KNOWLEDGE BASE
• What are some basic roofing maintenance tips?
• How should I inspect my roof?
• Can I walk on my roof?
• What should I consider when picking a roofing contractor?
• My roof is leaking. Does that mean I have to replace my entire roof?
• Can I power wash my roof?
• I am seeing moss develop on my roof, what should I do?
• What is a roof "pitch"?
• What is flashing?
• What is a gable?
• What is a gable roof?
• What is a dormer?
• What is a soffit?
• What is facia?
• What is an eavestrough?
• What is a skylight?
• What is ventilation?
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Question: What are some basic roofing maintenance tips?
Answer: First, you'll want to remove any tree limbs that overhang
the roof and gutters. At the end of the fall season make sure that your
eavestrough are cleaned and that the down pipes are not blocked with
sticks, leaves, toys or balls to ensure proper water drainage.
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Question:
How should I inspect my roof?
Answer:
Take a good look at your roof at least once a year. This can
often be done with a set of binoculars from a safe/nearby location. Look
for missing or loose shingles and flashings, debris and similar signs of
damage.
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Question:
Can I walk on my roof?
Answer:
Yes you can, but as a general rule, reconsider before doing so.
Many roofs are damaged by people who don't know how to walk properly on
a roof.
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Question:
What should I consider when picking a roofing contractor?
Answer:
Some important things aside from price that you should consider when hiring the right roofing contractor are:
1. Are they insured?
2. Is the work guaranteed?
3. Do they have a WSIB Certificate?
4. Do they have business insurance?
5. Are the products being used comparable and from a reputable
manufacturer?
6. How long has the contractor been working in your area? and are they able to provide references?
7. What timeline are they commiting to to finish the job?
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Question:
My roof is leaking. Does that mean I have to replace my entire
roof?
Answer:
Most roof leaks can be repaired and don't require the immediate
replacement of the roof - depending on the age of the roof. If you have
a leak on a newer roof (under 12 years) the leak can be fixed. If the
roof is older, you may want to consider redoing the leaking section(s)
properly so they won't have to be replaced when the remainder of
the roof is replaced. Most roofs should last over 20 years.
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Question:
Can I power wash my roof?
Answer:
No. Most roofing surfaces should not be power washed.
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Question:
I am seeing moss develop on my roof, what should I do?
Answer:
Slopes that don’t get much sun, usually north facing as well as
heavily shaded areas and damp flat roofs tend to develop moss. There are
zinc strips that can be installed to help prevent moss from growing.
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Question:
What is a roof "pitch"?
Answer:
Roof pitch is the slope of the roof. A steep slope is dangerous
and difficult to walk on. Safety precautions such as ropes and harnesses
are required by law when on these roofs. Jacks and planks are also used as platforms from
which the work can be done.
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Question:
What is flashing?
Answer:
Flashing, in roofing terms, are building
components (metal, roll roofing rubber or tar) used to prevent seepage
of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a
roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and
valleys.
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Question:
What is a gable?
Answer:
A gable is the upper portion of a sidewall that comes to a
triangular point at the ridge of a sloping roof.
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Question:
What is a gable roof?
Answer:
A gable roof is a type of roof containing sloping planes of the same
pitch on each side of the ridge.
It contains a gable at each end.
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Question:
What is a dormer?
Answer:
A dormer is a roof gable that is usually located at right
angles to the main roof structure. It is used to increase headroom or as
an architectural detail.
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Question:
What is a soffit?
Answer:
The soffit is the external area under the overhang of a roof.
The soffit gives your home a finished look and provides ventilation for
your roof to help prevent moisture build-up and heat damage in the
attic. Air comes in through the soffit and circulates through the attic
then the air exits through the vents on top of the roof. A ventilated
soffit helps improve the thermal performance of your home, keeping it
cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
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Question:
What is facia?
Answer:
The facia is the board that trims the edge of the roof. The
eavestrough is attached to the fascia.
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Question:
What is an eavestrough?
Answer:
The eavestrough is the channel that collects water from the
roof. The most common eavestrough is 5" aluminium, however it also comes
in plastic, copper and galvanized metal.
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Question:
What is a skylight?
Answer:
A skylight is a window in a roof that allows natural light to
illuminate a room. They can be fixed or operable.
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Question:
What is ventilation?
Answer:
Ventilation is the act of moving air. A vent uses the natural force of wind and air pressure to
vent out stale attic air. Poor ventilation will cause a roof to age
prematurely.
There are many different types of vents and the most common is a static
vent that looks like a hat. Another common vent is a turbine vent which
sticks up above the roof and spins around in the wind drawing the
air out of the attic. Power vents require electricity and must be wired
by an electrician. Power vents come on automatically when the attic gets
to a predetermined temperature.
Exhaust fans from bathrooms must always be vented directly outside
through a proper vent.
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*Visit our showroom for more answers and to
view our complete product line.
Maple Roofing Supplies
300 Newkirk Road
Richmond Hill
ON Canada
L4C 3G7
Tel: (905) 737-4603
Fax: (905) 737-7919
Toll-Free: (877) 737-4603