One of the most important components of our home is the roof over our heads. It protects everyone and everything underneath it from the elements. It is also a vital aspect in our home’s overall appearance. That’s the reason why roofs are a big home improvement investment. If you’re planning to replace your roof this spring, make sure that the roofer you’re going to hire is trustworthy. [Read more…]

With so many building and home repair companies in the Lower Mainland it’s hard to know who does what. Read on to find out what roofing companies do and what they can do for you.

1. Roofing Companies Install New Roofs
From residential roofing to commercial projects, roofing companies install new roofs. When there is new construction or a remodel, the roofing company will come in and install the entire roof. This can include everything from installing the trusses to framing the roof to laying the tar paper and installing the shingles. Though not many individuals have the need for complete roof installation, roofing companies that have the experience and knowledge to do so may be ones to look at when the time comes to research roofing companies for your own use.

2. Roofing Companies Repair Roofs
Roof repair is something all roofing companies do. Roof material will sometimes become worn or weathered, including warping, leaking, and missing shingles, and will require repair. Some contractors don’t like to do repairs. Many think that there is often the chance for continued decay or failure in a roof that requires repair in one place. For this reason some roofing companies may recommend replacement over repair. However, many of our residential roofing customers prefer repair over replacement for reasons of cost and expense. Good roofing companies can evaluate a roof to determine the damage and if repair or replacement is the best strategy.

3. Roofing Companies Replace Roofs
Roof replacement is the primary job of roofing companies. They spend most of their time replacing roof material on mainly residential roofing. They have many roof material options including a variety of shingles, tiles such as slate or ceramic, and even metal roofing. Because a roof is basically the umbrella that protects a home it is one of the most important parts of a house. Due to natural occurrences in the Lower Mainland, such as hail, wind, and snow, and the debris that can pile up as a result of any of those, roof replacement is a common occurrence. Roofing companies also do roof replacement due to aging and wear and tear on average residential roofs. Damage from nature and age can cause leaks, and leaks can cause extensive interior damage and roof replacement is key to preventing them. Having a good and reliable roofing company evaluate your roof by doing a visual examination can help you decide if roof replacement is necessary in your situation.

So whether you’re in need of a new installation, roof repair, or roof replacement, leave it to the pros. The professionals at Crown Roofing LTD . have been serving the Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby and the surrounding British Columbia area, for more than 100 years, and we can recommend the right course of action to protect and enhance your Lower Mainland home.

Things are looking up for the economy. So now might be a good time to look up at home, as well. That’s right – take a look at the ceilings in your Vancouver area home. What do you see?

If you notice discolored spots in a circular or lengthwise stain pattern, that’s a sure sign there is water leaking in from above. Don’t get upset! A ceiling stain is actually a warning sign that could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

The water stains on your ceiling are most likely caused by leaks in your roofing system. The source could be any one of a number of places: loose or missing shingles, loose flashing, ice dams, clogged gutters. The problem is, water that seeps in often “travels” away from the source and show up many meters away.

Once you notice ceiling spots or stains, it is important to have your roofing system inspected by a qualified Vancouver roofing contractor to identify and correct the original source of the leak. Ignoring, or even delaying action, may result in a widening of the leak and additional, more expensive damage. Remember: leaks never get smaller!

A professional roofing contractor who inspects your roof will examine several critical areas:

• Attic and crawl space, to trace back to the source of the leak
• Rafters and roof deck, to identify the route water may have traveled
• Chimney and roof vents, to make sure flashing is properly seated and sealed
• Eaves and soffits, to see if water is backing up from gutters into the attic area
• Gutters, to make sure rainwater can flow easily; or, in cold weather, to determine if ice dams are forming
• Shingles, to located cracked, curling or missing shingles

After a careful inspection, the roofing contractor should be able to provide you with specific details about the leak, along with a remediation plan for repairing it. A roof that is leaking does not necessarily need to be replaced, but may be able to be repaired at a lower cost.

So look up! It could keep you safer, dryer and cost you less money than ignoring a leak problem in your Vancouver home.

When the time comes to replace the roof on your Vancouver home, will you go with the same materials as before? Or will you investigate your options for a roof that offers better protection, a longer life and better aesthetics? The fact is you have more choices than ever for your home’s roof.

Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing choice. Asphalt shingles are an affordable solution and generally last longer than wood. Over 75% of residential housing in North America is covered by asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles have been in use for almost a hundred years, so they have a long, known track record as to longevity, maintenance, and reliability.

Recent updates in technology have given us new materials, including fiberglass shingles that offer added benefits. Fiberglass shingles resemble asphalt shingles but have a fiberglass core that is lighter, yet sturdier. They are available in a variety of colors to fit with your home’s décor.

Wood shake roofs have been in use since ancient times. Today they are usually made from cedar, spruce, or treated pine. Hand split shakes have a rougher appearance, while wood shingles are cut by machine and have a smoother, finished look to them. Wood roofs generally require more maintenance than asphalt or fiberglass shingles.

Slate and tile are other traditional roof materials that offer great durability. But slate and tile roofs can be quite expensive and difficult to install, and expensive to repair when damage occurs.

How long should the roof on your Vancouver home last? A general rule of thumb is about 12-20 years, depending on the environmental conditions. A slate or tile roof will last longer, but both asphalt and cedar shake roofs will give a good long life if properly maintained.

Your first step should be to contact a qualified Vancouver area roofing contractor to help you discover and discuss your many roofing options.