Shingles: Frontline Defense for Your BC Roof

Protecting your home from British Columbia’s often harsh weather is the primary job of your roof. In order to do that job properly, your Richmond roof is composed of a complex system of interlocking components that must all work together to create a powerful barrier against rain, snow, ice and wind. And one important component stands on the front line of the battle to keep out the elements: your shingles.

The most popular shingle choice for Richmond roofing by far is the asphalt (or composition) shingle because it’s inexpensive, durable and can last up to 30 years, depending on the climate. There are two basic types of asphalt shingles: fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat which has been coated with asphalt and minerals to make it waterproof. A layer of ceramic granules is then pressed into the shingle. Organic shingles are composed of an organic felt which is then saturated with asphalt and embedded with ceramic granules. The organic shingle type contains significantly more asphalt than fiberglass shingles, which makes them heavier, more durable and also more expensive.

Asphalt shingles come in a huge variety of colors, and recent innovations such as laminate shingles (also known as dimensional or architectural shingles) have made them even more attractive. Laminate shingles are produced the same way as the traditional asphalt shingle, but are formed by attaching two shingles to add greater depth and dimension. The extra shingle layer also increases the roof’s durability when subjected to wind and hail. GAF®, one of Crown’s preferred manufacturers, offers many styles of “designer” dimensional shingles that greatly enhance the look of various home styles. These shingles even include a limited lifetime warranty.

There are many options when it comes to choosing shingles to complement the look of your BC roof AND your budget. For expert advise and quality installation, call the professionals at Crown Roofing LTD at (877) 907-3066.

Underlayment: The Foundation of BC Roofing

Author: Jason Bradley

This week we’re taking a closer look at the basics of roof underlayment, how it functions and various types. Traditional shingles allow for lots of gaps or seams in a roof covering, which means there must be a secondary layer of protection between the roofing material and the structure of your home. This is especially important in rainy climates like ours! Underlayment performs this function, repelling water that penetrates the top layer of shingles.

All types of BC roofing underlayment are manufactured in roll form. The most common type of underlayment is roofing felt, AKA tar paper or “builder’s felt,” made by injecting paper or a fibrous material with a tar/asphalt mixture. If green building is one of your priorities, paper-based asphalt felt is an organic option, though it does tend to buckle or wrinkle under shingles if it gets wet or moist, causing an unattractive overall appearance.

Advances in technology and materials have resulted in different features, such as synthetic underlayments made from polypropylene, polyester or fiberglass fabric. The benefits of these synthetics include a lighter weight than felt, and a non-slip surface that protects roofers from harm. In addition, synthetics are more durable than felt when exposed to wind, rain and run for long periods, and can withstand the elements for up to six months. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans roofing contractors used synthetic underlayments as a temporary roofing solution for this reason. “Breathable” roof underlayments allow water vapor to escape from the attic, preventing mold growth and rot on the wood structure.

While installation is relatively simple, roofing underlayment should only be installed by professional Vancouver roofing contractors who understand the weather demands of the region and can ensure proper water management techniques are employed. The right underlayment for your roof will keep moisture, cold and heat out, lengthening the life of your British Columbia roofing and preventing costly repairs down the road.

4 Secrets to Finding the Best Roofing Contractor in Vancouver

Author: Jason Bradley

Wondering what to look for in a roofing company? Here are four guidelines to ensure you hire the right one for you.

#1: Roofing Contractors Must be Insured
Whether you need new roofing, roofing repairs or roofing restoration, it’s essential that any roofing contractor you hire carry insurance. Liability insurance protects your property in the event it is damaged by the contractor or his employees. Any roofing contractor you’re considering must also carry worker’s compensation insurance. This insurance will protect you should one of the workers be injured on your property. Be sure to ask a contractor for proof of insurance before signing a contract or allowing work to begin.

#2: Roofing Contractors Must be Licensed
Any roofing contractor you hire should be licensed. Every Joe Blow will claim to be an expert, but if he doesn’t have a license he could expose you to financial harm. If injury or property damage occurs during a transaction with an unlicensed roofing contractor in Vancouver, the Contractors Board cannot assist you with resolution of a complaint against that contractor. Hiring a licensed roofing contractor also ensures the contractor has met the qualifications required by the government.

#3: Roofing Contractors Should Offer a Guarantee
Most roofing materials include a guarantee, and so should your roofing contractor. Any work done by a roofing contractor, including roofing repairs and roof restoration, should be guaranteed for at least a year. The guarantee MUST be in writing. It should also detail what will be happen in the event the guarantee is not met.

#4: Roofing Contractors Should Sign a Contract
Don’t just take somebody’s word for it! Even the most reliable roofing contractor in Vancouver should sign a contract, detailing everything from project cost and payment schedule to completion date. Another important item to specify is the type and brand of roof materials that will be used. The contract from your roofing contractor may also cover project cleanup, how unexpected occurrences will be handled, and change request policy.

What is the Life Cycle of Your Roof? How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor for Your Home

Author: Jason Bradley

When making the decision to install a new roof on your home you want to know what roof is of good enough quality to last but is affordable now. A reliable roofing contractor can steer you the right way. They are roofing experts and can help give you the information you need on roofing materials as well as installation costs. And, though most people only really consider the cost at the time of installation, it is critical that you pay attention to the total cost of the roof over the course of its life. This is the way to best determine the life cycle cost of the roof.

Standard British Columbia residential roofing structures will usually have a lifetime of approximately 20-30 years. This is about the length of a standard warranty. If the homeowner chooses premium roof materials, however, the lifespan of the roof is usually longer than the warranty, and the roof maintenance decreases. Other things, in addition to the cost of roof installation and roof materials, need to be considered. Some of these additional costs include roof maintenance such as leak repairs and cleaning, but also should include routine inspection.

When you decide on a residential roofing contractor, they can help guide you when deciding if you’re going to choose standard or premium roof materials. Unless your budget is very restrictive, choosing premium roof materials is the best choice as they more than pay for themselves over time with the energy and maintenance savings.

Choosing premium roofing materials helps improve the life cycle cost of your roof. It has a longer life expectancy, is more energy efficient, and has higher performance standards than standard roof material. There is also a greatly reduced chance of leaking because of the higher quality of the materials. This will reduce the maintenance costs as well as reducing the risk of damage to the interior of your home and to your belongings by avoiding potential leaks.

When you start your research to choose a local area roofing contractor, make sure they have an understanding of roof life cycle costs. This will benefit you in the long run and will save you money over time.

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