Materials

There are two kinds of asphalt roofing shingles that Newmarket Roofing Contractors use: organic roofing shingles and fiberglass (glass fiber) roofing shingles.

Organic Asphalt Shingles are usually made from waste paper saturated with asphalt. Adhesive asphalt is applied into the shingle along with ceramic granules making the shingle waterproof.

Some of the ceramic granules embedded into algae-resistant roofing shingles contain leachable copper. These copper granules protect against discoloration of the roofing shingles. The copper granules do not stop algae growth altogether, but merely slows the growth of the algae. In Newmarket, Richmond Hill and Aurora regions, moss will grow on algae and other particles on the roof. Many roofing shingle manufacturers give a five or ten year warranty against algae growth on the organic roofing shingles in Newmarket.

Throughout the Newmarket region, many people are concerned about the environment. However, don’t be fooled by the word “organic”. The organic roofing shingle is not more environmentally friendly than other types of shingles. Organic roofing shingles contain significantly more asphalt than fiberglass roofing shingles. The large amount of asphalt is necessary in the organic shingles in order for them to be waterproof. Due to the fact that the organic roofing shingles contain paper, they are more prone to fire damage than other types of roofing shingles. In Newmarket and area, the standard warranty for organic roofing shingles is twenty years, although some brands offer longer warranties.

Fiberglass Roofing Shingles contain a glass fiber reinforcing mat. The mat is constructed of fiberglass strands bonded with urea formaldehyde resin. This mat is then coated with asphalt and other fillers resulting in a waterproof roofing shingle. Typically, fiberglass roofing shingles resist fire better than organic shingles. Fiberglass roofing shingles are becoming the roofing shingle of choice by contractors in Newmarket, Richmond Hill and Aurora.

Some fibreglass shingles are composed of two layers of randomly laid strands of fibreglass and are bonded together with an asphalt sealant. Although these laminated/architectural shingles are more expensive, they are more durable and attractive than regular fibreglass shingles.

It is necessary to ensure that your Newmarket home has proper roof ventilation. Improper ventilation can reduce the life of your roofing shingles. If you live in Newmarket, Richmond Hill or Aurora and are considering organic or fiberglass roofing shingles, contact Hawkeye Roofing for advice on which type of roofing shingle would best suit your needs, cost, and warranties.

• Cedar is a good insulator, which minimizes heating and cooling costs.
• Cedar creates a great sound barrier.
• Cedar is one of the most durable types of roofing material available. If properly ventilated, cedar lays flat and resists splitting over its lifetime.
• Treated cedar shake roofs have a lifespan of fifty to sixty years.
• The oils present in cedar provide fungus and insect resistance.
• Cedar shake roofs have a unique and attractive appearance.

There are several choices of cedar roofing including hand-split shakes, shakes sawn to a smooth surface on both sides, and taper-sawn shakes. Hand-split shakes are hand split on the exposed face and sawn flat on the roof side, giving them a more rustic appearance than a cedar shake sawn flat on both sides. A taper-sawn shake is cut thicker on one end, which gives the shake its tapered appearance. All cedar shakes can be treated to make them fire-retardant.

• Metal is very durable. Most metal roofing products come with twenty-five-year to lifetime warranties. Copper and zinc roofs have been known to last up to one hundred years.
• Metal reflects heat which minimizes cooling costs.
• Metal roofs are fire and spark resistant, hail resistant, and wind resistant.
• Roofing metal is snow-shedding making it ideal in the GTA, Toronto, and Barrie areas.
• Metal roofing is made from recyclable materials.
• Most metal roofs require little to no maintenance.

Different types of metals can be used for roofing including corrugated galvanized steel, metal tile sheets (usually stone coated or painted,) aluminum, and copper. When deciding on which type of metal roofing to use, budget, aesthetic desires, and durability should be taken into consideration. Lastly, metal roofing is susceptible to denting from heavy hail.

Because a flat roof is horizontal or near horizontal, special roofing factors must be taken into consideration. Traditional flat roofs are covered with tar and gravel. This prevents water penetration, provided that water does not pool on the roof. However, in colder climates, ice dams can block the flow of water allowing penetration of the surface. To help eliminate this, many flat roofs are best protected with a continuous membrane covering, which resists leaking resulting from pools of standing water. There are many different types of membranes available, and it is best to obtain professional advice from a roofing contractor regarding the best choice of membrane for your home.