PW McCallum Roofing

Recently I received a call from an out of town customer, with a question about metal roofing. His question was simple. “Why do some roofing contractors bid the roof replacement with standing seem metal. While others bid with Prolock/Snaplock roofing”  My answer was very simple, I asked if the standing seem price was from a larger roofing company and was the price a lot higher, His answer was yes. It appears that this has become a marketing trick by some of the larger companies.

 So what are the pro and cons of both systems, Standing seem metal roofing is generally more labor intensive and requires lots of special tools. Standing seem metal roofs do perform better in low pitch applications 3/12 and under. But this is where it ends for standing seem. Standing seem roofs are very hard to repair should a branch spear the roof. There is generally no manufacturer warranty on paint and should the company go out of business and your paint fails there isn’t a lot  of recourse.

 Synthetic Paper     When synthetic paper first came out, the sales rep told me this was the “best thing going.” Now, we are finding that in our west coast rain forest environment on Vancouver Island this is not totally true. First, I was told that it leaked if you didn’t use the plastic washer nails. After being told that, just a box of regular roofing nails was acceptable and if they were hand nailed, could be left to the environment for a year! Wow that’s incredible! But all good things must come to an end. Now we are finding that if the material is not cut back or if it is hanging down the typical 2”,  it will suck up water from the gutter i.e. “Wick”. We’ll also been told that some synthetic under-layment’s do not breath and cause moisture to be trapped on roof deck. We have found on two roofs in regular rainfall that the synthetics leak even with plastic washers used on an 8/12 pitch (that’s steep) and tarps had to be placed. We did however change brands and the problem was resolved but buyer beware. It angers us as we are professional roofing contractors the products were sold and promoted by our suppliers can be so faulty. I find myself over the years I have becoming very wary of new products. We have lost sales over this, however we feel it is worth losing the contract over putting on a roof that could be faulty.  

 ROOFING PAPER     Today’s tar paper is nothing like the paper used in the 1970′s. Today tar paper is called number 15 and 30 paper and is made of recycled paper and a Tar mixture and fails rather quickly. Pre 1970′s, the tar or pitch was mixed with rag and felt fibers. This early form did stand up well. That being said if you’re willing to do some research when you purchase tar paper. New versions can be found that utilize polyester fibers, this product does perform well. Most often when a roof estimate is provided in the south island Victoria, B.C. and Duncan, B.C. the contractor is trying to be competitive. At PW McCallum Roofing we try to inform the customer, that best price is not always in best interest of the customer. We offer 7 generations in the industry as experience and 3 generations of that on Vancouver Island. We don’t always offer the newest trend on the market but will offer products with a proven track record.        

I decided to write an informative brog post regarding reviews true and false. Trolls are common on the web these days. It seems as soon as you get any sort of web presents, trolls show up. Problem with today’s review sites is anyone can write anything with no regard for the truth or anything resembling it. We do not respond to these people as it is the attention they seek. In some instances we have successfully sued these trolls for slander liable content. I’ve noticed we are not alone with this problem. If you’re coinciding a new roof read our real reviews or ask for a call list. We have a large list of happy recent and old customers that would be only too happy to tell you of their experience.    http://www.pwmccallumroofing.com/customer-reviews.php

Metal/ Steel Roofing

    Metal roofing is really buyer beware, what makes a good metal roof from a bad one is not easily seen. Level of quality changes geographically for instance a pro-lock metal roof installed in Victoria will be installed with a bottom starter flashing used and metal panel folded around it. In Duncan and the Cowichan Valley the bottom is almost never installed this way. We have found that though metal roofs are more common in the Cowichan Valley, this level of install is somewhat poorer quality than roofs installed in greater Victoria. Of course I’m sorry to say generally this applies to all roofing materials and their application in the Cowichan Valley. I’m not saying that every installer in the Duncan area is doing a poor install just that we have noticed poor installers do go unnoticed in the Cowichan Valley for longer periods of time. At PW McCallum Roofing our goal is to provide the best steel roof for a reasonable price and professionally installed.

     Call for a free re-roof estimate,  if your roof is beyond roof maintenance. We have many roof installation locations in Duncan, and Victoria, that can be viewed. We have many types of roofing products at these locations that we offer. Flat Roofs, TPO, Asphalt tiles and metal Roofs, for more go to our web page at www.pwmccallumroofing.com        

    Fall and winter 2015 is fast approaching and with that the Duncan rain and Victoria wind storms to go with it! It’s time to think about roof maintenance and roof leaks and how to avoid them. It is best when you have a roof leak to turn off power in that location. Via the breaker box if possible, or a wall switch at least. Roof leaks can lead to a house fire if they’re neglected Roof leaks enter the attic and soak your insolation. Under your insolation is a plastic vapor barrier that the water finds holes in.  The water most often surfaces around lights and fans.  This can lead to electrical shorts, and fires. . PW McCallum Roofing has roof repair experts to prevent and repair this. Roof leaks can travel in your attic a great distance before becoming visible in your home or office. Sometimes leaks can go unnoticed and cause molds and fungi growth leading to unpleasant smells and health effects.      .  

PW McCallum roofing understands roof maintenance.  Clearing the roof of leaves and twigs is a very important way to prevent leaks, also it is important to clear organic debris around vents and flashing to prevent water damming and entering your home. Wind can be very damaging on older roofs, after a wind storm you should inspect your roof for signs of wind damage. How wind damage to your roof may look, missing shingles or discolored spots on the roof. Should you have a roof leak or suspect roof problems. Whether you’re in Victoria, BC or Duncan, BC we have the roofing repair experts to help.  

Roofing Project Questions and Answers

    1. How long will it take to install my new roof? Answer: a number of factors come into play when installing a new roof.   An easy 1970s box house found in a number of older neighborhoods in Victoria, and Duncan, BC may only take a few days to re-roof. However a house that has wood shakes on it and requires plywood re-sheet may take up to a week, these houses are very common in the Victoria, Duncan, BC areas. It may take an extra day or so if your roof is complex with many small sections, such as; hips, valleys and steep pitches. Poor access can also be a time consuming challenge.  Weather is major factor; I say add a day for every day it rains.

  2. What is the best time of year to do my roof? Answer: There is no real best time of year. Best temperature we feel is more important.  10°C to 14°C is best range.  The common belief is that summer is best; however this is not totally true.  Summer time the roofs are hot and shingles become soft from the heat, causing asphalt shingle to be easily damaged. Winter weather is a much bigger factor, as rain or snow could slow the roof job for a few days.

  3. What does my estimate include? Answer: Most roofing contractors price roofs to be competitive, this however is not always best for the homeowner, because there are a number of benefits that may be overlooked at the time of the initial visit. We will inspect and bring to your attention, other possible problem areas and will include them in detail on your roof quote, as optional items.  Extra venting can be added, chimneys can be re-pointed/ repaired, skylights can be changed or installed, fascia boards can be replaced, Moldy/Mouldy sheeting can be removed and replaced with new making for a heather home.