When deciding to replace your roof, we feel it is important that you are armed with as much information as possible. We have taken the liberty of explaining some key terms and materials used by professional roofing companies.

1. Slope
   Rise/Run
   It is usually described as a fraction with a base of twelve.
   For Example:   4/12 SLOPE, This means for every 12 inches the height increases by 4 inches.
   

2. Layers
   This represents the number of layers of shingles that are currently on your roof. The more layers that are present, the more expensive it will be to replace. For warrantee purposes (building code and manufacturer), you are allowed two layers on your house. If you put more than one layer on your home, it is less expensive; however, most companies will not warrantee their work for prolonged periods of time.

3. Square
   This is the unit of measurement for roofs and is used in labour costing. it is based on area.

   ie) 1 square is equal to 10 X 10 feet or 100 ft.²
   Or a roof surface measuring 12 X 12 has a 14.4 square (144 ft.²)

4. Tear-Off
    This means that the company will remove everything on your roof up to the plywood. If you do require new plywood (usually on homes with three layers and up). this should be specified in the estimate.

5. Ice and Water Shield
    A durable waterproofing membrane used around chimneys, in valleys and at the eve for added protection during the freezing-thawing periods.

6. Felt Paper
    An underlayment that provides added protection to your roof. The Ontario Building Code requires all roofs to be felt-papered, as do most shingle manufacturers.

7. Vents
    Ventilation is key to ensuring your roof will have the longest life expectancy possible. The Ontario Building Code states that there must be one vent for every 300 square feet of roof. The best ventillation is provided by a product called ridge vent. It is a continuous line of ventilation that runs along the ridge of the roof, this guarantees that all of the rafters in your attic receive exceptional ventilation. This type of venting is about twice as much as the regular vents. Finally, whirly bird vents are not recommended. Not only are they expensive, but they do let the in the weather.

8. Dripedge
    This is piece of aluminum that is applied to the edge of the roof line. It protects the edge of the roof as water is shed during rainy or snowy weather.

9. Plywood
    If your quote states that you will require new plywood, please make certain that the company you choose is using plywood and not an inferior product such as OSB (made of wood chips, fibres and lots of glue -- very heavy!!). The thickness of the plywood should be 3/8 of an inch (minimum).

10. Flanges
     A covering for the pipes that protrude through the roof. The pipes ventilate the plumbing and the flange helps mask their gurgling sounds. Flanges are usually described as either 3 or 4 inches.

11. Shingles
     The ultimate protection for your roof. They must be installed according to the Ontario Building Code to meet the warrantee requirements. Furthermore, different shingles require different installation techniques.

     For example:

    Aristocrat Shingles, must be installed moving from the bottom of the roof straight up. Cambridge Shingles, must be installed using the staircase method. (Layered like a staircase).

    Shingles are available in Asphalt or Fibreglass -- Fibreglass is more environmentally friendly. They are also available with warrantees ranging from 20 years to life. Finally, they can come in different profiles such as designer or plain.

12. Labour
     The workmanship that goes into your roof. We would like to encourage you to remember the motto that we share with the Better Business Bureau: Investigate before you invest!!
     Any roofer you hire should be able to give you a few names of clients to call for a reference. They should not be able to start immediately. They should go on your roof to measure it!!!! If you do not agree with the estimate they have presented, call and ask them to come out again and explain it to you or show you what is on the roof. The estimate should be as precise as possible, not containing a large range of pricing error. (ie, some companies will say 4000 give or take a 1000). All clean-up should be included.

     Finally, without going into too much detail, it is illegal for any installation company to profit from the materials installed on your roof.
     More specifically, they cannot apply any overhead as they are not selling them to you, the are infact purchasing them from their supplier to use on your roof!!!
     That is why, what we pay Tamar, you pay us!!!!

    PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS!
    signed: Gerry and Emma Klotz