Flat Roofing Toronto Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Having a reliable roof over your building is something you should be proud of as a property owner in Toronto. Most find it challenging to find the best roofers to install their roofs. Knowing the right time to replace, repair, or install a new roof is also a challenging task.
This page is designed to answer some of the frequently asked questions about Toronto Flat Roofing. Go through them to get appropriate answers from some of the top roofers in the region.
Questions and Answers About
Flat Roofing Services Toronto
1. How do I know if my roof needs a replacement?
A regular roof inspection can save you the hassle of predicting when you should repair or install your roof. Ideally, most people resort to replacing their roof when the roof leaks become serious.
Clogged gutters, missing shingles, and damaged flashings are indications that you should repair your roof. If you notice cracked wall paintings, wearing of the wallpaper, and discolouring of the wall paints, it is a red flag that you should repair your roof soonest.
2. When should I install a new roof?
You should install a new roof if the one you have has been overused or shows persistent roof leaks. Roofs have their lifespan. While the most expensive roof may last a lifetime, others cannot last two decades only.
In most cases, you would replace your roof if your house structure or design does not support the roof type or the roofing materials used by your roofer were inappropriate or substandard.
3. Should I replace the whole roof if it has leaks?
No. Having roof leaks is not an indication that you should have a new roof. You should reach out to a certified and experienced roofer in Toronto, to help you fix the roof leak issues permanently. Persistent roof leaks result when the cause of the leaks is not addressed accordingly.
4. What causes a roof leak?
Roof leaks result from neglecting roof care, improper installation of skylights, clogged gutters, sliding tiles and shingles, condensation in the attic, and damaged flashings. You should inspect your roof and reach out to your roofer for timely repairs of roof leaks. Roof leaks can damage the underlying roofing structure, cause pest infestation in the house, and put your family to the risk of disease.
5. Can I repair my roof myself?
Roofing repair may look simple but is sophisticated in reality. It is advisable to keep off your roof and not to attempt any repairs. This will cause extensive damage to your roof. You can reach out to a qualified local roofer in Toronto to help you repair the roof. The roofer has the right tools, skills, and technology to repair your roof and fix all the issues.
Climbing up your roof exposes you to the risk of injuries. You can easily fall off the roof and injure yourself. Also, you can cause further damage to the roof by attempting to repair it yourself. You can only remove the leaves, and debris that clog your gutters. A simple inspection of the roof is also advisable. Ultimately, you should keep off your roof to avoid the danger of injury.
6. How much does it cost to repair a roof?
The cost of repairing your roof depends on the roofer you hire for the service. Different roofers in Toronto have different price lists. Your roofer will provide you an estimated cost of their services after inspecting your roof.
When it comes to repairing your roof, you should not consider the price but the quality of work your roofer is offering you. Most roofers will charge you less and deliver the worst results. Go for quality and be willing to spend on your roof. Your roof is an essential part of your house.
If you are looking forward to having a new roof, the cost may depend on the time of the year you want to install it, the roofing material you want to use, the location of your home, and the contractor you hire for the work.
7. How long should my roof last?
The lifespan of your roof depends on the type of roofing material used. Most roofing materials can last for two decades. With the latest technology, some roof shingles are made to last a lifetime. The weather of your region will also determine the duration of your roof. Hurricane, snowfall, and strong winds may shorten the lifespan of your roof.
When you purchase roofing material, you should ensure it comes with a warranty for any untimely damages. Your roofer should also give you a guarantee for a quality installation. Ensure you have a written guarantee statement before you sign the contract with your company for roofing toronto.
8. Should I stay around when the roofing repair or installation is ongoing?
You should find someplace outdoors for your family to stay when the roofing installation kicks off. In most cases, the installation takes less than three days, depending on the size of your roof. Having your family around while the contractors do their work puts them on the risk of injury. The noise from the roof is not conducive for the kids.
To ensure your contractor ticks everything on your contract, you should stay around to inspect their work. However, this is needless if you have a trustworthy roofer handling your roof.
9. What should I do to prolong my roof lifespan?
To prolong your roof lifespan:
- Do not neglect your roof care
- Inspect your roof regularly, especially after prolonged and heavy rains, for any roof leaks
- Ensure your roof is well ventilated
- Clean your roof at least twice a year
- Prune all the trees that have branches extending to your roof
- Remove the debris, leaves, and other dust that can clog your gutters
Conclusion
Having a reliable roof involves proper care and maintenance. Neglecting your roof can cost you a lot in terms of the repair cost. It is advisable to reach out to a reputable and experienced roofing company in Toronto to handle your roof. An experienced roofer will answer all your questions and ensure your roof is in the best condition before they leave your home.
Flat Roofing Checklist
A roof is an essential part of a building. Regular maintenance of a roof is necessary to improve its lifespan and ensure it gives the house an appealing look. If you have a flat roof, you have to ensure you observe utmost care. Having regular flat roof maintenance is essential to ensuring the roof has the desired look and value.
This article provided you with a checklist for your flat roof. Go through the tips presented here to keep your flat roofing toronto in a good state and provide the highest degree of security to your family.
Everyday items for your flat roof checklist
1. Roofing material
It is essential to know the type of roofing material your roofer is using on your roof. Some conventional roofing materials may not last longer than modern ones. You have to ensure you go for quality and durable roofing material if you want them to last a lifetime.
Different roofing materials have various vulnerabilities and strengths. You can go for synthetic, tar & gravel, metal, wood, or asphalt shingles depending on your house design, budget, and how long you intend to live in your house. Since flat roofs are more susceptible to damages, having a quality and durable roofing material will save you some bucks on repairs.
2. Roof ponding
Flat roofs are prone to ponding from snowfalls and rainwater. After a prolonged rainfall, you should climb up the roof and remove the ponding rainwater and snow. Ponding water can damage your roof by exerting pressure on the shingles and exposing your roof to agents of corrosion. You can also install a tampered installation if you have a ponding problem on your flat roof.
3. Surface corrosion
Surface degradation and corrosion is a common problem on flat roofs. The pressure of heavy rooftop equipment, harsh weather, and varying temperatures exposes the roofing material to tear and wear. Prolonged corrosion of the roof will result in blisters, holes, and granule loss. You can always check your rooftop for signs of granule loss.
If your flat roof has an accumulation of rotting leaves, dirt, dust, and debris, you should inspect the region below to find out any significant damages on the roof. Reach out to a flat roof expert on time to repair the damages on your roof before they extend.
4. Blockage of drains
Drain blockage is an imperative of your flat roof checklist. Dust, leaves, and debris can accumulate on your roof gutters and block the way for rainwater to flow smoothly to the downspout. You can climb up the ladder to remove the dirt clogging the gutters.
Also, you can inspect your roof drainage using the snake camera for any blockage. Neglecting the drain blockage can cost your roof a lot. You may be forced to replace the entire drainage system on your roof if you do not repair the blockages on time.
5. Proper ventilation
Ventilation is essential to ensuring your roof maintains its value. Adequate ventilation of the attic reduces the condensation rate, thus removing the unnecessary roof leaks. If the vents on your flat roof are blocked, the underlying roofing material will experience uneven temperature and even melt in the process. High temperature within the attic of your roof can compromise the durability of your flat roof.
Therefore, you should ensure your ventilation equipment is in an excellent state to regulate the temperature in the attic and prevent heating of the underlying roof material.
6. Snow accumulation
If you live in Toronto, you would want to ensure your flat roof does not accumulate any snow during the winter. Snow melts with a slight increase in temperature, thus leading to ponding on your flat roof. Ponding, in turn, causes leaking on your roof, which damages the underlying roofing material.
Snow also exerts too much weight on your flat roof, which can lead to collapsing of the roof. To reduce the risk related to snow accumulation on your flat roof, you can hire a professional to climb up the roof and remove all the snow on your flat roof. Do not remove the snow on your flat roof on your own. It could be dangerous if you do not have the right skills and equipment to do it yourself.
7. Membrane fasteners and felt movement
Examine your roof for loose fasteners if it is a fastened system. Loose membrane fasteners result from poor artistry and prolonged ponding on the roof. Water saturation on a flat roof loosens the membrane fasteners.
Felt movement occurs when the bitumen used on the roof melts down. Excess heating on the roof increases the temperature in the attic, which contributes to the melting of the underlying roofing materials and the bitumen used in roof construction.
You can always check your flat roof if it develops a membrane fastening issue. Contact your local roofer in Toronto to help you with the membrane fastening issues and improve the value of your flat roof.
8. Your roofing contractor
Lastly, it is essential to check the reliability of your roofing contractor. To find the best roofing contractor in Toronto, you must research extensively. A qualified roofing contractor will meet the following thresholds:
- Offer proof of roofing insurance
- Have a roof repair or installation warranty
- A business reputation – how long has the contractor been in the industry?
- Provide contact information for some happy clients
- Be licensed with the building and construction authorities
- Be a member of a professional association in the industry
- Have a trained and qualified workforce
Conclusion
Having a flat roof can be so challenging if you do not take regular maintenance. Flat roofs are more prone to damages. Therefore, neglecting this type of roof may cost you a lot at the end. You should get quality-roofing material if you are going to have a flat roof.
Ensure your roofer has the skills to handle your roof. This way, you can prevent untimely damages on your roof. The checklist given here should help you maintain your flat roof and prevent unnecessary expenditure on roof repairs.