XL Roofing - drain replacement in progress

Edmonton Roofing Membranes Have a Place

At XL Roofing (an Edmonton Roofing Contractor) we often get asked which membrane is the best system to install.

Many years ago we used to give the customer only two choices: Tar & Gravel (T&G) or SBS (commonly known as torch-on). Over time new products have emerged to share the market. Today we can add PVC, TPO, EPDM, hot rubber type flood Coates and spray foam type systems. 

 I am a firm believer that manufactures of certain roof systems should show proof that their product/products will in fact last the said 20 or 25 years they state. I don't believe in weather room simulators. A Canadian weather is probably one of the harshest climates one will come across. We have extreme cold winters (-25 to -40) mixed with Chinooks that can go as high as (+10) all in 24 hours. This is very hard on membranes of any kind.  Snow melting, turning to ice, and continually repeating the cycle. Ice is always pushing and prying. Summers can get as hot as plus 37 ° degrees Celsius, and very dry!

I am a tar & gravel/SBS guy from way back. Some of these T&G roofs can last up to 35 or 40 years with a good installation and preventative maintenance . To say all T&G roofs will last this long is a far stretch. I am just stating what I have come across in my 30+ years of experience.

SBS was introduced to the Edmonton Roofing Companies in the mid 1970's through Pool construction. A manufacturer called Soprema was making this product in a place called Strasbourg, France,  then soon opened up a plant in  Quebec, Canada. I was trained to install this product around 1983. This product took awhile to catch on, but by the mid 1990's it became very popular. Roofing inspectors  loved this new tech roofing system, and soon convinced School boards, government, and commercial property owners that this was the way of the future. And so Tar and gravel took a backseat. Other Manufacturers followed; IKO has been making a very good equivalent product with equal warranty. The end result is both manufactures back and support their products to very strict architectural standards. 

It's 2014 and both SBS and Tar & Gravel for Edmonton roofing seem to be holding up well to the Canadian climates. The proof is in the pudding. T&G is a little tougher to find leaks and repair. One has to be a very experienced and a qualified roofing installer to be successful at T&G repairs. SBS on the other hand, it's easy to see the deficiencies as not covered in gravel. Simply spot the ridge, bridging, blister or hole, cut out affected spot, prime with an asphalt based primer and re-torch one or two plies of same product. 

Other new products that have come out in the last 20 years stating that their product is better is up for a little criticism. As an experienced Edmonton roofing contractor and most would agree, is that the jury is still out on some of these other products. I can honestly say that one or two of the single ply membrane manufacturers that say their system lasts 20 years is questionable!  I'd have to say this is a stretch and to say if they did last this long, it wouldn't be for a day longer. Most are tenting on the walls, pulling at the glued seams, heating and air conditioning contractors leave screws and sheet metal on an already fragile roof system.

Each membrane has its purpose in the Edmonton Roofing Industry.  Big open warehouses with little equipment on the roof are more suited for an EPDM system. Sun Decks with living space underneath, a good quality PVC or SBS will do.  Sarnafil Canada installed their system on the old Maple Leaf Gardens, the blue Jay's Skydome, and the Saddle Dome in Calgary. They make specialized deck membranes as well. One product our company uses for EPDM is Firestone, a company that's been around a very long time. TPO is a single ply membrane; it is a combination of rubber and PVC. I won't throw this membrane under the bus, as I feel manufacturers have put a lot of effort into bringing this product to the forefront to compete. Inspectors and architects have been pushing this product as well, so a good qualified installer should be able to make this product perform!

We as an Edmonton Roofing Contractor generally look at every roof to see what product will suit you best. So google away and consult with a reputable roofing company or an accredited roofing inspector. 

Don't forget to ask roofing companies for proper credentials, example liability insurance (open flame, if SBS or T&G), and WCB. 

Chris Fraser 

Founder and owner of XL Roofing Edmonton Alberta since 1997

(780)-466-1601

chris@xlroofing.ca

http://www.xlroofing.ca

Liability Insurance for Edmonton Roofing Companies

At XL Roofing, roofing contractor Edmonton Alberta, we are experiencing one of the busiest seasons to date. Of all the jobs that have been awarded to our company since January, only two or three customers have asked us for proof of liability insurance, specifically the open flame insurance for running our roofing Torches.

This low attention to proof of liability insurance is unacceptable, as serious incidents can and do happen. When I hear of a fire on the news, I pay attention to see if renovations of some kind are taking place. I couldn't tell you the exact percentage of contractors uninsured; my point is the customer, you, needs to make sure the Edmonton roofing contractor hired has proper insurance.

A Residential, Commercial or Industrial Roofing Contractors in Edmonton that specialize in SBS (torch on), tar and gravel roofing pay an astronomical amount in insurance premiums. It is a night and day difference compared to a shingle company’s insurance premiums. You as a home or building owner must do your due diligence to protect your assets. Fly by night roofing contractors exist, only because customers allow them to continue under insured.

If all customers simply ask for the contractor’s Insurance company information (and also ask for registration with WCB - workers compensation board), then they've made an effort to stop these ‘bad’ contractors.  Call the adjuster and he/she will send a fax/email giving proof of liability and a policy number . . . it's that simple. I am more than happy to give my customers this Information.  

Here's a little tid-bit of info as well; there are some shingle companies out there that hire subcontractors to do the flat membranes (nothing wrong with this)  BUT! . . . the shingle companies don’t carry the right insurance.  Both the prime contractor and the subcontractor must carry separate policies (in particular "open flame"). These are the rules.

These are questions you must ask. Also pay attention to how much liability the Roofing contractor is carrying. For example our liability contract states a minimum  of $5,000,000.  If we to do a very large building, then as the Prime contractor we have to purchase a Ryder policy to cover an additional $5,000,000 for the duration of the particular job.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop there. Just take your time when hiring a roofing contractor; it's your home, your building, and your investments. You've worked hard for all that you have.

Have a good 2014 Summer. 

Chris Fraser, founder and owner of XL Roofing Edmonton Alberta

(780)-466-1601

http://www.xlroofing.ca

Warning - Black Mold on your Edmonton roof

Today's biggest concern among roofing contractors in Edmonton is black mold on your roof.

With health being a number one priority in everyone's life, it really is a good serious question. With flat roofs (Tar & gravel), there is a higher risk of black mold being present, whether in the walls or in the insulation. If your home was not built correctly by an Edmonton roofing company from the beginning, with proper venting then you need an expert to inspect your house as soon as possible.

It appears half the houses designed with flat roofs in Edmonton, most from over 30 years ago, were vented correctly and the other half not. Houses vented correctly usually have a continuous aluminum ridge vent running along the whole length of the peak. With this continuous vent is also a vented soffit. This being said, if one were to experience a split or a hole on the roof, a roofer in Edmonton will simply patch the roof, and if properly vented everything will dry up soon in a natural state.

Roofs that aren't properly vented will end up trapping moisture and hence will turn into black mold. I am not an expert on black mould, but a proper building inspector or in particular a flat roof inspector should be able to give you the correct advice. Any credible roofing contractor in Edmonton should be able to work with a qualified inspector, bearing in mind that there are roofing contractors that won't work with any roofing inspectors.

My best personal advice about a roofing contractor that won't work with a qualified inspector is to take this as a red flag. We are here to correct, fix and give you the proper service that you are paying for. That being said, I don't want to scare or panic anyone just because a leak has developed.

In over the 30 years of roofing experience, I find it is usually the roofs that have been ignored for lack of maintenance that pose the most risk.  If your roof fall into this category call me for free advice, my name is Chris at XL Roofing in Edmonton, Alberta

http://www.xlroofing.ca

Black mold, the bane of many homeowners' existence, also normally appears in damp, dark areas and can spread quickly. Luckily, there are many household substances you can use to clean black mold . . . How to Clean Black Mold

780-466-1601

XL Roofing asks, Why is it important to dump excess snow off your roof?

XL Roofing asks, Why is it important to dump excess snow off your roof?

Getting snow off your roof is one of the services offered by one of the best Edmonton roofing companies. Getting excess snow removed is one way of making sure that you will not have to repair your roof once winter is gone. Generally snow should be removed once it forms a layer of about 6 inches on the roof. The reason why this method works is that it prevents excessive build up of ice on the roof and also prevents the formation of ice dams. Less snow means that less stress is applied on the roof and this helps prevent roof damage. Some salient reasons that advocate for the removal are discussed below.

To prevent blocked vents and formation of ice dams 

Snow does not flow like water hence it will settle on the roof. If the snow fall is consistent, it means that it will completely cover the roof surface. Edmonton roofing companies say that if this continues to happen every time it snows and if you fail to have it removed, you will end up with blocked vents. This will affect the ventilation of your ceiling space (or attic) and using the furnace to heat your home will help create condensation above your ceiling. As roofing contractors Edmonton will tell you, accumulation of snow leads to formation of ice dams and these make the blocking of the vents more serious hence another reason why snow should not be allowed to accumulate.

To prevent damaged to Eaves troughs

Eaves troughs play a functional role during the rainy weather as they provide a channel for water to drain off your roof to the main drainage system. If snow is allowed to accumulate during winter, it ends filling the eaves troughs making them heavy and in some cases, breaking them. This then means that during the rainy season, water will not be channeled to the main drainage system. The water that the roof sheds off falls along the foundation of your house and as it gets absorbed, it leads to basement leaking. Where the intensity of the rain is high, the leaking may develop and cause basement flooding. In addition, damaged eaves troughs ruin the appearance of the house and this is another reason why one of the best Edmonton roofing companies should be called to get rid of the snow before it accumulates to a level that will cause these complications.

To keep excess weight off your roof

Science teaches that anything that has mass has weight and this means that as snow accumulates on the roof, more weight is added to the roof structure. The structure is designed in such a way that it has the ideal amount of weight that it can hold comfortably. Any excess of the ideal weight stresses the roof and increases the chances of the structure of the roof getting damaged. Very heavy snow weights can cause so much pressure to the roof that it caves in. This ruins the structure of your home not to mention the fact that your household items will be damaged. In the worst case scenario, the caving can cause injury to your family and you; this is why leading Edmonton roofing contractors advise that you get the snow removed from your roof after every 6 inches of snow fall.

Call Chris Fraser at XL Roofing who will advise you  on what to do if you think you have too much snow on your roof.

Chris Fraser founder and owner of XL Roofing Edmonton

 780-466-1601

Top 7 Things to Consider when Hiring an Edmonton Roofing Contractor

Installing a new roof or undertaking a major repair is a great investment. Therefore, before giving the job to any one of many Edmonton roofing contractors, you need to carry out your homework. You need to study the credentials of potential roofing contractors Edmonton and check for any given complaints from the disgruntled clients. You should be skeptical of the bids, which sound too good to be true. According to Edmonton roofing companies, getting the right contractor at the first time requires investment in both money and time. This is because there are many companies claiming to be the best. The following are 7 things to consider when hiring an Edmonton roofing contractor.

Permits and License

Alberta laws demand that roofing contractors have licenses in order to carry out roofing jobs. Therefore, before hiring one you must check his roofing license. A license is a basic certification that indicates competence of a contractor. This is because for one to acquire the license there is a procedure set out that shows experience and skills.

Insurance Coverage

Good roofing contractors found under Edmonton roofing companies have a comprehensive workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Before starting the job you should see a copy of their insurance certificate. It is necessary in case a mishap or accident occurs on the job. If an accident happens and the contractor does not have insurance, then you as homeowner may be liable for all the costs.

Experience

You need to know how many years they have been in the roofing repairs Edmonton business. Ask for references and examples of their recent completed projects. After getting this information, you should call their customers to find out whether they were satisfied with their work. If you find a given contractor is unwilling to provide such information that should be a warning for you.

Warranties and Guarantees 

A good roofing contractor should offer a warranty in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty. Check out its duration and coverage. A five-year or more is a good warranty. You should get a copy of the warranty from the Edmonton Roofing Contractor. This is important in case you want to make a claim any time in the future.

Check Local Better Business Bureau (BBB)

From the BBB, you will be able to gather information about a particular roofing contractor. Check if there are any complaints that have been filed against the contractor before and the nature of the complaint.

Payment Terms and Estimates

For instance, Edmonton roofing companies provide their customers with written estimates. Estimates should include materials needed, nature of work, estimated completion date and total cost. This will protect you from any erroneous charges.

Physical Location

You need to know the physical location of the contractor or company and all other contact information. This will make it possible to get in touch in case there is a problem for any Edmonton roof repairs.


Installing a roof is an important job and you should not allow anyone to mislead you. This is because a roof is an important home structure. Hiring an expert contractor or a reputable roofing company will ensure your job is done well the first time.


For any help regarding your roof call Chris at XL Roofing Edmonton who will be happy to discuss any matter related to your roof.  You will be under no obligation to contract XL roofing to do your work.

Chris Fraser founder and owner of XL Roofing Edmonton

How long XL Roofing in a roof business

How long has XL Roofing been in the roof business?


My name is Chris Fraser and I own and operate XL Roofing Inc. Here's a little blog on how I got to roof a roof. It was determined that I would have to work for the Summer holiday's, either Vancouver or Edmonton. My Uncle was a supervisor working for a well established Roofing Company in Edmonton, so that's where I started roofing.

           Working a real construction job for the first time was not easy. The lifting of heavy materials wasn't that hard as I was I was a big lad anyways. What I found hard, was the incredible Summer heat in Alberta, and working with fibreglass insulation. To be quite honest I didn't like it at first. When School was all finished up, there was a recession everywhere. The only chance I had for work was traveling back to Alberta from Vancouver.

           I went back to the same company I had roofed with in the Summer holidays. I had worked here and there for so many low paying jobs, so when the same roofing company called in the spring I jumped at it. Work was harder than ever. All the men worked hard as the economy was not in good shape. When my adult muscles kicked in, I started to really enjoy roofing. I saw it as a work out. I didn't have much of a father figure growing up, so somehow it became a goal to please the cranky foremans and try and make them proud. This Company I worked for demanded perfection almost to a point where in our roofing career we had better not have to re roof the same roof ever in our life time. Seems a far stretch but it seemed the truth to me at the time. We roofed perfect and extremely hard at the same time. I did my whole apprenticeship at the same metal roof company.

          My Uncle decided one year to break off and start his own how to roof Company, which was eventually a given that I joined him a little later to start running my first how to roofing crew. Running a crew for a small company was way different than the big roof it company. I watched as my Uncle would change up roofing how to specifications to make it affordable for some of the home owners. It is very expensive to do a whole roof replacement in one shot. So we would do many repairs to stretch out the lives of the insulation roofs. Then this roofing roofing company grew and my family grew. But there was no room for me to work in the office in how to roof sales or shingles roofing estimating. I became restless. I worked at and volunteered on weekends at our local church. I quickly discovered that I may just be good at the a roofing gab. Many friends and family (wife's side of course) encouraged me and my wife Jackie to start our own roof metal company.

 Having a large Family proved financially difficult. I started out Shingling like most Roofers, then eventually the roof it flat repairs started to trickle in. I soon did not have to shingle any more (feelings weren't hurt) as shingling is (in my opinion) one of the hardest jobs in construction. Starting a business for us, we don't take how to roofing lightly, we are in it for the long haul. Early in the business I happened to run into my old Boss/owner of the first how to roof company I had worked for. I had said to him that finding good help to hire was hard to do. He advised me to hire young roof roof and train within, and that would be my core of the roofing how to company.  He was right, I just had to be patient and I did just that.

I now have such an awesome bunch of roof roofing guys that work for me now. It didn't come without growing pains, but they known what is expected of them now. Together we have built a Company that can put a roof on just as well or better than any a roofing Company in Northern Alberta, but keeping a small company/family type attitude at the same time. To be successful in business one has to listen to his men as well. A while back they stated that it would sure be nice to have benefits, so...... I agreed. My accountant set out to get the best affordable package we all could afford. Such a good feeling for all of us. We are a strong growing how to roof Company that aims to please its customers.

We all look forward to doing business with you all. You won’t be disappointed!

Chris Fraser founder and owner of XL Roofing Edmonton