Spring Maintenance: Wood Shake Roofs

Part of the charm of a wood or cedar roof is the weathered look that comes with exposure to the natural elements. Wood shake roofing is surprisingly resilient to the weather, but it does require proper roof maintenance to enhance its appearance, maximize its effectiveness, and prolong its life.

By following few simple steps in the spring, the average homeowner can be assured of keeping a beautiful and efficient wood shake roof for many years to come.

Spring Maintenance of Your Wood Shake Roof 

Spring is the perfect time for homeowners to check wood shake roofing for damage after the ravages of winter weather and early spring storms. The inspection should take note of conditions like broken or curled shakes, rusted or loosened flashing, and cracked areas around chimneys and joints. These indicate repairs that will need to be made to maintain the integrity of the roof. Likewise, overhanging branches, debris-filled gutters, and moss or lichen growing on the shakes indicate areas where roof maintenance is needed. All of these conditions lead to the build-up of moisture, which can cause erosion and speed up decay of wood shakes. Typically, those repairs require the attention of your local roofer, but simple roof maintenance can be performed by the homeowner who is handy.

Tree limbs that shade or overhang the roof retard drying and should be trimmed away. Gutters should be cleaned to prevent blockage and the growth of mold and fungi. Rust that is detected on flashing and other metal surfaces should be removed and treated. Dirt, debris, lichen, and moss may prevent drainage of the roofing surface and retain moisture. A garden hose and a stiff brush should be used to loosen the build-up and wash it away.

The homeowner who prefers to leave roof maintenance tasks to a professional can choose additional options for preserving and enhancing wood shake roofing. Power-washing and the application of chemical cleaning solutions, preservatives, and pigmented finishes can add resilience and enhance the roof’s appearance.

These treatments require training and special equipment, and, if improperly applied, can erode the shakes and harm surrounding surfaces and foliage. A reputable roofing contractor can advise the homeowner on the appropriate treatments for his roof, and then make sure that those treatments are applied safely.

Preventing Heat Related Illness in Roofers

It’s the unofficial start of summer, causing many of us to daydream about having fun in the sun. But when you’re a contractor, the summer brings with it heat and humidity—and that’s no picnic. An excessively hot or humid work environment is not only an interference that can lead to fatigue and poor judgment and decision making, but it can be downright dangerous. Therefore, having a comprehensive heat-stress program is paramount.

Sufficient rest and proper hydration are key elements to any heat-stress program. Additionally, employees should avoid performing excessive outdoor physical activity prior to coming to work so as to avoid showing up at the job site in an already overheated and exhausted state. Despite warm weather, heat-related illnesses (heat stress, heat exhaustion, heat stroke) can be reduced by implementing effective programs.

Most importantly, employees should constantly monitor themselves and their co-workers for signs and symptoms of these illnesses, as immediate intervention is necessary when they’re observed. Here are the signs and symptoms of heat stress:

• Excessive sweating 
• Red, flushed skin 
• General body weakness 
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded 
• Nausea/vomiting 
• Headache 
• Muscle cramps in the hands and feet 
• Dark-colored urine 

To help avoid heat-related problems, make sure you have these countermeasures ready:

• Allow for breaks in air-conditioned areas. If AC is not available, find shade, cooler areas, and/or fans. 
• Drink plenty of decaffeinated drinks. Sports drinks such as Gatorade are preferred, as they will replenish lost electrolytes. Drink up to 10 8-oz. cups of water in an 8-hour shift. Be careful not to overhydrate. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Thirst is a poor indicator of heat stress. Wet your hair, neck, and face as frequently as possible with water or a spray bottle. 
• To help prevent work-related heat illnesses from occurring, pay attention to the weather predictions. If excessive heat and humidity are in the forecast, ensure that countermeasures have been developed and are ready to be implemented.
• Allow new employees assigned to high-heat areas time to acclimate to the elevated temperatures and humidity.
• Finally, do not drink alcohol prior to coming to work and avoid caffeinated drinks in high-heat situations. Caffeine is a diuretic and actually causes people to lose water! 

By recognizing heat-stress signs and symptoms at their onset and following the above simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your employees will be safe on the job and minimize heat-related illnesses this summer season.

Beware of Storm Chasers

The busy spring roofing season is in full swing and storms are coming our way, so now is the time for contractors to educate homeowners about the potential dangers of storm chasers. We all know that when a storm hits, it’s important to be ready and reach out to homeowners for business, but you also want to make sure you don’t lose a job to a fly-by-night contractor who will take their money and run.

Educate homeowners about who they can trust and what to look for in a reputable contractor. If you plan on mailing out information or going to homes after a storm, make sure you put your insurance number and manufacturer designation on any materials you give out. Show them that you’re the real deal and that they will work with a quality, reputable, and dependable professional contractor.

You can also share these Better Business Bureau tips with homeowners so they’ll know what to watch out for:

Make sure the contractor is registered with the province. Many areas require a solicitation permit to go door-to-door. Check to see if your area needs a permit and, if so, make sure they provide it to you.

Be careful about allowing anyone you don’t trust on your roof. Some unethical contractors could even create damage to get the job.

Do not pay for the work in advance. It’s a red flag if a contractor asks for full or half payment upfront. Get a written contract that outlines the price, work to be done, and amount of insurance coverage.

Get a copy of their insurance. Look up the business to make sure they are well rated. Pay by credit card so you have additional protection. Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics such as offering “deep discounts” and “deals” if they are hired right away. Get at least three quotes from prospective contractors so you’re being proactive in making an informed decision rather than reacting to sales pressure. Check their vehicle to make sure they have proper business markings such as company name, phone number, and license plates in the state where you live.

Protect Your Business Online

As we discussed in a previous blog, having a digital and social media presence is a great way to grow your business, but once your company is active online you need to keep an eye on your brand.

Everything that is put out in the digital world is viral and can be tracked, so it’s important to be aware that what you say about yourself and your competitors can either help or potentially hurt your company. One misstep and your company reputation could be on the line (all it takes is one click to share your misfortune to others). Also, you want to be aware of what others are saying about your business online. Here are some tips to make sure you put your best face forward to your customers and followers.


Have a plan. If you open a Facebook or Twitter account, you will need to determine your goals and how you will use social media to promote your business. Do you want to share information, talk with customers, and promote a product or service? Once you figure that out, stick to it and determine how often you want to communicate via social media (once a week, three times a week, every day?). Ideally, you will want to maintain a steady stream of communication to build your customer following and keep them retained and engaged in your company. Plus, it’s not all about promoting your service.

Engage in social conversation and post information beyond work, so it’s less corporate sounding and more human. It is also not recommended to open up accounts online, post a couple times, and then abandon it.

Designate one person to interact. Too many people responding via social media can get confusing. Determine one person at your company who will monitor and respond to questions or engage in conversations.

Make sure you use one unified voice that best represents your company. Get a policy. Speak with your lawyer and create a social media policy that guides employee use of social media.

Don’t air dirty laundry. Don’t get into a social fight. If someone is complaining about your service, take it offline or respond appropriately by immediately offering to help in a non-threatening way.

Be responsive. The digital world is all about getting answers quickly, so it’s important to be timely with your responses. They will remember the customer experience and may even share it with their friends. You will want to make sure to set up social media notifications so even if you are out in the field, you will instantly know when a customer posted, messaged, commented, or liked you on social media. You can also set up Google news alerts so you’ll know whenever your company is mentioned online.

By embracing the online and social landscape, you can help grow and promote your business and be readily available to respond to your customers.

How To: Effectively Manage Your Waste

Waste is a big part of a construction job and effectively managing it can save money, increase productivity, and help with recycling efforts to minimize landfill waste. One way to make sure you get the most benefits from effective waste management is to have a plan in place for getting rid of all the garbage from the roof.

Removing and managing debris from a roof can be a challenge. You don’t want to ruin a homeowner’s yard with lawn tracks or spend time and labor costs gathering the trash that is dropped from the roof. One solution is to use a mobile debris management system. They can fit in a yard or other small spaces that a full-sized truck cannot. The container can be positioned close to the roof for easy material disposal or to help bring materials up to workers already on the roof. The container will usually have a 4,000-lb. jobsite capacity and a 10 ½-foot catch area. A hydraulic tailgate helps you dump all the debris into a larger container and the trailer can be easily hitched and towed with any medium-sized truck. Don’t waste time at the end of the job with cleanup.

Residential Roofing Costs: Shingle Roofs

Shingle roofs remain one of the most affordable and popular options on the market, and while it is close to impossible to make accurate generalizations about costs, it is helpful to understand the various factors that influence shingle roof replacement prices.

Broadly speaking, these factors can be broken down into two categories: those related to your home, and those related to the contractor.

How Much Will My New Shingle Roof Cost?

As always, you should shop around before committing to a contractor, collecting price quotes and factoring in considerations like reputation and experience. It’s important to look at more than just the bottom line, since inferior materials and sloppy workmanship will provide no more than a quick fix, and could diminish the value of your home.

Home-Related Factors that Affect Shingle Roof Costs

Specific physical characteristics of your home will have a pronounced effect on the cost of a shingle roof replacement. To help you anticipate costs, assess the following home-related factors:

How large is your roof? Many contractors quote prices per square foot, so knowing your roof’s surface area will help you generate a much more accurate estimate.

How sloped is your roof? Unusually steep roofs are more difficult to repair, and most contractors will charge premiums if your roof has a sharp, dramatic slope.

How structurally sound is your roof’s base? If your underlying roof deck is in poor condition, or if there are other structural problems like leaks, rotted or unstable rafters, or damaged insulation, you’ll have to address these before completing the repair job.

How accessible is your roof? If property features make it difficult to access your roof, or if you live a long distance from your preferred contractor, your price quote could go up.


Contractor-Related Factors that Affect Shingle Roof Costs

Similarly, some of the factors that drive pricing originate on the contractor end of the equation. Shingle roof replacement costs are affected by things such as:

• Material quality and costs 
• Profit margins 
• Inclusiveness of work-related warranties and guarantees 
• Skill, expertise and experience 
• Market forces (prices may be higher during busy times of year and lower during slower times of year) 

Beware of any contractor that offers you a firm price quote without coming to inspect your home, and remember: if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your due diligence by researching the company’s history before you commit, and talk to people who worked with the company in the past to determine whether or not they were satisfied.

Shingle Removal and Replacement

This blog post is for homeowners ready to challenge themselves by handling roofing replacement on their own. We’ve previously discussed tools necessary for shingle roof removal. If you are planning to repair or replace your shingle roof on your own, instead of hiring a roofing expert, expect to need some additional tools and materials at your disposal. We cover those below.

Safety First! As with shingle removal, safety should be your main concern (whether you’re on a flat roof or a pitched roof with steep surfaces). Borrow or purchase a heavy-duty, sturdy ladder—or consider renting scaffolding for safer access to extreme heights. In addition, consider a fall protection kit that comes with a harness, roof anchor, lanyard, counterweight and rope. Your fall protection kit should be used in conjunction with a hard hat, work gloves and slip-proof boots to prevent injury.

On top of applicable safety equipment, roof replacement and repairs require several common tools that can be purchased at your local hardware store or rented from a local equipment rental shop.

Tools Needed For Shingle Roof Replacement or Repair: Assuming that the flashing, felt and roof deck are in good order after removing your old shingles, when you are ready to repair or replace your shingle roofing you’ll need:

• 2×4 LUMBER STRIPS
• #16 NAILS
• HAMMER 

Prior to roof replacement, it’s a good idea to install a few 2×4 braces to maintain your footing. Lay each wood piece horizontal to the roof’s edge, and drive nails through each end of the 2×4 to attach them to the roof. Pull up the brace and re-nail it as you move around the roof surface.

ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES: Remember to select shingles that complement your home’s paint and trim. Shingles are generally sold in “squares,” and each of these units cover roughly 100 sq. feet.

ASPHALT ROOFING CEMENT: Applied to the back side of each shingle, roofing cement helps to secure the shingle during nailing and ensures a tight fit to the roof’s surface. It’s also a good idea to apply roofing cement to nail heads to avoid small leaks.

GALVANIZED ROOFING NAILS: Used to secure shingles during installation. Hammer several galvanized nails through self-sealing strips found on each shingle’s surface.

REPLACEMENT FLASHING: As you install shingles around eaves, ridges and valleys, it’s important to make sure that all metal flashing is in tact. If not, you’ll need to reapply replacement flashing strips as needed.

UTILITY or SHARP LINOLEUM KNIFE: Used to cut portions of shingles or trimming shingles to the correct shape and size.

CHALK LINE: To ensure symmetrical placement of shingles, most roofers snap horizontal and vertical chalk lines on the roof deck. A level is also a useful tool for measuring exact shingle positioning.

You should always consult a roofing professional prior to embarking on any "DIY" repairs or replacements. Trudel and Sons Roofing is a family-owned and operated roofing company with more than 30 years of experience in both residential and commercial roofing repairs and re-roofing. Call us today for your comprehensive consultation at: (905)642-3515

Why You Should Replace Your Roof in the Spring

If your roof failed to get you through the winter without problems, or if you’ve been putting off a roof replacement, now is the best time of the year to have a new roof installed. Spring is the best time of year to install a new roof, for several reasons.

Why You Should Replace Your Roofing in Spring

First, the season tends to offer very competitive rates from roofing contractors. The warmer weather also means the job will get done more quickly, saving you added money on labor costs. Finally, it’s also worth bearing in mind that certain roofing materials perform their best in spring, helping you get the longest possible lifespan out of your new roof.

Take Advantage of Roofing Market Tendencies. While market patterns vary from one contractor to the next, spring is generally a slower time of year. The arrival of warmer weather gives many people the impetus to put off necessary repairs until summer, giving them the added months to come up with the money needed to get the job done. Others scramble to address problems in the fall, in advance of the wild weather winter can bring. During the spring, many contractors experience lulls in business. In an effort to keep things rolling along, they may offer promotional deals and discounts. Competition for business intensifies, and best of all, you’ll generally have more choice when it comes to selecting a contractor, as companies that would otherwise be busy during the summer and fall may be available due to the springtime seasonal downturn. As an added bonus, contractors will usually be able to complete your roofing repairs or installation more quickly in the spring, since their resources aren’t depleted by a large backlog of jobs. Beyond the convenience, this can also save you money on labor costs, since the contractor will be in and out in less time. Moreover, contractors will usually be available to get started sooner; during busier times of year, you may have to wait weeks or months before the repair and installation processes can begin.

Enjoy Superior Performance from Your Roofing Materials. Many fundamental roofing materials, from adhesives and fasteners to shingles and wooden frames, are temperature-sensitive. If the weather is too cold or too hot, these materials may not perform optimally; the mild temperatures of spring create optimal conditions for installing a new roof while allowing the materials to settle before summer’s arrival. Trudel and Sons Roofing Offers Superb Workmanship. When you’re ready to replace your roof, call the licensed roofing experts at Trudel Roofing. We never take shortcuts and ensure every step is done right! We are a family owned and operated local Stouffville roofing contractor with more than 30 years in business. We specialize in roof repair and roof replacement in Ontario, and our work is 100% guaranteed.

3 Common Roof Leak Locations: Prevention and Repair Tips

Spring has arrived—with its unpredictable moisture patterns, gale-force winds and leftover snowstorms. For Ontario homeowners, that often means pesky roof leaks galore—in many common locations.

3 Common Roof Leak Locations – Prevention and Repair Tips

There are certain areas where roof leaks tend to develop more easily: around chimneys, skylights and in roof valleys. Let’s discuss each in more detail.

Leaking Chimneys. Whether it’s due to aging caulk, cracked cement caps or flashing problems, chimneys are one of the biggest problem areas when it comes to leaks. Many (but not all) chimney leaks can be repaired by peeling off old, dried caulking and roof sealant from around the chimney’s base. Inspect each area of flashing for cracks or damage, and replace flashing as needed. To improve the integrity of your flashing, remember to use a high-quality, flashing cement to re-caulk the area (rather than traditional roofing cements and sealants). If you have a more invasive leak caused by cracked mortar joints, stone or brick displacement, consider calling your local roofer who will perform a thorough roof inspection. The goal is to diagnose and repair the damage quickly.

Leaks Around Skylights. Finding the source of a skylight leak can be tricky, however most skylight leaks occur in the flashing, which marks the point of contact between the skylight and the roof. Often, simply replacing the flashing will solve the leak problem. Another issue is improper installation, in which case skylight leak repair can be a real headache. Other, less common reasons behind skylight leaks are: improperly installed fasteners, poor flashing seals, glass micro-fractures or fissures, sealant failure due to thermal expansion. Some skylight leaks are simple and are easily handled by do-it-yourself homeowners, but if you’re experiencing severe interior effects, such as ceiling staining or flooring damage, call your roofing contractor immediately.

Leaks in Roof Valleys. When two portions of your roof intersect, the resulting line is called a “valley.” Valleys typically contain a type of metal flashing, but in some cases, shingles or tiles may just butt up against one another. Either way, valleys are a common source for roof leaks. If your roof valleys contain metal flashing, it’s possible that the shingles were improperly cut, allowing water to leak behind faulty shingle tips and seep into your attic or down your walls. Valley leaks tend to be more complex to repair than other types of damage, so it’s best to have a contractor handle your roof valley repairs.

Some common roof leaks, if caught early enough, can be fixed by a capable do-it-yourselfer - however, if you ever have any doubts or hesitations, call Trudel and Sons Roofing at (905)642-3515!

Leak-Free Skylight Installation Tips

When skylight installations go smoothly, you’ll enjoy warm, natural light while decreasing energy costs. Remember, though, that do-it-yourself skylight projects should be undertaken carefully in order to avoid roof leaks and costly repairs.

Leak-Free Skylight Installation Tips

To achieve calculated energy performance, it’s best to have a local roofing contractor install your skylight. However, if you prefer to install the skylight yourself, be sure to carefully follow manufacturer guidelines and take the following points into consideration.

Check the slope of your roof before installing the skylight. Water is less likely to leak into your home if the skylight is properly positioned and water is able to run downhill (and off of your roof). In addition, a properly tilted skylight is more energy efficient. Most skylight manufacturers recommend that homeowners calculate skylight tilt by adding 5 to 15 degrees to their home’s geographical latitude. If you’re installing a skylight that required the building of a “curb” or raised lip, cover the curb tightly with high-quality, waterproof flashing. The skylight manufacturer should carry waterproof metal flashing, but you can also purchase it from a roofing supplier.

Spread a layer of waterproof roofing cement around the metal edges. To ensure a tight flashing seal. A putty knife works well for this. The layer should be uniform and approximately ¼- to ½-inch thick.

Apply roofing cement or epoxy to the bottom of the shingles as you reattach them around the skylight, and include a layer around the skylight’s perimeter, as well (on the edge of the adjoining shingles). This prevents water from seeping under the shingles. When installing the skylight yourself, you can never be too careful.

Consider purchasing a curb seal, which forms an airtight seal around the skylight, flashing and roof. After you’ve installed and sufficiently sealed your skylight, pour a bucket of water over its edges. Position someone inside your home to check for leaks while you observe from the outside.

Invest in Proper Installation. Skylight moisture control is hard to achieve, but when your new window to the world is correctly installed—you’ll be thrilled with the results. To request your estimate for skylight installation or leak repairs, contact Trudel and Sons Roofing, your Stouffville-based roofing repair contractor with over three decades of experience. We’re known for our top-notch customer service and fast response times.

DIY Gutter Repair Tips

If you follow our blog, you know that we are huge advocates for proper maintenance and preventative measures when it comes to protecting your biggest investment - your home and its roof. Your gutter system is a huge part of a properly functioning roof, and it should be inspected and maintained much like your roofing system. Gutter problems can lead to poor drainage, costly interior leaks and foundation breakdown.

DIY Gutter Repair Tips

Let’s take a look at a couple of most common problems you may find as you’re inspecting and maintaining your gutters. 

#1. The Problem: Sagging Gutters. Over time, the fasteners and brackets holding your gutters against the roof perimeter may begin to pull away—or even break off—so gutters begin to sag. In addition to being an eyesore, this sagging allows debris and sludge to build up in the center of lengthy gutter sections. Sagging gutters don’t drain as well, and sludge causes gutter deterioration over time.

The Repair: Reseating or Replacing Hangers. If your gutters are held in place by spike-and-ferrule hangers, try caulking around the spike and allowing caulking to cure. Then, drive the long spike deeper into the roof’s edge. If the spike does not “grab” solid wood when you drive it, change out the spike for a larger nail or a longer wood screw. For clip-style gutter hangers, you must pull up the edge of the roof and reattach hangers to the underlay, or “sheathing.” Be gentle with the roofing material, or you may crack shingles and cause additional roof damage.

#2. The Problem: Popped Rivets. If your home is protected by aluminum gutters, they’re probably attached to one another by rivets or small screws and further secured with roofing sealant or silicone caulking. As gutters shift and warp due to water weight, wind and age, rivets and screws may pop loose. Caulking also dries out over time, losing its ability to support gutter joints.

The Solution: Reinstalling Rivets. After climbing safely up to the roof’s edge, grasp the two loose gutter sections and place them together. Using a lightweight electric drill, make a small hole through each side of the gutter or downspout. Set pop rivets in each drilled hole, and use a pop rivet tool (available at most hardware stores) to secure the rivet into place. Apply a thin layer of roofing cement or exterior silicone caulking around the edge of the repaired gutter, and allow it to cure for 24 hours before testing the integrity of the connection. You may need to reapply a second layer of roof caulking to ensure a tight seal.

If you ever feel unsure or unsafe about performing any of these DIY fixes for your damaged gutters, don't hesitate to contact Trudel and Sons Roofing at (905)642-3515 and we'll be more than happy to send a pro your way to fix the problem!