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FAQ

Why is my roofing leaking?

Normal weathering of asphalt roofing shingles will not cause leaking.

Causes:

  • Flashings are crucial areas that must be watertight to avoid leaks. These are the areas most frequently identified as the causes of leaks.
  • Damaged shingles leave the roof exposed to leaks and should be repaired without delay.
  • Inadequate ventilation can cause ice damming, frost and condensation accumulation.

How long should a roof last?

Typically a roof should last 15 – 50 years. This is dependent on the type of product installed along with the correct ventilation. In today’s market, there are many types and styles of shingles available. The various types of shingles come with warranties representative of the life expectancy of each type. Generally speaking, the heavier the shingle, the longer the warranty. All other things being equal, the weight difference comes from the amount of waterproofing material (asphalt) used during manufacture.

How long does it take to replace a roof?

A typical residential roof replacement takes about 1-3 days to complete.

What type of financing and payment options do you offer?

We accept debit, cheque, Visa and Mastercard. Payment due upon completion.  Please note: Visa/Mastercard are subject to additional fees.  Financing is available through our lending partner

Financit Home Improvement.   

What happens if someone gets injured while working on my property?

In the Roofing industry, safety can be a concern. Our installers are seasoned professionals that adhere to safety regulations and are fully covered under Workers Compensation. We also carry a full $5,000,000.00 liability insurance policy to ensure that your home is protected should an accident occur resulting in damage to your home.

How long have you been in business?

Hamblet's Roofing and Siding Inc. has been in business for 30 years.

What warranties do you offer?

We provide Lifetime manufacturers warranty along with a 10 year workmanship warranty. Extended labour and material warranties are available upon request.

Why are there granules in my gutter?

Granule loss is a normal process in the weathering and aging of any asphalt shingle. Common causes of additional granule loss:

  • Traffic on roof
  • Shingles applied on very slight slopes (2″ in 12″ or less), are prone to increased levels of granule loss due to the poor drainage capabilities of the roof.

A certain amount of granule loss is to be expected. Shingles are made with an excess of granules on the surface called “hitchhikers”.If the underlying asphalt is prematurely exposed, the appearance and service life of the shingle may be affected.

Why is ventilation so important?

Ventilation is a crucial factor in the life of a roofing shingle. Heat build-up in the hot summer months, as well as the cold weather of winter will accelerate the aging process of your asphalt roofing shingles. Proper air circulation, regardless of the weather outside, will greatly reduce the chances of leaking, blistering, distortion, curling, rotting of wood structure, wet insulation and many other potential problems.

Why is underlayment so important?

Advantages of using underlayment include:

  • Reducing the risk of water infiltration due to wind driven rain, or if shingles are torn or cracked;
  • Act as a buffer area between the shingles and the deck.

What is done to protect my property during the roofing being done on my home?

All grounds and surrounding area of your home will be treated with utmost care.

All disposals are done in house not third party, Hamblet's Roofing uses trailers to dispose of old material which provides accessibility without imposing any damage to grass or driveways. Once job is complete a thorough roof and ground inspection will be completed.

What are the aging signs in shingles?

With pine shake you will see that after rain or snow the rot will be visible from the street as darker imperfections.

aged_cedar Aged Cedar

distressed_asphalt Distressed Asphalt

Asphalt will loose the granules over years of environmental conditions. Visible signs are pieces of torn shingles, curled tab corners as well as centerline cracks.

What are ice dams? How can ice dams be avoided?

Ice Dams

Ice dams are formed by continual thawing and refreezing of melting snow. Large masses of ice develop as snow on the upper part of the roof melts. The water runs under the snow and refreezes at the edge of the roof. Additional snow melts and forms pools against the dam gradually causing water to back up the roof often getting under the shingles and eventually leaking into the house. Causes other than heat escaping from the home include:

  • Bright sunshine melting the snow;
  • Insufficient attic insulation allowing the heated air of the attic to reach the roof deck and melt the snow. (This could happen anywhere on the roof surface).
  • Naturally occurring ice accumulation due to various weather conditions.
  • Poorly placed gutters prevent snow and ice from sliding off the roof.
  • Inadequate attic ventilation.

How to avoid ice dams:

  • Install Waterproofing Membrane on eaves and in valleys to prevent water from penetrating the roof;
  • Improve attic insulation keeping the attic space cool, thereby reducing the amount of melting snow;
  • Improve attic ventilation to ensure that the attic remains cold;
  • Make sure that your gutters or eaves troughs  are lower than the slope of the roof allowing snow and ice to glide off.

Your windows let in too much cool air in winter and warm air in summer?

Old, worn-out windows or patio doors are often leaky, which can result in high energy bills during peak heating and cooling months. The glass may be loose (in which case it should be re-glazed) or the seal between the sash and frame may have weakened. The cost of replacing failing windows is often dwarfed by overall household energy costs, but we recommend replacing old single-pane windows with modern windows that feature dual-pane Low-E glass for a substantial energy savings. If your windows are in decent shape but still leak, consider applying new weather stripping. It’s easy to install and available at most building supply stores.

Your windows look ugly to you

“Ugly” is a matter of taste, but let’s address three obvious causes:

Does the exterior color of the windows match the rest of the home? If not, a simple repaint can solve the problem. If the windows are obscured on the home exterior by unattractive storm window frames, consider replacement windows with dual-pane Low-E glass instead.

Does the window style not match the home? Older homes usually feature double-hung windows. Gliders and casement windows offer a more contemporary approach. Consult an expert to see if you need a touch of architectural authenticity in your home.

Does the window or patio door material seem artificial or cheap? If you don’t like the look of thick vinyl frames, replace them with natural wood that can be painted or stained to match your interior.

Your windows won't open at all

In some cases, a window may fail to operate simply because of broken hardware. Replace the hardware and the problem is solved, right? Some situations aren’t so easy. Your window, for example, may be painted shut — and setting it free can be a painstaking process. By carefully working a putty knife around the perimeter of the sash and breaking the paint seal between sash and frame, you can often undo the damage. For some extra leverage, try a small pry bar. In extreme cases the interior trim may have to be removed. Be advised: windows that are painted shut are often older and of poor quality. Replacement windows and patio doors are the best bet.

Operational trouble can also stem from a warped frame and sash. Warped windows or patio doors are usually caused by house settling, which skews the rough opening where the window sits. In this case, the entire window or patio door must be removed and the opening reframed and squared. After that, the most common course of action is to insert a brand new window or door.

Your double-hung window won't stay open

If it’s an older window, there’s most likely a problem with the connection to the sash weights. Older double-hung window sash are counterbalanced with heavy weights connected to the sash on a rope. As the windows age, the rope dries out and becomes brittle, eventually breaking. If you decide to fix the problem yourself, you can remove the interior trim to expose the fallen weight, replace the rope and reinstall the trim. Newer double-hung windows often feature in-sash balancers. If these break, follow the window or door manufacturer’s recommendations for balancer replacement.

Your windows don't open or close easily

For casement windows, the solution may be as easy as cleaning and lubricating the operating hardware with a light oil or dry silicone spray. Avoid lubricants or harsh abrasive cleaners — these will break down or collect dirt and grime. Gliding window tracks also need periodic cleanings to maintain easy sash operation. Otherwise, you may be looking at a warped frame and sash caused by house settling, which can skew the rough opening the window sits in. Here, we recommend removing the entire window and reframing and squaring the opening. Then simply insert a new window.

Your windows are difficult to clean

Some homes must weather tough environmental conditions by virtue of their locations — such as areas of heavy industry, or along the coast. Airborne particles abound in these environments, and they stick to windows. That means frequent washing. Thankfully, some window products are available to help ease the chore. Many double-hung windows now feature tilt-in sash designs. This means the exterior glass can be cleaned from the inside — just tilt the sash inward. If grilles cause cleaning headaches for you, consider ordering windows with grilles built-in between the glass. It’ll be easier to wipe the windows clean.

Your windows are falling apart or rotting

If a window or patio door is failing or on the verge of failure — leaking, sticking or falling apart — it’s time to replace it. Choose a style that matches the other windows in your home. In many cases, you can take the opportunity to do more than a simple replacement. Why not enhance your home’s look from the inside and out, and improve your overall energy efficiency? Two windows side-by-side, called a combination, can be replaced with a single picture window that frames a stunning view or opens the room to more light. You can also enlarge an opening to add more windows. Be sure to choose a replacement that features the energy-efficiency of Low-E glass.

Your windows are inconsistent with the style of your home

If your windows or patio doors don’t match your home’s architectural style, go ahead and replace them with a more appropriate style. It can improve the look of the whole house. Older or more traditionally-designed homes usually feature double-hung windows, while contemporary architecture favors casement or gliding windows. Consult your architect for the best fit.

Moisture is collecting on your window interiors

Most interior condensation problems are the result of poor household ventilation. By controlling your home’s humidity, you can usually limit interior window condensation. For more information, see our Care & Maintenance section.

You are tired of painting your window exteriors

The semi-seasonal touch-ups demanded by unclad windows can be a tiring, frustrating business. Want to eliminate this job for good? Replace your current windows with vinyl windows.

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