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How many roofing quotes should I get?

When you’re shopping for a new suit or expensive outfit, do you buy the first one you see? Well, actually, yes, sometimes. You can see and feel its quality, its tailoring fits you precisely.

Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.

Usually, though, you like to visit a few other shops to validate your feelings. 

It may be like that with the first roofing company you contact for a roof repair or a quote regarding a new roof. But it’s always a good idea to have three estimates from which you can make your choice.

The mystical number for roofing quotes, and well, any kind of decision-making tool, seems to be three.

Why do we like the number three? Because three is more than two but not as many as four. We want choices, just not too many.

So, even though we would love to stop at two options, one more makes us feel like we’ve done the prefrontal work while we keep from getting confused with four alternatives.

Just like Goldilocks found out, three options allow us to dismiss the other two that are too something and choose the one that is just right.

So, how do you narrow down all the choices of roofing companies that you find online?

  • Start researching early. See Armour Shield’s online testimonials here.

  • If you can’t start early, ask people whose opinions you trust for names of roofing companies: Then, look at the websites of the top three.

  • Have you watched a neighbour’s roofing job and were impressed? Did you notice the company’s cleanliness, how smoothly the job went and organized the crew seemed?

  • Commit to online research: Google keywords like ‘best roofing company’, or community awards. Look at websites that will focus your search down to three companies. Take notes. It is the best one to two hours you’ll spend.

  • Has the company had its installers certified by specific shingle manufacturers? Certification means detailed training about specific shingles, the installation and attributes. Not only does it matter in terms of knowledge, it means you’ll work with a crew with an earned sense of confidence.

  • Do they have website pages that promote their company’s values? You should see pages and notice phrasing or stories about the company’s owner that makes you feel like they authentically care about the job they do. They have ensured that these specific pages be part of their website. Visit their Facebook page.

  • Do they have awards from review platforms or local community services? Look at community awards. Are they part of service groups?

  • Read their reviews: Most companies with excellent reputations will have several genuine reviews or testimonials on their sites and on their ‘googled or searched page’.

  • These authentic reviews matter the most: People love to read about what other clients liked about them and how they respond to concerns

  • ‘Practice makes perfect’: If a company has only been in business for a short time, it doesn’t necessarily mean the owner isn’t concerned with doing everything correctly and to your satisfaction. However, sometimes, if a company has been in business for a long time and is still receiving 5-star reviews, that speaks to its continued integrity.

 

Now that you have narrowed your requested number of roofing quotes to three, what is the next step?

  • A complete and detailed roofing estimate or quote is essential. Please read our blog post ‘What should be in an Accurate Roofing Quote?’ here.

  • A roofing contractor may not be able to climb your roof to look at all your roof planes: the Roofing Safety Board insists on regulations including harnesses and extra men; these expenses are not practical for quotation purposes.

  • A solid communicative ability is important. During your time spent reviewing the quote with the company owner or project manager, their ability to listen openly to your concerns usually reflects their standards and expectations of their crew.

  • Is the company sticking to the timeline it initially provided for the ready estimate or quote?

As it happens, Armour Shield Roofing of London, ON, can put a checkmark beside all of the suggested indicators of a trustworthy and capable roofing company.

  • Armour Shield Roofing has five pages of addresses of delighted customers. Call us, and we will provide addresses near to you to see their roofing jobs. Please be aware that we will provide addresses only, not phone numbers, due to privacy laws.

  • Read our many Online Reviews on our website.

  • We are IKO, CertainTeed, and BP-certified roofing contractors.

We have an A+ rating, have won the 2012 Business Integrity Award, and have been finalists in two Business Integrity Awards from London’s Better Business Bureau.

  • We have a ’10 Point Integrity Guarantee’: Yes, that is how vital our integrity is to us. Please read it here.

  • Our ‘Seniors Roofing Promise’ was developed to ensure your trust: We believe in assuring seniors and their families that they can count on our word as a roofing company. Please read our page here.

  • Armour Shield Roofing has been in business for 26 years:  Since we initially started the company in 1996, we did not receive any complaints from customers. We are proud to say: “NOT EVEN ONE”.

 

Armour Shield Roofing serves London and the surrounding area. Please call us at (519) 858 5044. Please email us here.

Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.

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How do I Know When I Should Replace my Roof?

When should I replace my roof? How long a roof lasts depends on a lot of variables.

Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.

Sun effects, climate ramifications, inadequate attic insulation or roof venting, can all contribute to a roof’s shingles’ doing any of the following: buckling, blowing-off, blistering, cupping, losing granules, ice damming, telegraphing and ageing, any of which can point to imminent shingle replacement. It is no wonder we never quite know when we should be calling the roof doctor to repair or replace your roof in London, Ontario. However, your roofing instincts are about to get better.

Assaad, owner of Armour Shield Roofing of London, has been rated an exceptional roofing company since he started his company in 1996. Here, he answers your questions of how you should know when to consider a roof replacement.

He even goes a step further to suggest:

  • How long your roof has left once an indicator arises.

  • Helpful hints that might solve a shingle problem.

 

The following is a list of sure signs it is close to the time that you should replace your roof shingles.

 

Blown off shingles could mean it is time to replace your roof:

A couple of things can cause shingle blow-off; if nails from the uppermost shingle are placed too high, they do not go through the shingle beneath it, allowing the lower shingle to loosen.

However, when you see this happening to a large extent, it could also be due to improper roof venting, a lack of attic insulation or it is shingle-age related. Through old-age or moisture degradation from roof deck rot, shingles lose their adhesive hold, which allows the nail holes to loosen; in turn, the shingles eventually blow off.

Helpful Hint: Read Armour Shield Roofing’s roof repair page  By focusing on the roof areas that have been damaged by a tree or in a storm, it makes sense as a way of extending your roof replacement. Armour Shield adds the proper venting which helps damp air from your attic escape, lessening the likelihood of your roof deck transferring moisture through to the back of your shingles.

Time left? At some point, you will weigh the time spent on these temporary repairs against a total roof replacement or venting.

 

Missing granules or aggregates could mean shingle ageing:

Have you laid awake wondering what those granules are that you see in the eve trough or on the ground? The aggregate on the surface of a shingle is just that, crushed rock covered with a ceramic coating and heated onto the surface of the shingle. As the shingles age, the bond between the granules and the shingle face disintegrates.

Helpful Hint: A small amount in your gutter is normal breakdown.

Time left? If there is a lot of granule loss, two-thirds or more of your expected roof life is gone.

 

Curled or cupped shingles allow water to migrate behind them:

Curled shingles are caused by the sun drying a shingle that has first had a granular loss. Curled (or cupped) shingles allow water to migrate behind them, eventually causing more water damage to the roof base. 

Helpful Hint: Since 1996, Assaad of Armour Shield Roofing has emphasized that when one roof section deteriorates, usually that which faces the southwest exposure, the rest of your roof is not far behind.

You can spend more money perpetually fixing one roof section at a time. It is best to replace the roof as one unit. Check your roof during high winds and thunderstorms; if you see shingles blowing off, it is time to call your roofing specialist to have a look.

Time left? It is best not to leave this for long. 0-2 years once you notice one of your roof sections has curled shingles.

 

Winter ice damming across your roof can cause a lot of damage:

A lot of snowfall can cause snow build-up on eaves, the approximate lower three feet across a roof. If the roof experiences heating from the attic, the snow collects, then melts and refreezes in place. The water can back up under the shingles during its thaw, especially if they are older and have experienced granular loss and cupping (or curling). The refreezing of the trapped water lifts the shingle, leading to more shingle cupping and eventual water damage to the roof face.

Helpful Hint: Ice dams are mostly caused by inadequate attic insulation, allowing warm house air to enter the attic, and heating the underside of the roof which contributes to the thawing and freezing of snow on your roof.

Proper roof vents allow attic heat to exit, soffit vents allow cool outside air to enter the attic modulating its temperature and keeping the roof cold which is imperative to prevent the freeze and thaw of ice damming. Clogged eave troughs do not allow the thawed roof water to drain. Read our post about evestrough maintenance.

Time left? If you complete the necessary attic insulation and or additional venting, that may be enough to solve the problem. However, if this has been a yearly occurrence for a long time, accumulated roof damage may already be established.

 

If your roof is 10 – 20 years old, it is nearing the end of its lifetime:

A typical roof lasts from 15 – 25 years. (Depending on the quality of the shingle) However, weather-weary shingles, especially in Canada’s climate, often show their age long before their shelf-age.

The sun and its drying effects, winter freeze and thaw, and other factors can shorten the life of a roof face by a decade.

Helpful Hint: As you reach the life span of your roof, check it after high winds or a thunderstorm for blown-off shingles, granular loss and curled shingles. Armour Shield Roofing will provide you with a detailed assessment of your roof.

Armour Shield Roofing is an A + rated roofing company with ZERO customer complaints. Give them a call at 519 858 5044 for roof replacement and service work.

 

The people at Armour Shield Roofing have parents too.

We realize the vulnerability associated with one’s age; so, we have created our ‘Seniors Roofing Promise’ to alleviate any concerns. You can read it here.

Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.

roof installation

Roofing Preparation – Comparison of Roof Options and Roofing Terms

There is more to a quality roof than just the shingles and workmanship. A look at several types of materials that are available for replacing the roof on your home.

Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.

Some of these material products are shingles, tiles, underlayment, drip edges, water membranes and flashings. A roof’s quality and lifetime are a reflection of the products that go into it. That’s why you need to consider them when making your roof decision.

This article aims to educate you about these material products. We’ll also list what you should consider for each product type to make a more informed decision.

This article is a great place to start if you’re researching product options for a future roof replacement in London, Ontario.


Shingle and Tile Options

Shingles are arguably the most essential material for a new roof. They’re the exterior armour that everyone sees. 

There is a wide variety to choose from for a new roof. The main criteria we use to compare them are material cost, durability, appearance, and installation requirements. We will compare each shingle type below:

Asphalt Shingles:

Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing solutions, which explains why they’re so popular. 

  • Initial Cost: Low in comparison to other types
  • Durability: 10 to 30 years
  • Appearance: Two styles to choose from: Three-Tab Shingles and Architectural Shingles, each with a variety of colours
  • Installation Requirements: Depends on the type chosen and roof size

Metal Shingles:

Aluminum, steel, copper, zinc and lead are all durable but expensive shingle options. 

  • Initial Cost: High in comparison to asphalt
  • Durability: 40 to 70 years
  • Appearance: Two styles to choose from: Three-Tab Shingles and Architectural Shingles, each with a variety of colours
  • Installation Requirements: Weighs less than asphalt, and installation is easy. It can sometimes be installed over an existing asphalt roof.

Slate Tiles:

Slate roofs are less common these days for replacements. They’re more standard with 20th-century homes but do offer a very long lifespan.

  • Initial Cost: High in comparison to asphalt
  • Durability: 75 to 200 years
  • Appearance: Have a unique look and a wide variety of colours available
  • Installation Requirements: Can only be installed on a pitched roof and takes 1-4 weeks to install

Clay Tiles:

Clay tiles are made by baking moulded clay. The clay’s density is determined by the length of time and temperature at which it is heated. 

  • Appearance: Colours range from shades of white, orange, yellow and brown
  • Installation Requirements: Clay tiles work best with roof slopes greater than degrees. 

We should also mention that clay tiles aren’t ideal for cold climates like Canada.

There isn’t a one size fits all shingle for homeowners in Ontario. That’s because each homeowner’s situation is unique. 

 

Some general things you should consider are:

1) How long do you plan on living in your home? This will determine how important roof lifetime is and how much you should invest.

2) How do you want your home to look? The material you choose will significantly impact the style of your home.

3) What is the climate? If you live in or near London, Ontario, you’ll want to take harsh winters into account.

4) What are the weight limits of your home’s structure?

Please read our blog, The Different Types of Roof Shingles and Their Applications, for more details on each shingle type.

For accurate pricing for a replacement roof please contact us for a no-obligation quote or call us at (519) 858 5044.

Underlayment

Roofing underlayment is often unseen yet is a crucial component of a residential roofing system. Underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof material. It is installed directly onto your roof deck under all other materials.

It’s like the safety net that protects your home’s structure from the elements if the outer layer of shingles suffers damage. In climates like London, Ontario, underlayment is critical for high winds and ice damming.

 

There are three main types of roofing underlayment

Asphalt-saturated felt:

This traditional underlayment is made of pulped paper and fabric saturated in asphalt. In addition to its water-repellent properties, asphalt-saturated felt improves the durability of a roof deck. 

Asphalt-saturated felts are affordable compared to the other options but have a relatively short life span of 12 to 20 years.

 

Rubberized asphalt underlayment:

Rubberized asphalt is much sturdier, consisting of rubber sheets. It’s more flexible, which makes it ideal for climates that have both extreme heat and cold. Its main advantage is its elasticity, making it the perfect underlayment for regions that experience extreme heat and cold. 

Unlike other types, rubberized asphalt is adhered to the roof deck using specialty adhesives. Many homeowners prefer rubberized asphalt underlayment because it’s completely waterproof.

 

Non-bitumen synthetic underlayment:

This type is the most popular among modern roof systems. They’re made with saturated asphalt and hard-wearing plastics. 

They have an additional layer of fibreglass that provides greater tear-resistance and stability. This type is more versatile because roofers can use it with waterproofing products.

Drip Edges

Drip edge flashing is another underrated part of an excellent quality roof. 

A drip edge is a non-staining and non-corroding material applied on a roof’s edge. It gives water the ability to filter away from the roof system protecting it from water damage.

A drip edge’s proper placement is on top of the roof’s exterior cover directly between the sheathing and the fascia board.

They’re sometimes excluded from roofing projects to save cost. Cutting this corner can be risky because even more costly damage can occur from water. We recommend drip edges for all roof systems due to the varying climate of London, Ontario.

Some benefits of having drip edges on a roof are:

-Deters insects and small pests from settling between the fascia and roof deck
-Protects the roof’s shingles and fascia from water damage improving their lifetimes
-Helps eavestroughs move water away from the home
-Guards the underlying roofline against damage in the winter months such as ice and snow damage, which could result in rotting

 

Drip Edge Material Options

Drip edges need to be able to withstand constant water contact for the full lifetime of your roof. Various plastics and metals are used for drip edge flashing. If the metal is corrosion-resistant or galvanized, both are acceptable under the London, Ontario building code.

 

The two most common materials for drip edges are:

Galvanized Steel: Steel with a protective zinc coating applied to prevent rust. A minimum of 24 gauge steel is recommended so that it can withstand strong winds. Galvanized steel is the strongest but most expensive material for drip edges.

Aluminum: The most common material used by homeowners. It’s not as strong as steel but doesn’t corrode. Aluminum drip edges also have a variety of colour options for precisely matching the rest of a home.

Vinyl, plastic, and fibreglass drip edges may also be available. However, these materials are better for other applications, such as above windows and doors.

Types of Flashings

Aside from drip edges, there are several other types of flashings available for your roof. Like drip edges, these play a vital role in sealing vulnerable parts of a roof and redirecting water. As a result, flashings improve the reliability and lifetime of a roof system.

Most homeowners aren’t aware of these roof flashing types because they’re practically invisible after an installation. We will outline the most common types below:

Continuous Flashing: A long flashing piece protects the seam between a vertical wall and a sloped roof.

Step Flashing: This flashing seals seams where roofing meets a vertical structure like a chimney.

Kick-out Flashing: This type is used where the roof’s bottom edge meets an adjoining, vertical wall. The shape of this flashing can vary depending on the angle required. 

Open Valley Flashing: Open valleys leave a roof’s valley uncovered by shingles or tiles. This type of flashing is then installed over an ice and water shield to carry water off the roof easily.

Conclusion

Shingles/tiles, underlayment, drip edges and flashings are the primary products that make up a great quality roof. As shown in this article, there are many options to consider for each roofing product.

To go a step further, each of these products is available from several manufacturers. For the best result, we recommend selecting products that all come from the same manufacturer. This choice is best because the products are designed to complement each other when installed together.

Reputable roofing companies will be able to walk you through all the product options available for your home.

Selecting the right products for your new roof is just half the battle. You’ll also need to consider the quality level of workmanship you want.

If you haven’t chosen a company to work with yet, we recommend checking our blog: The Characteristics of a Great Roofing Company.

If you have any specific questions regarding the product types we’ve discussed, you can Contact Armour Shield HERE.

Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.

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The Asphalt Roof- How Long Will it Really Last?

The common asphalt shingle roof found on many North American homes is also known as the ’30-year roof’. Which kind of asphalt shingles lasts the longest amount of time? Plus, tips to extend a shingle’s life.

Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.

The reality is that this type of roof can last around 30 years if it is maintained properly. The best solution is to purchase the longest-lived shingle available. As your shingles age, there are ways to combat some of the age-related issues. 

Which shingle will last the longest?

An architectural or laminate shingle has been constructed to last longer; typically they are made three times thicker than the original three-tab shingle.

Beautiful to see on a roof, they add value aesthetically and a long-lived shingle has one of the highest return on investment (ROI) in the world of renovations at 68% of recouped value.

Armour Shields’ complete team is installation-certified for IKO, CertainTeed, and BP roofing products.

Purchased warranties can extend the value of your roof and allow the possibility of further work.

What can lessen your shingle life and how can you combat it?

Roof moss – How to prevent its growth:

It is no longer environmentally allowed to use toxic chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite, copper sulphate or zinc on your roof. Although toxic to the point that it prevents moss growth, we now know it is extremely toxic to our water, soil, plants, animal life and humans.

If left unchecked, moss will lift the edges of your shingles. Algae/moss thrives in the humid conditions of Canadian summers and grows on a roof surface that is usually on the north side and receives less sun or is shadowed by (an otherwise useful) tree canopy. Algae and fungus may look like a slightly darker stain’ or discolourations on shingles. The darkness is in fact the beginning of the fungal growth.

Green products are available; generally hand-removal of the moss/fungus and either hand-scrubbing or power washing from the top down using the green cleaner will help. You should contact your original roofing company for advice as power washing may void your warranty. Generally, your mossy roof should be replaced sooner than other roofs.

If you have a heavy tree canopy, your shingles may remain wet and moss may grow. As well, branches that constantly brush your shingles will rub their protective coating away, allowing water to get under the edges:

Call a professional arborist to keep limbs and branches from completely hiding a roof section or brushing against the shingles. Proper gear and trucks keep everyone safe and prevent damage to your roof during the cutting.

 

Your roof requires maintenance to get the most out of its expected lifetime and you can feel confident using Armour Shield Roofing in the London ON area for any roofing associated work.

We have been in business for 26 years, during which time we have proudly never received one complaint. Armour Shield has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and won the 2012 Business Integrity Award, acquiring the finalist position for two other years.

Please call us at (519) 858 5044 or use our Contact Form.

Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.

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