequate ventilation. This can encourage ice to build up on your roof, and can lead to even more serious concerns, such as mould. You may also have noticed that these small square vents are easily buried in snow during the winter, making them ineffective and sometimes even causing small leaks. Ventilation is a top priority with any new roof installed by Rydel Roofing. We know that ventilation directly affects the lifetime of your roof, and the temperature inside your home.

Solution: There are commonly two types of attics: open and cathedral. An open attic will have a minimum of one large 4-fin tower vent installed. Just one of these tower vents can allow for up to 1,200 square feet of ventilation. Tower vents also sit higher along your roof line and are unlikely to be buried in snow. A cathedral attic requires us to install low profile hidden ridge vents which ensure proper ventilation across the entire attic space. Some homes even have a combination of both types of vents we’ve described here!

Ice & Water shield

It is no secret that with our Canadian winters can sometimes be unpredictable. While there is always a possibility of ice build-up, it is important to have a layer of protection. Proper underlayment should always include ice and water shield, and a synthetic underlayment throughout your roof to ensure Mother Nature’s surprises don’t surprise you with leaks in your home!

Solution: Rydel Roofing always installs a minimum of 6 feet of ice and water shield around all edges, along valleys, around skylights, walls and any low slope areas. Installing a high grade ice and water shield in these areas, or better yet – throughout your roof – would prevent any water from penetrating regardless of the amount of ice build-up your roof might see. As an additional level of protection, we will often recommend installing ice & water shield throughout your roof if it is considered to have a low slope for this precise reason.

Rydel Roofing is certified by IKO, GAF, BP, OWENS CORNING and WAKEFIELD BRIDGE. We understand the importance of these three components and we work with you to ensure your peace of mind for many years to come!

IS YOUR ROOF READY FOR THE FALL? HERE ARE 10 GREAT TIPS THAT WILL HELP MAKE SURE YOUR ROOF CAN WEATHER THE NEXT BIG STORM.

A well-built roof can withstand most strong storms, but as you have probably seen over the past 12 months, here in Ottawa, we get storms that don’t compare to most places. Whether it’s 100km/h winds during a -30C blizzard during the winter or tornadoes like we saw last summer, even the best roofs can be at the mercy of Mother Nature. Here are the top 10 things for you to look for when inspecting your roof.

1. The first thing to look for is loose or missing shingles. These are relatively easy to spot, but even one out-of-place shingle can spell disaster for your home.
2. Ridge caps and vents can become loose during a good storm. It’s important to check and make sure these are tight and that all seals are in good shape.
3. Be sure to clear your roof of fallen debris or broken tree limbs. They might seem harmless but they can occasionally become lodged between shingles and act as a pry bar or even worse, they can fall down onto cars, pets or even other people.
4. Be certain that all gutters are clean and check to see if they are in good shape.
5. Check all of your vent covers to be sure there are no signs of cracking or damage.
6. Take a close look at your skylights or solar tubes to be sure the seals are still in good shape. Also, keep an eye out for condensation buildup which is an early sign that something isn’t right.
7. If your home is equipped with a roof-mounted air-conditioning unit, make sure no fallen debris has damaged the unit and that the water lines are still properly connected.
8. Pop your head into the attic and look for signs of light protrusions within the plywood.
9. Any flat roof should be inspected regularly to be sure that all drains are clear of debris and are showing no signs of water pooling.
10. Homes with solar panels need to be routinely inspected for damage and cleared of debris.

The biggest part of replacing your roof is choosing your new shingle. It is important to know the different advantages of each available shingle, and their accessories. A great sales consultant or contractor should be able to walk you through it, step by step. Although there are many different types of roofs, ranging from architectural asphalt fiberglass shingles, to cedar shingles, to clay tiles, or even steel shingles. The most common are architectural fiberglass 50yr shingles and steel shingles.

ASPHALT SINGLES

Approximately 80% of homes have asphalt shingles as they are easy to install, last quite a long time and are very affordable. These shingles are relatively new as they surfaced on the market within the last 10 years and were designed to completely replace the old organic 25-year asphalt shingles that typically lasted between 8 to 12 years. These new and improved 50-year shingles come in many different colours and typically last 20 to 30 years depending on the manufacturer, installation and weather conditions in your area. Keep in mind that the terms 25-year and 50-year shingles are the manufacturers’ buzz words and this doesn’t necessarily mean that’s how long you should wait to replace them. There are many warranty claims and class action suits regarding the old asphalt organic shingle and which have prompted the design of the 50-year architectural asphalt fiberglass shingle.

STEEL ROOF

If you’re looking for a shingle that is beautiful, lightweight yet very durable, and still affordable, we recommend considering a steel roof. A steel roof is incredibly long lasting and can protect your roof for 50+ years. The manufacturers are so confident in its design that they typically warranty their steel roofs for 40+ years. In some cases, the manufacturer will even completely replace your roof in the event of a breach. Utilizing steel is often half the weight of an asphalt shingle and can out last it 2-3x longer. Considering the benefits of utilizing a steel shingle, at roughly twice the cost, why wouldn’t you install steel? We can’t even think of a single disadvantage other than the colour which may start to fade after 40 years…. But you would have replaced your architectural shingles at least once by that time! In some cases, a metal shingle can last longer than 3 asphalt shingle installations. This is not to say that asphalt shingles are not a good investment, but rather just further compliments the incredible performance of a steel roof.

Of course, there are other types of roofs you can have installed but most of them are much heavier, more difficult to install, time consuming and much more expensive for no improvement in quality or durability. Some of these other options may not be available in your region and some are also mainly for esthetics.

Your roof, your color!

When it comes down to colour or look of a shingle, there are many different colours provided by many different manufacturers and some even provide premium colours as well.

Another thing to consider in these tight economic times is where the shingle is manufactured as well as where the supplier is located. A cheaper shingle from out of town may not be the best bet for such a huge investment and the old saying rings true “you can’t afford to shop cheap”. When it comes to your home, it is sage advice to skip the cheapest product and/or service on the market. This doesn’t mean go ahead and purchase the most expensive product available as that doesn’t guarantee top quality either. Check or ask about your contractor about their suppliers’ and manufacturers’ track record with the products you’re considering. Chances are that you can purchase and install top quality shingles manufactured and supplied locally at very competitive market prices. Why not help support your own local economy when making one of your biggest investments.

ROOF WARRANTY HELP GUIDE

Your roof is leaking, and you’ve set up a few estimates with some local contractors. Most reputable companies will offer their own craftsmanship warranty that ranges from 2-5 years from the installation date. Shingle manufacturers are boasting product warranties anywhere from 25-50 years. What happens once the initial 5-year craftsmanship warranty by the installer has expired and you suddenly experience a problem with your roof?

IS YOUR ROOF INSTALLER CERTIFIED?

The first thing you need to find out is if your roofing company of choice is certified by the manufacturer to install the shingles according to their specifications. While almost all shingle manufacturers do offer a lengthy warranty, they do not honour them unless they can ensure the product was installed correctly.

Different roofing products = different warranties.

Rydel Roofing offers roofing products manufactured by several different companies, and each of these companies offers a warranty. There are different warranties for the asphalt shingle, as well as the vents, or the skylights to be installed.

Roofing product manufacturers use impressive, broad, long term warranties to persuade the homeowner that their product is superior and will outlive their competition. It’s important to understand some of the key-words included in these warranties. We don’t want you to get blindsided by a warranty that sounds too good to be true. Even companies who sell multi-decade warranties or lifetime guarantees don’t expect your roof to last longer than 25 years or so.

Is my roof warranty transferable?

If you are unsure that you will be residing in the same home for 25+ years, you will want to make sure the warranty is easily transferable in the event of the sale of your home. Please note that some warranties have a very strict time frame to be notified of a transfer, may require a small fee for processing, or may only be transferred once in the lifetime of the shingles.

It is also important to look at what company is responsible for the warranty. Some manufacturers use a different company, at times even outside of North America to hold and process their warranties. This can cause delays and other communication problems if you ever need to contact the warranty holder.

My roof is leaking – Is it a defect in the material, or my roofer’s error?

Most shingle warranties will only pay if the homeowner can show a manufacturer’s defect in the product. It is important to note that in our experience with modern fibreglass shingles, most roofs fail within their warranty period due to improper installation practices, not a manufacturer’s defect.

Even if you are one of the rare homeowners that are experiencing a true defective shingle, receiving compensation for a portion of your shingles won’t take the edge off the cost of repairing your roof. Typically, labour. Many warranties include materials and labour for a set number of years at the beginning of the warranty.

HOW DO I INITIATE A ROOFING WARRANTY CLAIM?

Warranty claims are processed in a very similar way, regardless of the manufacturer. The first step is to contact the company that holds your warranty and request a “claim kit”. This kit will give you instructions on what needs to be sent back to the manufacturer for processing. Some of these requirements will be:

• Proof of purchase
• List of various photos that need to be taken of your roof/home
• Sample of shingles from your roof

These items will provide the manufacturer with details about the age of your roof, the shingle used, and who installed your roof (was the installer certified by the manufacturer to install the shingle). They will also be able to grasp if your shingle is failing due to inadequate roof ventilation, or if the nailing pattern used by the installer was incorrect, among other things.

Rydel Roofing offers a roof inspection to help with the collection of materials needed for the warranty claim. For a pre-determined fee, we will come to your home, assess your concerns, make a minor repair if needed (includes up to one bundle of shingles and necessary caulking) as well as collect a sample of shingles and take any pictures that are required.

Once a homeowner sends this package to be processed by the warranty holder, they can often expect to wait. While some claims are processed quickly, others can take weeks and sometimes months. In our climate, spring often brings an increase in warranty claims (as this is the time many people notice new leaks in their roof) or an influx in claims due to a large storm can delay the processing of your claim.

You will hear back in writing from the warranty holder, who will then advise you of their settlement. To avoid any surprises, we’ll look at some keywords in your warranty.

What does pro-rated mean?

If my shingles have a 50-year warranty, and the first 10 years are covered for manufacturer defects and labour, and the following 40 years are pro-rated – what can I expect from a warranty claim once my shingles are 20 years old?

Most shingle manufacturers now offer around 10 years of full protection – including labour! However, once that 10 years is over, labour costs are generally no longer covered (assuming they were covered at all). It may also be important to note if tear-off and disposal of waste is included with the labour costs. Some homeowners may be kept responsible to pay for the removal and disposal of the defective shingle, even after the warranty covers the replacement of the defective shingles.

After your shingles’ 10-year anniversary, the warranty coverage often decreases significantly and will continue to decrease for the length of the warranty. Let us assume that your home required 80 bundles of shingles to be installed.

If all the shingles were defective at their 14-year anniversary, a warranty might compensate you with a voucher for 70 bundles of shingles (out of the 80 bundles required) to help with the replacement of your roof. You would be responsible to pay for the labour, removal and disposal of existing shingles, and the cost of the additional 10 bundles required to complete your new roof.

If the shingles were defective at their 30-year anniversary, a warranty may only compensate you with a voucher for 30 bundles of shingles. You would still be responsible to pay for all the same extras as above. These examples are not exact figures and do not exactly reflect any of the shingles we install. These examples are intended for you to review the warranty policies presented to you to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and peace of mind.

As we have already explained, it is rare for a shingle to be defective. If a shingle is found to be defective, it would likely happen within the first 10 years of its lifetime. If you are an overly cautious person, some manufacturers offer an option to purchase an extended warranty that could extend the period of 100% material and labour coverage for a fee. These extended warranties can only be offered by installers who are certified and in good standing with the manufacturer.

If you are looking to begin a new warranty claim, regardless of the manufacturer, contact Rydel Roofing. We will guide you through the warranty claim process each step of the way. You will also benefit from added peace of mind knowing that you will also be receiving a 10-year craftsmanship warranty with Rydel Roofing once your new roof is installed – that’s more than double the industry’s standard!

As you’re coming up to your home, you happen to look up and notice that something, ‘doesn’t quite look right ‘, on your roof. As you get closer, you feel a pang of dread in the pit of your stomach as you realize that some of your shingles are lifted and some are even missing all together. What has happened to your roof my friend, is what’s referred to as “blow off”

If you have an asphalt shingle roof, there is a real likelihood that at some point you’ll experience having shingles blow off in the wind. If this is not repaired in short order, it will allow the elements to eventually cause further, and quite costly damage to your roof

WHAT CAUSES SHINGLE BLOW-OFF?

This event isn’t exclusive to older roofs; even newly installed asphalt roofs can also experience blow off. Today, lets look at some of the causes of shingle blow off and what can be done to keep this from happening in the first place.

1. Improper Nailing Pattern

On every shingle, there is a narrow strip which is identified for proper nail placement. When installed correctly, the nail placement of the overlapping shingle will catch the top edge of the shingle beneath, providing optimal protection. If the shingles are nailed too high, however, they never catch the shingle underneath, which essentially reduces the number of nails going in to each shingle in half. This, of course, will make the shingle more susceptible to blow off during high winds.

2. Too much Overhang

When installed correctly, the end of a shingle should hang over the edge the roof between 1 to 1.5 inches, or between 0.5 and 0.75 inches if drip edge flashing is installed. Too much overhang and the shingles are susceptible to blow off during high winds.

3. Roof Approaching End if It’s Lifespan

Three-tab shingles will usually last on average 10 -15 years and architectural shingles about 20 – 25 years depending on factors such as exposure to the elements and quality of the materials. As the shingle ages, the adhesive that helps seals the shingles eventually loses its effectiveness. The weakened shingle is thereby prone to blow off.

Now that you have an idea as to what some of the causes are; what can be done to get the most out of your roof?

When you see signs of blow off, replace those missing and loose shingles promptly.

This should go without saying, but the longer your roof is exposed to the elements without the full protection of properly secured shingles, the more damage will occur to your single largest investment, (your home), as well as your pocket book! Bottom line if you suspect that your roof is compromised, have it inspected and repaired before it worsens.

Do your research when selecting a roofing materials and Installers!

Like I’ve already mentioned, your home is one of your largest single investments: Your home is your castle, right?

So, when you’re looking to hire someone to make repairs to your roof make sure that:

1. The company that you choose is established, reputable and insured:

There are quite a few solid roofing companies out there, but as with any profession, there are also a few that are less than stellar and some which, unfortunately, are downright shady! Doing a little bit of research on the front end, (even something as simple as checking their rating with the Better Business Bureau), could save you a whole lot of grief on the back end.

Also, remember, the lowest price does not necessarily equate to the best deal

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when speaking with potential installers.

When you go to the doctor or dentist or the car dealership to buy a vehicle, you ask probing questions so that you gain a better understanding of the situation and are ultimately able to make an informed decision with confidence. The same holds true when finding a suitable roofing company. At the end of your conversation you want to know that the company is using quality materials and has adequate expertise, competence, and knowledge proper roofing techniques to give you peace of mind.

In conclusion, the most effective way to avoid worrying about shingle blow-off is to use the services of a competent, reputable roofing company that only uses quality products and has a track record of employing installation techniques that will stand up against the elements.

These products and installation techniques are not at the bottom end of the price scale, but when compared to the potential costs of time, money and aggravation when dealing with low end materials and workmanship, you will be truly saving in the long run.

Here at Rydel Roofing, we want to empower our clients with as much information as possible, so they can make smart decisions about their roofing and siding needs. While it may be tempting to install new shingles over old ones, it is never a good idea. Read on to learn why.

1. The existing shingle on your home is more than likely what is referred to as a three-tab shingle or organic shingle. These paper-based shingles coated with granules have done a great job of protecting your home from water, wind, hail, snow and everything mother nature could throw at them but they have also retained a certain degree of moisture. Additionally, there is a very high chance that moisture has accumulated beneath and between the shingles. If one were to install new shingles on top of these existing shingles, they would essentially be trapping this moisture in between the new shingles and the old ones creating a perfect environment for mould and bacterial growth. Over time, this will not only reduce the lifespan of the new shingles but also reduce the lifespan of the plywood supporting them.

2. The second reason why it is a terrible idea to place new shingles on top of old shingles is that even if the old shingles look fine and flat, as time passes they will inevitably curl and warp in an upward direction. This warping will put upward pressure on the new shingles and create small gaps. As strong winds hit your shingles, these gaps will become susceptible to uplift and they will inevitably be pulled right off your roof.

3. We believe in doing the job right the first time and that means completely removing all of the old roofing materials off your roof before installing new materials so we can inspect the plywood. If the plywood on your roof is mouldy, rotten or sagging, we will replace it and start with a fresh sheet. Here at Rydel, we will even replace up to 3 sheets of plywood free of charge!

4. Every shingle manufacturer offers great warranties for their products. It has become the industry standard to offer at least a 25-year warranty against manufacturer defects and if a homeowner installs new shingles on top of old shingles, these warranties become null and void.

5. The single most important reason why you should never install new roofing shingle on top of old shingles is that it is illegal and for good reason. In the event that your home catches fire, the fire department will need to be able to cut holes in your roof both to prevent backdraft and to give access to water. If a roof is covered with multiple layers of shingles, it becomes nearly impossible to cut these holes using an axe.