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Roofing Warning Signs

We all know many different weather conditions may occur in a coastal region like Vancouver and Lower Mainland. It’s important to recognize the warning signs if your roof is in need of repair or replacement. We’ve listed some of the most common issues that may require your attention. If you are experiencing any of these problems, Macbeth Roofing would be happy to provide a free consultation to assist with any concerns about your roofing system and its condition:

  • Rotting deck and rotting fascia
  • Cracked or rotting shingles
  • Loose or missing shingles
  • Missing granules
  • Algae build-up
  • Curled shingles
  • Ceiling stains
  • Damaged flashing
  • Exposed nail heads
  • Exposed wood
  • Cracked/missing caulking
  • Leaking gutters

Whether your roof is protecting your business or protecting your home, it’s the ‘first-defense’ against the elements of Vancouver’s and Lower Mainland weather. A leaking roof will rapidly lead to an ever expanding list of internal problems that are expensive and sometimes virtually impossible to completely fix, including wall damage, mold and rot, paint blistering and peeling, floor and carpet damage and bad odors.

It’s essential to keep it in the best condition possible. If you don’t see a condition listed here but want to make sure your roof is healthy, let us know and our Macbeth roofing experts will be happy to provide a free consultation.

Roofing Glossary

Our professional roofers at Macbeth Roofing in Vancouver and Lower Mainland look forward to helping you with your roof repairs or roof replacement. To help you feel more comfortable with this process, we have included some of the terms that may come up. We’re more than happy to answer your questions on your roofing needs.

  • Algae Discolouration: Black streaks or discolouration caused by the growth of algae on your roof.
  • Blisters: Bubbles that may appear on the asphalt roofing materials after they are installed.
  • Bundle: A package of shingles. Three bundles of standard shingles will cover one roofing square [10’x10′ or 100 ft2].
  • Caulk: Used to fill joints or cover nail heads to prevent leaks.
  • Closed Valley: A type of valley where the shingles are installed over the valley flashing, so that the flashing is not exposed.
  • Collar: A flange placed over a stack type vent to seal the roof around the pipe, also referred to as a vent sleeve.
  • Counter Flashing: A flashing that is attached to a vertical surface (such as a wall) to prevent water from seeping under a base flashing.
  • Course: A row of shingles that runs the length of the roof.
  • Deck/sheathing: The wood installed over the frame of the house to which the roofing is applied.
  • Dormer: A small structure projecting from a sloped roof, usually with a window.
  • Drip Edge: A non-corrosive metal flashing installed along the lower edge and often up the rake of the roof. Its purpose is to direct water draining from a roof into the gutters, preventing damage to the underlying construction.
  • Eaves: The horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof.
  • Fascia: A flat board, band or face located at a cornice’s outer edge.
  • Felt (Tar) Paper: A fibrous paper, saturated with asphalt to be used as an underlayment, to increase roof protection.
  • Flashing: Pieces of galvanized metal that are used to prevent water from seeping in at roof joints, such as walls, chimneys, dormers and valleys.
  • Gable Roof: A 2 sided roof with matching slopes on either side.
  • Granules: A ceramic-coated, crushed rock that is applied to the exposed surface of asphalt shingles. The granules are often coloured.
  • Hip Roof: A roof with four sloping sides of the same pitch. There will be no gables on a Hip Roof.
  • Ice Dam: Ice formed at the lower edge of a roof that is caused by the thawing and re-freezing of melted snow. An ice dam can force water under the shingles.
  • Ice & Water Shield: An impenetrable roofing membrane installed under shingles to prevent water that may seep under the shingles from entering the house, normally installed at the eaves edge.
  • Louvers: Slatted devices installed in a gable or soffit to ventilate the space below a roof deck and equalize air temperature and moisture.
  • Mansard Roof: A roof with an extreme pitch, often it will appear vertical. These roofs will sometimes have a flat roof on top, or a low sloped hip roof.
  • Overlay: A term used to describe installing a second or third layer of shingles. This is not a recommended practice.
  • Pitch: The roof incline measured in feet as the ratio of the rise to the run. This is also referred to as slope.
  • Ply: The number of layers of roofing material, i.e. one ply, two ply
  • Rafters: The supporting framing to which a roof deck is attached.
  • Rake: The inclined edge of a roof.
  • Ridge: The uppermost angle of the roof, where the two slopes meet.
  • Rise: The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge.
  • Roofing Square: 100 ft2 of roofing material installed with proper exposure. However it is not 100 ft2 of roofing material but the amount of material required to cover 100 ft2 of a roof deck.
  • Run: The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge. This is one half of the span of the roof.
  • Shed Roof: A roof with only one slope. It will have no hips, ridges, valleys or gables.
  • Slope: The roof incline measured in feet as the ratio of the rise, to the run. May also be referred to as pitch.
  • Soffit: The underside of the eaves.
  • Stack Vent: A vent pipe used for ventilation from sewage drains in the house.
  • Starter Strip: Shingles applied at the roofs edge to provide protection under the cutouts and joints of the first course of shingles.
  • Step Flashing: Flashing used to protect areas where a vertical surface meets a slope.
  • Tab: The exposed portion of a shingle, defined by a cutout.
  • Truss: Engineered components that supplement rafters in many newer homes and buildings. Trusses are designed for specific applications and cannot be cut or altered.
  • Valley: The intersection formed by two slopes meeting.

Contact our roofing experts today

If you’d like more information from an experienced team of Vancouver and Lower Mainland roofers, we’d be happy to help you. Please send us a message or call us today.
Call (604) 593-1044
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Roofing FAQs

Macbeth Roofing and Waterproofing is a Vancouver and Lower Mainland roofing company that provides services for commercial roofing projects and residential roof repair, roof replacement and new construction. We’ve prepared a list of some commonly asked questions, but if you don’t see the question that you wanted to ask, please contact us at (604) 593-1044 and speak to one of our roofing experts.

What options do I have when it comes to re-roofing?
You can completely replace your roof or re-cover your existing roof. These options vary in cost and time. Removing the existing roof allows the roofer to inspect the sheathing, expose any problems and replace any bad wood, to install new felt (tar) paper so as to provide a smooth surface that is easier to waterproof. Re-roofing is your best choice.
A re-cover can be a good alternative if cost or other considerations are prevalent. Generally, overlaying (re-cover) an existing shingle roof with a second shingle roof is NOT a quality roofing practice. Talk to one of Macbeth’s roofing specialists to discuss the best option for your home.
What makes for a healthy roof?
You need to check your roof twice a year to ensure problems don’t arise.
The roof offers protection for the whole building. All factors should be working together in order to prevent water infiltration. Depending on roof type, (usage, age and complexity), roof maintenance programs are designed to maximize the life cycle of the roof while minimizing the costs involved. A good roof maintenance program also ensures that there are no financial surprises for the building owner. Being proactive and planning ahead is extremely beneficial.
Will you discuss the best solution for my roof with me?

All Macbeth’s roofers are qualified ticketed journeymen or registered apprentices. They know ‘roofs’ and would be happy to explain your options and preferred choices for your roofing situation.

Is replacing my leaking roof the only option I have?

Not necessarily. There may be only a portion of your roof that needs to be repaired. To be certain you can take advantage of our free estimate and consultation. Call us at (604) 593-1044 today to make an appointment.

Do you use superior-quality products and install them according to the manufacturer’s specs?

Macbeth Roofing has strong vendor relationships uses the highest quality products available. Our roofers at Macbeth Roofing are experienced in the installation of these products providing with excellent workmanship.

Are your roofers qualified journeymen?

All of Macbeth’s roofers are qualified ticketed journeymen or registered apprentices. Our skilled roofing team is trained to provide thorough inspections, detailed estimates and durable installations.

Is there a warranty and guarantee?

We work with our customers to build a positive working relationship with the understanding that the finished roofing project must meet and exceed RCABC standards with one of the best labour and manufacturing warranties in the roofing industry.

 

Our certifications are among the best in the industry, allowing you to receive premium warranties available on the products we install. We offer competitive workmanship warranties and unparalleled customer service. Contact us today or call (604) 593-1044 for more information.

 

For your commercial or strata buildings, Macbeth Roofing carries commercial general liability insurance and aspires to work around your schedule to keep your company, where necessary, operating during the roofing application or repair process.

Can You Provide References?

Absolutely! We’d be pleased to share with you our references. Contact us today or call (604) 593-1044 to book an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Is your Roofing Company licensed and do you carry liability insurance?

Macbeth Roofing carries commercial general liability insurance and aspires to work around your schedule to keep your company, where necessary, operating during the roofing application or repair process.

Do you have a safety plan and policy?

Our roofers receive ongoing training on safe working procedures and on how to maintain a safe site. We have the proper equipment and supervision, and we believe that safe work practices coincide with quality workmanship.

Do you have WorkSafeBC coverage?

Macbeth Roofing is in good standing with WorkSafeBC, and works hard to provide continuing education for the safety of our roofers.

Are you a member of the Vancouver Better Business Bureau?

Macbeth Roofing & Waterproofing is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau of Lower Mainland BC, with an A+ rating. We are committed to providing professional roofing installations and unparalleled customer service to homeowners and businesses throughout the Vancouver area. Our skilled roofing team is trained to provide thorough inspections, detailed estimates and durable installations.

What kind of maintenance should I do before the rainy season?

Though there are several areas that should be taken into consideration when it comes to having your roof assessed each year, here are a few key points to look at – especially heading into the cold, rainy months in Vancouver:

 

Flashings: Water can run behind the flashing and drip into the home causing it to rust or rot. Caulking can be a good temporary repair, however if the mortar is well deteriorated it may need to be re-built.

 

Exposed Nails: It’s important to seal properly. Over time, nails may become loose and allow water in. This can be problematic for flashings and vents as well.

 

Older Chimneys & Brick: Water can enter if cracking occurs above the roof flashing, allowing water to go down the chimney and come out at an inner wall area, showing stains and actual dripping. The chimney can deteriorate, which could lead to cracks in the bricks and the mortar.

 

Debris and Gutters: Clean gutters, eaves, and drainage systems remove any branches, sticks, and other debris.

How often should I clean my gutters?

Gutters should be cleaned at least once in the summer, then twice in the fall. Contact us today or call (604) 593-1044 to learn how affordable roofing maintenance can be and let us help extend the life or your roof.

Do you offer a scheduled maintenance program?

Let our experienced Macbeth team help you plan and execute your Vancouver roofing maintenance. We can perform a proper roof inspection in a safe and planned manner. We’re properly insured against accidents and are qualified to get the job done right. Many of our customers tell us how happy they are that they don’t have to take the risk of injury from climbing up onto their roof.

 

Our roofers arrive at your home, armed with the proper equipment and get the job done in a safe and timely manner. Standard maintenance includes scrubbing the shingles carefully, cleaning out gutters and valley, applying eco-friendly moss/mildew killer and caulking any separations between substrates.

Can you explain what some of these roofing terms mean?

Check out our Roofing Glossary for definitions of common roofing terms. Our team is happy to help if you have any further questions, so feel free to give us a call at (604) 593-1044 or send us a message.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Macbeth Roofing and Waterproofing is a Vancouver and Lower Mainland roofing company that provides services for commercial roofing projects and residential roof repair, roof replacement and new construction.
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Welcome to Macbeth Roofing. We are a well-respected Vancouver and Lower Mainland roofing company, specializing in both commercial and residential roofing. We provide roofing services including roof maintenance, roof repairs, re-roofs, and new construction on both residential and commercial buildings.

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Service Areas

  • Vancouver
  • North Vancouver
  • West Vancouver
  • Burnaby
  • New Westminster
  • Richmond
  • Delta
  • Surrey
  • Langley
  • White Rock
  • Coquitlam
  • Maple Ridge
  • Mission
  • Abbotsford
  • Chilliwack