Roofing Education

Homeowner's Guide to - Reroofing - by CertainTeed

So you need to reroof your Ottawa home? Maybe you are not quite sure where to start? Or maybe you have reroofed your home before, but you need to brush up on some of the ltest products and procedures?
Your decision to reroof your home may have been the result of seeing a neighbour reroof his or her home. Or maybe you've been experiencing some roofing problems which can no longer be ignored. Then again, maybe you've decided just to give your home a face lift and a new roof would really enhance the look. Whatever the reason, you don't want to make any costly mistakes!
To help you through the process, we've broken down the reroofing process into three areas: Getting Started, Selection a Product and Reroofing Procedures.
The brochure outlines each of these areas and lists the most commonly asked questions concerning each topic, with straightforward answers to help resolve some of your uncertainties.
Not surprisingly, there are a number of pitfalls to which Ottawa homeowners can fall victim, including evaluating and hiring a Ottawa roofing contractor without a personal interview, judging estimates on low price only, selecting products without comparison shopping, and not understanding re-roofing basics.
We suggest using this brochure in combination with the Choosing a Professional Roofing Contractor brochure in order to get maximum benefit. You'll find that being prepared and knowing what to expect when re-roofing work begins will help ensure your ultimate satisfaction with your new Ottawa roof.

Homeowner's Guide to - Choosing a Professional Roofing Contactor - by CertainTeed

Reroofing is a process you may not be familiar with until it becomes time to replace the roof on your own Ottawa home. And even then, there's a lot to learn about which products to use and what procedures best meet your individual roofing needs. Therefore, it's vital to know that you can rely on your Ottawa roofing contractor company you choose to give you good advice about those products and procedures that may be new to you. The key is to find the right roofing contractor for your job. That's why CertainTeed has developed this guide to selecting a roofing contractor. The questions contained in this brochure are designed to help you determine the reliability, reputation and experience of a contractor; as well as his dedication to providing you with the best roof system possible.
A top-notch, professional Ottawa roofing contractor company will be only too happy to supply you with answers to these questions. And just as it makes good business sense to see several bids on your roofing job, it also makes good sense to ask several different contractors these questions.
We've also outlined some important points to consider as you evaluate the terms of your proposed job contract.
Being confident you've selected the right Ottawa roofing contractor company will help assure that you have a quality roof overhead and that your hard-earned money has been wisely spent.

Homeowner's Guide to - The Life Cycle of Your Ottawa Roof - by CertainTeed

What to expect from your CertainTeed Roof

The Hostile Roof Environment - How normal weathering affects your roof.
Consider the conditions your roof must endure ebing in the Ottawa area. First, there is the intense heat of the sun, which scorches the surface of the roof and raises rooftop temperatures 50 to 75°F above ambient temperature. The sun's rays are relentless, especially during the early afternoon hours. In addition to heat, the sun is the source of ultraviolet radiation, which has been shown to degrade and accelerate the aging of the asphalt layers of the shingle. If not for the protective layer of colored granules, roofing shingles would fail very quickly. Other factors such as moisture, pollution and physical effects (roof traffic, hail, snow loads, tree limbs, etc.) all contribute to the aging and degradation of your roofing shingles.
Seasonal and weather changes also play a role in the aging of asphalt roofing shingles. For example, consider the common situation in which the roof is bathed in the intense heat of the summer sun. On such a day the rooftop may reach temperatures in excess of 160°F. Now imagine a cold front sweeping through the Ottawa area, bringing with it the violent thunderstorms that are a common occurrence during the sweltering days of summer. Almost instantaneously, the rooftop temperature drops 60-100°F as it's pounded with a summer shower. Thermal shocks such as this cause the roof deck beneath to expand and contract, placing a strain on the shingles. Year after year this process is repeated, resulting in cyclic fatigue of the shingles.

Homeowner's Guide to - Understanding Roof Warranties - by CertainTeed

Products vs. Services
The purchase of a new roof for your Ottawa home is a significant expense. It involves purchasing a combination of products and services. It is very important that the homeowner understands the role of the Ottawa roofing contractor company you have choosen and the manufacturer.

Protecting Yourself
The Ottawa roofing contractor company that installs the roof will be expected to be competent and able to complete the work in a professional and timely manner. If the specific details of installation and timeliness have been previously agreed to between the homeowner and the roofing contractor, and written down, the outcome of any specific dispute is much more predictable. Therefore it is in the interest of all responsible parties concerned to establish in writing all pertinent details concerning the service to be preformed by the contractor and the expectations of the homeowner.

Read more on roof warranties - download the brochure below.

Homeowner's Guide to - Protecting Your Ottawa Home from Roof Ice Dams - by CertainTeed

What Are Ice Dams?
Ice dams are formed when heat from the inside of a home escapes into the attic and warms
the roof decking during the winter. This heat, combined with heat from the sun, can melt snow on the roof. Melting snow on the upper roof and in the valleys then runs down toward the eaves as water. When it reaches the cold eaves and gutters it refreezes. The continual thaw and re-freeze process creates ice dams. The result is water backing up under the roof shingles or behind fascia boards where it can soak through the roof decking or wall sheathing, causing damage to attics, ceilings and walls.
Protect your roof from Ottawa's weather!
Read more on - Ice Dam Defense, Insulation, Ventilation, Waterproofing Underlayment, and more - download the brochure below -

WinterGuard - Your best defense against winter roof leaks - by CertainTeed

The WinterGuard™ Series of water-proofing shingle underlayments are applied under roof shingles during new construction or re-roofing to protect your Ottawa home's interior from winter leaks caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain.
How WinterGuard works
WinterGuard is a composite material of asphalt polymers, formed into a rolled sheet. The asphalt provides the waterproofing. The polymers make the asphalt elastic and sticky, all the way through the sheet. The result is an amazing ability to both stretch and
cling. This means that WinterGuard doesn't rip when stressed, and seals around nails driven through it. It sticks to a clean roof deck like glue. And it won't dry out during the warranted lifetime of an asphalt shingle system. The result is a waterproof barrier beneath your shingle system , which pooled water and driven rain cannot penetrate.

Intergrity Roofing System - by CertainTeed

Give your home the Best Protection

A superior roof is stronger than the sum of its parts.
A quality roofing system involves the underlayments, shingles, accessory products, and ventilation all working together. Day after day, year after year.
At CertainTeed, we call that the Integrity Roof System
The Integrity Roof System is designed to provide optimumperformance — no matter how bad
weather conditions are (even in Ottawa!). After all, better quality shingles mean longer-lasting roofs.
Add in underlayment and accessory products, and you've got a roof system that really works.
When you choose an Integrity Roof System you gain the advantage of having CertainTeed as your single manufacturing source to stand behind its roof system components. If different brands of products are installed on your Ottawa roof, then you do not gain the full value of a complete roof system.

What does it mean when a Ottawa roofing company is a CertainTeed 'ShingleMaster' ?

Platinum Roofing Ottawa, ON - is a CertainTeed ShingleMaster Company. See our Ottawa Roofing Certifications.

Why you should choose a ShingleMaster -
Becoming a ShingleMaster requires commitment to professionalism and dedication to quality craftsmanship that few other companies demonstrate. This company has key employees who participate in CertainTeed's educational programs.

Installation Knowledge
• The CertainTeed Shingle Applicator's Manual is the foundation of the ShingleMaster's knowledge. This comprehensive reference book, which specifies the requirements for installing a high-quality roof system, ensures that ShingleMasters are more knowledgeable about proper roofing methods.
• The manual also addresses other important topics such as customer service, shingle technology and warranties.
Professionalism
• Only those contractors who focus on superior workmanship and customer satisfaction earn the ShingleMaster credential.
• Trust in their expertise to explain important differences between shingles and to offer an appropriate selection of products for your roof.
Ethical Conduct
• The ShingleMaster agrees to abide by a code of ethics that covers compliance with applicable laws and requires high standards of workmanship, customer service and
business administration.
• This company is committed to uphold industry-accepted standards and business practices.
SureStart™ PLUS
• A ShingleMaster is authorized to offer you SureStart™ PLUS 3-STAR and 4-STAR extended warranty protection. Gain the extra protection on your investment.
• To monitor your level of satisfaction, CertainTeed will send you a Customer TrackRecord™ Survey, to rate the professionalism and workmanship of your ShingleMaster.
• Upgraded 130 mph wind warranty available and extended years of transferability (see footnotes in SureStart PLUS chart for specifics).
Up-to-date Credentials
• CertainTeed keeps a record of each ShingleMaster to ensure their credentials are current.

Shingle Quality Specialist

Jeff Jerome, Owner of Platinum Roofing - is a Shingle Quality Specialist. See our Ottawa Roofing Certifications.

Having sucessfully pass the CertainTeed Shingle Technology Manual test - the Shingle Technology Manual test is a challenging series of questions on current manufacturing technology and related subjects, discussing complex shingle technology and quality. This program provides a comprehensive overview of asphalt shingles, from product components and design features, to price considerations and warranty provisions.

Master Shingle Applicator

Jeff Jerome, Owner of Platinum Roofing - is a Master Shingle Applicator. See our Ottawa Roofing Certifications.

Having sucessfully pass the MSA test in the CertainTeed Shingle Applicator's Manual - the MSA test is based on the CertainTeed Shngle Applicator's Manual. This publication discusses the complex requirements and recommendations for the installation of a high-quality shingle roof system. Renewal is required every two years by examining the updated information contained in the current edition of the Shingle Applicator's Manual.
Topics covered include the specific installation instructions for CertainTeed shingles, workmanship, estimating, roof ventilation, shingle underlayment, flashing specifications and repairs.

Master Shingle Applicator Wizard

Glen Webster and Gavin Masters are Certified Installers of Platinum Roofing - both are Master Shingle Applicator Wizards.
See our Ottawa Roofing Certifications.

Having sucessfully pass both the CertainTeed Shingle Applicator's Manual test and the challenging Wizard test on the first attempt.
The Wizard test is optional. It is therefore only attemped by a small group of dedicated individuals. Thsi certificate is rare and prestigious.
Both tests are based on the CertainTeed Shingle Applicator's Manual. This publication discusses the complex requirements and recommendations for the installation of a high-quality shingle roof system. Renewal is required every two years by examining the updated information contained in the current edition of the Shingle Applicator's Manual.
Topics covered include the specific installation instructions for CertainTeed shingles, workmanship, estimating, roof ventilation, shingle underlayment, flashing specifications and more.