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London Eco-Metal Blog

Metal Roofing Blog

Metal Roofing for the Do-It-Yourselfer!

When most people think metal roofing, they conjure up images of big red barns on a farm somewhere outside of town with a plain steel roof; well not anymore!  In the last few years metal roofing has gained ground in residential applications and now, even you can easily install your very own, unique metal roof from London Eco-Roof Manufacturing.

The London based company has been growing exponentially in the market of affordable residential roofing.  London Eco-Roof Manufacturing started out with only one profile and a few different colours; now they offer five different profiles in a variety colours.  Their 55 year warranty and high quality Canadian steel is what sets them apart from the competition.  One of their newest profiles is the Eco Tile – the metal roofing panel designed for the do-it-yourselfer or contractor.  This easy to install metal panel is cut to smaller, more manageable sizes, and is easily installed, even by one person.

The Eco Tile by London Eco-Roof has an “exclusive ceramic tile” look – something much different than what you would normally see in your average Canadian neighbourhood.  This solid product has been specifically designed for durability, corrosion resistance and easy installation.

eco-tile

The profiled peaks, low bottom waves and high folds make for a very rigid structure while still allowing for airflow under the panel.  Each panel is designed with a special lip on the front edge that prevents panels from scratching one another; it also allows for free drainage of water which increases resistance to corrosion and protects from precipitation lingering on the panel.

Special hollows along the edge make for invisible joints as panels are overlapped.  Each panel is the same size and shape, making installation a breeze without having to unpack all panels.  The large coverage area of each panel means your new durable, safe and reliable roof will be up in no time.

Forget about “traditional asphalt shingles” – metal roofing is the new “traditional”.  Why waste money again on asphalt shingles? You can install a London Eco-Roof metal roof for close to the same price and get many more years out of it. Choosing a metal roof shows that you are a responsible homeowner who cares about the environment and who also wants the best for the house that you call home.  Call London Eco-Roof today and find out just how affordable it is to own your home’s last roof.

DIY Home Inspections – What to check first!

You’re out shopping for a new home, or perhaps an investment property and you finally find “the one” – here are some things you may want to check in order to avoid buying a money pit.  These points are just meant to be used as guidelines, always enlist a professional for your home inspection.

1. The Roof

Shingles will always be a cheaper and a less environmentally friendly way of covering up the roof; however you don’t want to buy a home and then have to spend another fortune putting on a new roof.  So consider this – today the most common type of roofing shingle is the fiberglass shingle.  Fiberglass shingles are composed of a woven fiberglass mat that is covered in a coating of asphalt and sprinkled with ceramic granules to protect the asphalt from UV rays.  Thanks to our Canadian climate, the granules soon will come off and litter your eaves troughs, exposing the asphalt to the sun.  This causes the shingle to start curling and cracking, creating the possibility for leaks and the need to reroof – again.

Since most houses in the same area get their roof replaced around the same time, take a look at the other homes in the area. If they have newer roofs and yours looks older, that means that most likely it will be time to replace the roof.  Negotiate the cost of a new roof into the selling price of the home and consider getting a permanent metal roof.  Metal roofs will last a lifetime, are more environmentally friendly and often have a much better warranty.  To find out how much a metal roof will cost you, click here.

2. Windows and Doors

With years of opening and closing, windows and doors definitely wear out.  Inspect them to find out if you will need to replace them or not.  If you have a hard time opening or closing them, that is a sure sign it’s time for new ones.   This is especially true for wooden windows; after being exposed to moisture and the elements for decades, they become warped.

This can allow air to pass through the loose sashes and the corners of the frame.  Check all around the frame and the sashes for air flow.  Make sure to also check for any condensation within the window itself, between the glass panes.   This indicates that there is a loose seal which allows moisture to enter the window – thus making the window ineffective at creating a barrier to cold air.

3. Hot Water Heater Tank

If you live in Ontario, chances are it’s a rental – you’re all set.  If it needs to be replaced or serviced, that’s just a phone call away.  If you own the unit, it will likely last around 10 to 15 years with good maintenance.  Check the water tank for any stickers that indicate maintenance has been recently completed on the tank.  Proper maintenance can increase the life of the tank by up to 5 years.  By draining the tank every now and then it helps eliminate hard water buildups at the bottom, gets rid of any sand that may have made its way in and in return, increases the life of the tank.

4. Furnace

Your basic gas furnace will run for about 20 years, maybe even 25-30 years if it was properly maintained.  Check the stickers or tags here too, this will let you know when it was last serviced or cleaned, if ever.  A furnace is made of metal, and metal that is heated and cooled over and over will contract and expand.  With many years of expansion and contraction, cracks in the steel are possible.  This is very important as cracks within the unit can lead to gas leaks, like carbon monoxide.  This can be very dangerous and that’s why proper maintenance is crucial.  Always make sure to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home!

If the home you’re looking at has an older furnace upwards of 20 years, you should definitely negotiate a change in the price of the home so that you can purchase a new one.  Keep in mind that a newer more efficient furnace will also help lower your heating bill.

5. Electrical Wiring

Most homes built the after the 1980’s will have copper wiring, be sure to check the year the house was built and verify if it has aluminum or copper wiring.  Aluminum wiring was used between the 1950’s and 1970’s because the price of copper was so high.  This type of wiring can begin to fail over time due to expansion and contraction as well as oxidization, which can result in overheating of the wire.

If you decide to go ahead with the purchase of a home that doesn’t have copper wiring (either has aluminum or knob and tube),keep in mind the cost of rewiring can be upwards of $10,000 depending on the home.  In most cases the drywall will have to be removed and replaced.

6. Plumbing

The most common types of piping used in homes today are copper, PVC, ABS and CPVC.  However prior to the 1960’s cast iron waste water pipes were used, although they can last up to 100 years, the problem is that they begin to rust from the inside out.  This means that flakes of rust will eventually break loose and clog the pipe.   Without proper maintenance, these pipes will rot out and collapse.  Prior to the 1980’s lead piping was used in homes throughout North America.  Not only was this not the best option for drinking water, it ultimately would rot out just like the cast iron pipes and need to be replaced.  Check what kind of piping your home has, if you have to replace them – negotiate that into the sale price of the home.  If the home is over 60 years old, chances are you will be replacing piping.

London Eco-Roof at 2013 Western Fair – September 6-15

Western FairWestern Fair is coming this weekend. Enjoy the rides, concerts and all events at the show. Don’t forget to drop by at our boot to see our product. We offer cutting edge technology roofing available in steel or aluminum in a wide range of colours and profiles. See you there.

For more information visit Western Fair website.

7 Signs It’s Time for a New Roof from London Eco-Roof

You’re in and out of your house every day, but how often do you really look at your roof?  If your roof is 10-15 years old, you should look at it more closely than you think!  It’s better to spot the signs from the outside, instead of waiting for that leak to appear in your living room ceiling.

Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your roof:

  1. Roof Age – Although you may have purchased 25 year shingles with a lifetime warranty, chances are, they may need to be replaced sooner, and the warranty isn’t as glamorous as you thought it was.  Depending on your attic ventilation and weather conditions, some shingles last only 8-12 years; especially if the previous layer of shingles wasn’t removed.  Since metal deteriorates at a much slower pace than asphalt shingles, you can rest assured that a metal roof will likely last beyond your lifetime.
  2. Curled Shingles – Stand in front of your home and look up at the roof.  If you can see that your shingles are lifting and not laying flush with one another, chances are you will need to replace your roof very soon.  Curled shingles tend to lose their granules, check your eaves troughs for granules – shingles tend to lose more granules towards the end of the lifecycle.
  3. Missing Shingles – Cracked tabs, especially on fiberglass shingles, will cause parts of the shingle to break off.  Check your troughs and yard for broken shingles that may have lifted off in the last wind storm.   With London Eco-Roof’s progressive mounting system, you will have peace of mind knowing that your roof is securely fastened and will never fly away.
  4. Moss and Algae – Check your roof for black streaks and growing moss.  These will tend to grow on the north side of your roof, with less exposure to the sun.  The black streaks are a type of algae which, if left untreated, can prematurely age the roof.
  5. Flashings – If you have a chimney or any dormers on your roof, be sure to inspect the flashings to ensure they are not damaged or peeling away.  London Eco-Roof will replace all flashings and roof vents to ensure a perfect installation that will protect your home from the elements for years to come!
  6. Valleys – These areas tend to be trouble spots as a large amount of water makes its way down your roof.  If the shingles in your valleys are lifting and cracking, this is a sure sign that a leak may be imminent.  Check your attic.
  7. Attic – Check your attic for dark spots on the wood – this is a sign of water leakage. Check around vents, pipes, skylights and other openings.  A small leak can take some time to make its way through the insulation, it’s best to catch it before then.  Make sure you can see daylight through the soffits for proper ventilation; at the same time making sure that no daylight is coming through the roof boards.

After inspecting your roof, if you feel that you are unsure whether or not it’s time for a new roof, one of our dedicated roofing consultants would be happy to help you.  With metal becoming the choice material for roofing, don’t get left behind with asphalt shingles.  Call London Eco-Roof today for your free quote and excite yourself knowing you’ll never have to re-roof again!  Best of all, London Eco-Roof provides a 55 year, non-prorated and fully transferrable warranty; increasing your property value and curb appeal.

Trade Shows and Events Still to Come in 2013

London, Ontario

  • 2013 London Fall Fest – August 30 – September 2
  • 2013 Western Fair – September 6-15
  • A Festival of Poland – September 7

Woodstock, Ontario

  • 2013 Outdoor Farm Show – September 10-12

Rodney, Ontario

  • Rodney Fall Fair – September 13-15

Wallacetown, Ontario

  • Wallecetown Fair – September 27-29

Dresden, Ontario

  • Smokey Mountain Harvest Festival – September 22

Burlington

  • Burlington Ribfest – August 30 – September 2

Hamilton, Ontario

  •  Winona Peach Festival – August 23-25
  • Ideal Home Show & Sale – September 20-22
  • Norfolk Country Fair – October 4-14

Kitchener, Ontario

  • Ancaster Fair – September 19-22

Niagara Falls

  • Niagara Fall Home Show – September 6-8

Toronto (GTA), Ontario

  • Roncesvalles Polish Festival – September 14-15
  • Toronto Fall Show at the Better Living Centre – October 3-6
  • Business Franchise & Investment Expo – October 5-6
  • Fall Cottage Life Show – November 1-3
  • Royal Winter Fair – November 1-10
  • Toronto PM Expo – December 4-6

Brigden, Ontario

  • Brigden Fair – October 11-14

Vancouver, British Columbia

  • Home & Design Show – October 17-20
We reserve the right to cancel the event without prior notice.

12 Upkeep Ideas To Add Curb Appeal

Well, summer’s still here and it’s time to think about getting some repairs in while the temperatures are still agreeable. Keeping your home in tip-top shape not only adds to its curb appeal but it saves you money as you ward off more expensive fixes down the road.

Read the full article here and contact us if you require roofing job.

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO – Showroom Grand Opening – 20 July, 2013

You are invited to Grand Opening of our new Showroom on
Saturday July 20, 2013 at

1759 Britannia Rd. E. Unit #6/7
Mississauga, Ontario

From 9:00AM to 3:00PM and Enjoy Barbecue on Site

We will be supporting “Kiss My Mutt All Breed Dog Rescue” charity.

For more information you can call us at: 905.5647663

Mississauga - Grand Opening