Throughout the area are homes that were built in the late 1800’s and into the early nineteen hundreds. Typical architecture for these areas include Victorian, Edwardian, and Gothic styles characteristic of the time. Many of these historical beauties have rear coach houses,once designed as stables, but now have been repurposed into valuable guest suites or added living/work spaces. Features such as circular turrets, and cedar shingle clad dormers and gable walls, represent some of the original charming period details of these homes.

When replacing such sloping roofs we will typically tear off multiple layers of shingles, including original slate or cedar as were the typical sloped roof coverings of the day. On some streets, the homes were built very close proximity to one another, which requires a considerable effort to protect adjacent properties, pedestrian walkways, and associated gardens.

After the lawful disposal and or recycling of the old multi-layer roofs, it is frequently necessary to repair the board or plank decking beneath. Original plank decks would require that a new layer of plywood sheeting would need to be installed, to account for the large spacing between the boards ,and to supply a uniform substrate to properly adhere the new shingles. (To note is that we are among a few roofers in Toronto that are skilled to install slate tiles, and cedar shingles; for those interested in preserving a heritage identity for their properties).

Most popular today, are installing fiberglass laminate shingles. They represent the most cost effective choice that provides a thirty year life-cycle proposition (or beyond if one selects premium tri-laminate choices).

When installing a new sloping roof assembly on one of these area homes; one must consider the roof as a system. This refers to the fact that these old homes leaked air, were not thermally efficient by today’s standards, but they could “breathe”. Such original incarnations did not experience issues of ice damming or condensation typically, (unless having a tricky design detail that trapped snow).

Fast forward to the past three decades, where such homes have received modern renovation techniques, including added insulation, high efficiency furnaces, thermal windows and doors, etc., etc. The summary  effect being that the interior environment of the home has been changed to become more thermally efficient.

Such upgrades require that particular houses now require the ability to breathe in the context of the soffit and attic areas.

Some of these homes have living space where an attic might normally exist (Usually third storey gable designs). Other houses retain a traditional attic space, and others styles have an interrupted attic space resulting from dormers as an example. Therefore necessary in roof replacement design is to include a balanced ventilation system involving at least 50% intake and 50% exhaust. Further roof design considerations include water resistive underlayment applied at the roof eaves areas (a minimum of 24” past the heated interior wall), and key appliance details. Fiberglass felt or synthetic underlayment is installed to cover the balance of the roof surface, and the replacement of metal flashing details, skylights, associated flat dormers, snow basins, and so on; all of which represent elements to be completed during a typical shingle roof replacement procedure.

The ARR process involves evaluating the roof including interior considerations necessary, supplying a no charge written estimate, and meeting our clients to review the specifications, options, and to answer any questions our clients may have.

Experience teaches us that an educated and informed client makes a sound construction investment, and that it results in a high degree of customer satisfaction. This has supplied us with consistent referrals over the past five decades.  Clients have learned that doing a project the right way is in fact the least expensive approach over time, even if representing a slightly higher cost at point of installation. The old saying holds true, that one gets what they pay for most typically.

Because homes in the Bloor West Village/high Park area, are as a majority steep, and some with complex roof lines; the investment in a roof replacement can be a considerable financial confront. As a result; we offer comprehensive repairs and strategic leak repairs, when viable.

If you do not need a new roof now, we will tell you. Many clients have turned to us at a later time when they actually do require a roof, because we have succeeded in solving an initial leak problem through our repair initiative originally.

A good candidate for sloped roof repair typically includes the following:

• The roof leaks in an isolated area (not multiple areas)
• There is one layer of shingles or covering material (ie: slate)
• There is no evidence of rot or mould on the interior.
• The leak is near an appliance item such as a chimney, pipe, skylight,etc.
• The shingles are less than twenty years old.

We offer two models for dealing with sloped,shingle roof repairs. The first involves having an estimator quote a particular scope of work and for which our Production Dept. will dispatch to complete the work detailed.

A second approach is more along the lines of “search and destroy”. This involves the dispatch of two (health & safety requirement) technicians or roof mechanics to travel to site, search out the cause on the roof/interior view, and repair the issue. We charge a flat rate which includes the first hour of work, plus a fee per hour thereafter, plus materials.  Such service is designed to be no more than two to three hours in duration. This service can be arranged through our Reception. Examples could include a tree branch causing damage,tarping over an area to secure the site, replace a few shingles, etc.

To learn more about our shingle replacement or repair services; contact AVENUE ROAD ROOFING®; your trusted choice for over five decades.