Weather Roofing

Rubber membranes, such as Thermoset, are often used for flat or almost flat roofs as a preventive measure against leaks. Thermoset is composed of large pieces of synthetic rubber that are formed into one continuous sheet and bonded together with heat or solvents. There is also a bitumen membrane, which evolves from asphalt roofing. Using membranes for flat roofs is often preferred to the “older” style of asphalt and gravel for the following reasons:

• Membranes are often better at preventing leaks because they form one continuous surface. In addition, repairs are easier than asphalt and gravel.
• membranes resist expansion and contraction, which is an important quality in the harsh Newmarket and Aurora climate.
• membranes reflect ultra violet (UV) rays, therefore minimizing degradation of the membrane.
• membranes are lightweight.

A seamless eavestrough machine can be brought to your home. A large roll of aluminum is placed into the machine, and an eavestrough that spans the length of your home is created and cut. Because there are no seams or overlaps (except at corners,) there are fewer leakage issues. Eavestroughs are important to ensure that water is diverted through a downspout and away from your home’s foundation.

The fascia is the flat front trim of the house below the roofline. The soffit is the underside of the roof overhang. Fascia and soffits complete the look of your home. Soffits and fascia are necessary to protect your home from extreme weather, like that experienced in Newmarket. In addition, properly installed fascia and soffits ensure increased ventilation, thereby reducing potential damage to your roof from harsh Newmarket weather.

Insulating your roof can reduce energy costs. When choosing roofing insulation for your home, look for a product that offers a high R-value at a competitive price. R-value is the measure used to describe thermal resistance. However, despite R-values, different products perform differently in real-world conditions. In fact, some insulation materials degrade when they come in contact with metals and moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to find a roofing contractor who can guide you properly for climatic conditions.

Roofing ventilation is extremely important to the lifespan and function of your roof. Without proper ventilation the heat in the attic will cause early deterioration of your roof. Improper ventilation of your Newmarket home roof is serious because of the cold temperatures and quantity of snow in this climate. Improper ventilation causes heat to escape from your home in a manner that can create ice dams in winter months in Newmarket. This can trap water under the ice dams and cause leaks inside your home. Having proper roof ventilation installed keeps your attic cool and reduces potential ice damming. When having a roof installed, speak with your Hawkeye Roofing about the proper type and number of vents for your Newmarket / Aurora roof.

An inspection of your roof prior to winter will spot potential roof problems that can arise in the harsh Newmarket winter. It is best to have a professional roofer perform the inspection. The roofer will inspect for:

• missing shingles
• cracked flashing
• buckled or curled shingles
• blistered shingles
• granules in the gutters.

Roof penetrations such as chimneys, vents, and skylights must be protected by flashing. Deteriorating flashing around your chimney should be repaired or replaced. Failure to repair or replace deteriorated flashing could result in leaks and damage to your roof and chimney. Typically, your roofing contractor will not inspect your chimney for safety issues that will arise from the use of your chimney. An independent Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) inspection is advised.

Skylights are intended to bring light into your home, not water. But if you notice water coming into your home around your skylight, you should have a professional roofer inspect it to determine what the problem is, and how to fix it. The roofer will verify that the “leak” is not actually excessive condensation, which is common in colder climates like in Newmarket. If the leak only occurs in the winter or fall, the roofer will inspect to see if there is a build-up of leaves or debris that is blocking the flow of water causing it to back-up under the shingles surrounding the skylight. The roofer will also examine the flashing for deterioration, pinholes, or other damage. An experienced roofer, such as Hawkeye Roofing in Newmarket, will be able to determine the source of the leak around your skylight and repair it to prevent further leaks and damage.