Differences Between a “Roof” and a Burnaby Roofing System

When most people think “roof,” they’re thinking of a certain roofing material: shingles, tile and so on. In reality, a roof is much more than a layer of colored shingles. It’s an integrated system composed of several parts, each with an important function that contributes to the overall longevity and performance of your roof.

A roof is only as good as its weakest leak! Here are the most crucial parts of a Burnaby roofing system:

1. Roof deck. Decking serves as the foundation for all other roof components, and is typically made by nailing plywood or OSB to the rafters. Only seasoned wood can be used for decking, or the result could be a warped, buckled roof base.
2. Underlayment. A layer of roofing underlayment, most commonly black felt paper, is used on pitched roofs as a secondary layer of protection for the roof in case water penetrates the shingles. When a building is under construction, the underlayment also acts as protection against the elements while shingles are installed.
3. Shingles. Used on the majority of homes in North America, shingles are made from an asphalt-saturated base that is then coated with minerals to resist weathering. They provide protection from sun, wind, moisture, impact and fire, and come in a wide variety of colors to complement a home’s exterior.
4. Flashing. Flashing protects the most vulnerable areas of a roof from leakage, such as around exhaust vents, pipes, chimneys, dormers and skylights, and along valleys. Flashing is made from a number of materials, the most common being galvanized metal.

For the best value, choose a Richmond roofing contractor who will build more than just a roof! Crown Roofing LTD has been designing and building reliable, long-lasting roofing systems throughout southern British Columbia since 1902. Contact us today for a FREE estimate on the roofing system that is best for you and your home.

Get Your BC Roof Prepped for Winter

Author: Jason Bradley

bc guttering vancouver

As temperatures on the Lower Mainland begin to fall and the cost for residential electricity continues to rise, many homeowners begin to think about the expense associated with keeping their homes cozy during the winter. Unfortunately, this is often a losing battle because many homes are poorly prepared for cold weather. Drafty windows, leaky roofs, and lack of insulation are all energy-wasting problems that can easily be remedied by the do-it-yourself homeowner. Here are a few tips on weatherizing important areas of your home for winter.

• Roof & guttering. Problems with your roof and gutters can remain hidden until winter, when snow and cold temperatures can cause a situation known as ice damming. An ice dam forms due to uneven surface temperatures on the roof, and causes snowmelt to be forced back up and under shingles and into your home. To guard against ice damming, be sure to replace missing roof shingles or tiles, repair leaks and thoroughly clean out gutters to allow runoff to easily flow away from the home.

• Windows and doors. Old single-pane windows are common culprits of heat loss. If you cannot afford to replace older windows and doors with energy-efficient models now, try methods such as caulking around window and door frames, filling large cracks with expandable spray foam insulation, and applying air blockers like shrink wrap and weatherstripping.

• Attic. In addition to preventing ice dams, adequate attic insulation keeps warm air inside your home. Insulation can easily be rolled between floor joists to boost coverage.

The experts at Crown Roofing LTD can assist you in identifying winter weatherization needs, and provide skilled roof repairs and roof maintenance services throughout Vancouver. Call the roofing contractor you can trust at (877) 907-3066.

Now’s the Time to Prevent Ice Dams on Roofing in Vancouver

Author: Jason Bradley

The time to think about ice is before winter sets in and temperatures in the Lower Mainland plummet on a daily basis. In particular, now is the time to work to head off “ice dams” that may form on your roofing in Vancouver this winter, causing significant and expensive damage. ice dam detail

An ice dam forms when the roof deck of your Vancouver area home is warmed by the sun or heat rising from your home’s interior. This melts the snow covering your roof from the bottom up. The melted snow runs down to the edge of the roof where it is again exposed to frigid air and refreezes, either on the roof edge or in a clogged gutter. When an ice dam forms, the additional snowmelt that runs down your roof has no place to go except to be forced back up and under your roof shingles and into the home. Once water gets into your home it can travel anywhere — along the rafters, across ceilings, down walls and even into the basement. The resulting damage can be extensive and expensive, with symptoms including rotted wood, mold, mildew, stains and cracked foundations.

The cause of ice dams is not actually the roof, but the attic that lies beneath. If your attic gets too warm, it heats up the roof deck and causes the snow to melt. The secret to preventing this is to lower the temperature in your attic to match that of the roof. There are two ways to do this, and we recommend using both of them. The first is to install a full-length ridge vent along the peak of your roof. This allows air to circulate under the roof deck and not only prevents freezing, but also helps to avoid the build-up of moisture in the attic.

The second step is to install adequate insulation on the floor of your attic. The insulation should not be directly attached to the underside of the roof deck. Good insulation will keep warm air from your home from rising up to the roof and heating the roof deck, thus causing the accumulated snow to melt. There is an added bonus, as insulation can also help reduce your heating costs.

The best time to take these steps is before the first snow falls on roofing in Vancouver! Ice dams can form without you even knowing it and may not become obvious until the damage is done. For more advice on preventing ice dams, or for expert repair or replacement of your home’s roofing system in British Columbia, call the professionals at Crown Roofing LTD e at (877) 907-3066.

Why Choose a Certified Roofer in Richmond?

Author: Jason Bradley

Did you know that only the top 3% of all roofing contractors have qualified as certified contractors? Choosing a certified roofer in Richmond gives you the assurance that your home improvement will be completed by a high-quality, reputable and honest professional contractor – not some guy doing business out of the back of a truck.

At Crown Roofing LTD , we install roofing systems by manufacturers with great reputations and solid warranties. We source from major material suppliers, including GAF and Owens Corning, and our roofing installation crews are trained and certified to each manufacturer’s standards. By observing the highest standards, Crown can offer upgraded, comprehensive warranties not available through most installers. This gives you an added level of protection and peace of mind.

Here’s what sets a certified roofer in Richmond apart:
• A certified roofing contractor is fully licensed in their province, state or local area to perform roofing work.
• A certified roofing contractor carries adequate insurance to protect you from financial responsibility in the event of injury or damage.
• A certified roofing contractor maintains a reputation throughout the community for offering quality roofing services.
• A certified roofing contractor completes ongoing professional training to remain on the cutting edge of installation techniques.

With their special training and factory-certified status, certified contractors make their roof installations eligible for special manufacturer’s warranties. Conversely, roofs installed by uncertified roofers can VOID the manufacturer’s warranty. Don’t let this happen to you! A complete roofing system installed by a proven certified contractor and protected by a comprehensive warranty is the best choice. For repair or replacement of your home’s roofing system in British Columbia, call the best certified roofer in Richmond, Crown Roofing LTD , at (877) 907-3066.

Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Richmond Roof

Author: Jason Bradley

Now that milder weather is here, it’s a good time to check your roof for any damage that may have occurred over the winter months. Here are some items to include in your do-it-yourself spring roof maintenance checklist.

Carefully inspect your shingles. Most roof damage is not easily visible from the ground, so get out a ladder and perform a close inspection of your shingles. Should you find shingles that are buckling, curling or missing, you will need to have them repaired or replaced to avoid leakage and damage to the roof deck and interior of your home. Excessive amounts of granules in your gutters could be an indication that your shingles are worn out and need to be replaced.
Repair loose or cracked flashing around chimneys and skylights. Flashing is typically made of strips of metal that seal the gap around chimneys and other things that project out of a roof. Strong winds and heavy snow can loosen flashing and leave your Richmond roof vulnerable, so be sure to tack it down to prevent leaks from spring rains. Any gaps can be sealed with roof cement.
Clean your gutters. Overflowing gutters can cause expensive water damage to siding and your home itself, so it’s important to routinely clean your gutters. Scoop out leaves, sticks and other debris and be sure that the entrance to the downspout is clear.
Clean out soffit and fascia vents. Birds and small animals love to nest in these warm areas, so inspect and clean soffits and fascias along with your guttering. Unwanted guests can cause significant damage over time.

Now is the best time to do an end-of-winter check to be sure your roof is in order and ready to protect you from spring storms and the upcoming summer heat. For a thorough professional inspection and a free estimate on roof repair or replacement, call Crown Roofing LTD at (877) 907-3066.

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