How does your roof work? Our new roof installation starts with a great system. Far too often we see our competitors quotes be close in price, however when we compare the scope of work they offer Ontario Building Code (OBC) minimum basic coverage. We can often offer a complete system for the same price providing your home with the protection it deserves.

WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW YOUR ROOF WORKS

After all it is likely that your home will be the single largest purchase you ever make, why would you want to cut corners with your roof system that protects it for decades to come. Below are the components of a proper roof system:

INSULATION

Insulation is the key to preventing winter ice dams., without proper insulation levels excess heat it will unavoidably migrate to the attic. Once in the attic it accelerates thawing directly above the shingles, even with several feet of accumulated snow on the roof. This thaw will result in water traveling down your roof or under your shingles until it either freezes (often backing up under your shingles) or infiltrates your home resulting in leaks and ceiling damage.

All roofing contractors, even those who understand how a roof works, cannot warrant leaks resulting from ice dams. Architects primarily design homes and roofs with aesthetics in mind and the designs of the roofs can often be prone to these types of leaks. Proper insulation levels of R50 or 15″ is the new Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirement

WOOD DECK

The condition of the existing plywood sheathing or board deck. It’s imperative that this first step is not overlooked, the substrate must be in good condition to in order to accept the fasteners that secure your roofing products. Warped, rotten, or damaged plywood must be replaced prior to installing your roof system so that it isn’t blown off

DRIP EDGE

Drip edge is a pre-formed metal edge flashing that offers three benefits to a roof system. Metal drip edge protects the exposed edge of plywood that if left unprotected can wick moisture up through the plywood and rot the wood.

It also ensures that shingle are supported at the eaves, which prevents the shingles at the edge of the roof from bending, curling and cracking.

Lastly, metal drip edge will direct water from the roofline directly into the Eavestrough preventing against those pesky drips that appear between your Eavestrough and fascia.

We recommend drip edge on every roof areas with a lower roof pitch ( under 8/12 ) as the benefits far outweigh the minimal costs.

VENTILATION

Another crucial component often overlooked by our competitors and the first item inspected by manufacturers if a warranty claim is made. Mint Roofing Ltd. performs the proper calculations to ensure your attic is properly vented, lack of proper venting may result in a warranty being denied. We look at both intake, soffit vents, and exhaust roof vents to develop a proper and consistent ventilation cycle that will keep the home and roof healthy. Ventilation requirements may have changes since your last roof was installed and vent placement is important to prevent against “short circuiting” which creates attic hot spots.