• A traditional green roofing system features a roof covered by vegetation, with plants and other natural components taking the place of shingles or tiles. The design and systems vary, but all green roofs include a base waterproofing layer, drainage, soil or other growing media, and plants covering the entire surface of the roof deck.  

• A “green” roof can also refer to any roofing product that is manufactured from recycled content or naturally harvested material, or uses sustainable design elements in some way. 

• The term “green” can be applied to roofing materials that are highly energy-efficient and therefore reduce a homeowner’s use of heating and air conditioning.

• Some products, such as GAF’s Advanced Protection® shingles, are lighter and stronger than the average shingle – requiring fewer natural resources for production and transport – so they’re also billed as “green.”

The various types of “green” roofing allow companies and individual homeowners to make a positive impact on the environment, whether by eliminating or reducing the need for manmade material, using recycled products, conserving energy, reducing the use of natural resources, or a combination of these. If you are interested in “green” roofing materials for your Vancouver home, contact Crown Residential Roofing at (877) 907-3066. We can educate you about the options and provide professional, certified installation of many types of roofing systems.

A roof is only as good as its weakest leak! Here are the most crucial parts of a Burnaby roofing system:

1. Roof deck. Decking serves as the foundation for all other roof components, and is typically made by nailing plywood or OSB to the rafters. Only seasoned wood can be used for decking, or the result could be a warped, buckled roof base.
2. Underlayment. A layer of roofing underlayment, most commonly black felt paper, is used on pitched roofs as a secondary layer of protection for the roof in case water penetrates the shingles. When a building is under construction, the underlayment also acts as protection against the elements while shingles are installed.
3. Shingles. Used on the majority of homes in North America, shingles are made from an asphalt-saturated base that is then coated with minerals to resist weathering. They provide protection from sun, wind, moisture, impact and fire, and come in a wide variety of colors to complement a home’s exterior.
4. Flashing. Flashing protects the most vulnerable areas of a roof from leakage, such as around exhaust vents, pipes, chimneys, dormers and skylights, and along valleys. Flashing is made from a number of materials, the most common being galvanized metal.

For the best value, choose a Richmond roofing contractor who will build more than just a roof! Crown Residential Roofing has been designing and building reliable, long-lasting roofing systems throughout southern British Columbia since 1902. Contact us today for a FREE estimate on the roofing system that is best for you and your home.

The answer? If you want maximum protection from the unpredictable weather patterns experienced on the Lower Mainland, impact-resistant shingles are a great choice for roofing in Vancouver. Certified impact-resistant roof coverings are specifically engineered to withstand hailstorms and strong winds. This is important because hail damage has resulted in some of the highest insurance claim payouts in history, making impact-resistant shingles a win-win product for homeowners and insurance companies alike.

Crown Residential Roofing sells and installs the Timberline® ArmorShield II Impact-Resistant shingle line from GAF. ArmorShield II and similar impact-resistant materials offer these benefits:

• Potential insurance savings. Impact-resistant shingles may qualify you for insurance discounts of 30% or more (check with your agent). Using this innovative product helps insurers cut costs and keep premiums as low as possible for everyone.

• Superior wind performance. ArmorShield II meets Class F wind rating from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the highest rating possible. Dura Grip® adhesive seals each shingle tightly and reduces the risk of shingle blow-off.

• Impact-resistant. ArmorShield II passes UL 2218 Class 4, UL’s toughest impact test where a 2” steel ball is dropped from 20’ onto the shingle to see whether it cracks. Compared to “standard” shingles, which may have ruptures or cracks visible on the surface or back immediately after large hail impact, impact-resistant shingles show no evidence of cracks or ruptures.
 
Impact-resistant shingles do cost more than the average shingle. However, the extra protection, potential insurance savings, and reduced hassle of recovering from storm damage can easily make up the difference! For more information about this product, call Crown Residential Roofing today at (877) 907-3066.

Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against the rain, snow and winds that make up the weather in the Lower Mainland. That’s why it is so important that you choose the right roofer in Surrey to inspect, repair or replace your roof if a problem should occur. But how do you choose the best company from among so many Vancouver roofing contractors?

1. The first step is to find a contractor who has experience handling the type of roof on your home. For example, a company that specializes in commercial or flat roofs will not be as familiar with a shingle or tile roof. A good roofing contractor will be able to provide local references, along with photos of roofs they have worked on that are similar to yours.

2. Next, find a roofer with a proven reputation within the community. You want a roofing contractor who is reliable, can meet a schedule, has access to quality roofing materials, and won’t disappear if you have a problem after the roof is completed.

3. Make sure your roofing contractor is certified by one of the leading roofing material manufacturers. Manufacturers of shingles, tiles, etc., will honor their warranties ONLY if materials are installed by a certified, factory-trained contractor.

4. The roofing contractor you choose should provide you with a written inspection report and assessment of your roof’s condition, as well as a written estimate and production schedule. Don’t settle for a spoken promise, which can be easily ignored or broken.

There are many roofers in Richmond from which to choose, but no other can match the experience and dedication of Crown Residential Roofing – “Tried & True Since 1902!” Get the most comprehensive service and peace of mind knowing the work will be done right. Call us today at (877) 907-3066 for a free in-home estimate!

Laminated shingles have quickly gained in popularity in recent years, thanks to their long life and enhanced curb appeal. Let’s take a closer look at this type of shingle, and what makes it a great choice for both homeowners and roofing contractors in Vancouver.

For decades, the 3-tab asphalt shingle was the residential roof covering of choice. The uniform look of the 3-tab shingle hasn’t changed over time: a piece of shingle about three feet tall and one foot high is cut twice on one side, forming three rectangular tabs. During installation, the shingle slab is overlapped with other shingle rows and nailed down, so that only the tabs are visible.

Laminated shingles are an updated version of the standard 3-tab shingle, featuring an extra layer laminated to the lower half of the shingle, which makes the tabs twice as thick. Tabs are cut into varying lengths and with large, randomly spaced gaps. This staggering creates a natural depth on the roof that is visually appealing and can mimic higher-end roofing materials, particularly when different shades, tones and colors are used (it’s also why this type of shingle is sometimes referred to as the “architectural shingle”).

In addition to a more distinctive, natural appearance, the thicker material used in a laminated shingle gives it a longer lifespan than a 3-tab shingle. Manufacturers can therefore warrant the laminated shingle for a longer time: GAF offers up to a 20-year warranty on 3-tab shingles, but a 50-year warranty on laminated shingle products.

As the one of the leading roofing contractors in Vancouver, Crown Residential Roofing loves to install laminated shingles and other quality roofing products for area homeowners. How can we help you? Call us at at (877) 907-3066!

Things are looking up for the economy. Now might be a good time to look up at home too! That’s right – take a close look at the ceilings of your Vancouver area home. What do you see? If you notice discolored spots in a circular or lengthwise stain pattern, they’re a sure sign of a water leak from somewhere above. Don’t get upset … a ceiling stain is actually a helpful warning sign that could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

The water stains on your ceiling are most likely caused by leaks in your BC roof system. A leak might be due to any number of problems, including loose or missing shingles, loose flashing, ice dams or clogged gutters. What makes finding a leak tricky is that water often “travels” away from the origin, instead showing up many feet away.

Once you notice ceiling spots or stains, it’s important to have your roofing system promptly inspected by a qualified Richmond roofing contractor to identify and repair the original source of the leak. Ignoring the problem or delaying action may result in a widening of the leak and additional, more expensive damage. Remember: leaks never get smaller!

A roofing contractor who inspects your BC roof should examine several critical areas:
• Attic and crawl space, to trace back to the source of the leak
• Rafters and roof deck, to identify the route water may have traveled
• Chimney and roof vents, to make sure flashing is properly seated and sealed
• Eaves and soffits, to see if water is backing up from gutters into the attic area
• Gutters, to make sure rainwater can flow easily; or, in cold weather, to determine if ice dams are forming
• Shingles, to locate cracked, curling or missing shingles

If you discover a leak in your roof, or if your roof should suffer storm damage, make Crown Residential Roofing your first call for expert BC roof repairs. After a careful inspection, we’ll provide you with specific details about the leak, along with a plan for repairing it. Call us today at (877) 907-3066!

BC roofing leaks and other types of damage are rarely expected, and homeowners often find themselves not knowing where to turn when a ceiling is dripping, or after a coastal storm rips a hole in their roof. In the event of storm damage or catastrophic roof failure, Crown Residential Roofing maintains an Emergency Response Team to provide rapid solutions to critical Vancouver roofing problems.

Our team offers 24-hour emergency roofing services for all types of property owners to provide an immediate response and to minimize potential damage. Within hours, a Crown crew can assess roofing damage and provide the services necessary to keep your home or building protected. We have experience with a wide range of emergency roof repair situations, including:

• Storm and fire damage. The incredible power of Mother Nature is often unleashed on rooftops. Huge gusts of wind, hard-driving rains, hail and lightning can add up to one harsh reality: roof damage in the form of torn shingles, broken tiles, stripped roofing and fallen debris.

• Reroofing. Storms and other disasters often damage a roof beyond repair, leaving the home or office unfit for use until appropriate repairs are made. A speedy replacement prevents further damage when disaster or age has compromised the ability of your roof to perform its essential functions.

• Roof leaks. Leaks can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare as they quietly cause widespread and costly damage to a home. The source must be pinpointed and patched up quickly before more damage is done.

The first priority of our team of experienced Vancouver roofers is to prevent further damage by initiating temporary repairs. Once the storm has passed, we’ll return to assess the situation and recommend more permanent repairs or replacement. For emergency evaluation and repair of your BC roofing, call Crown Residential Roofing at (877) 907-3066.

While Crown Residential Roofing recommends performing a routine roof inspection twice per year – once in the spring and once in the fall – there are also some special circumstances when you should call for a professional Richmond roofing inspection.

1. You are buying a new home. If you are considering the purchase of a home, insist on a roof inspection. This is typically part of the homebuying process, and will give you details about the age and condition of the roof to aid in purchasing decisions.
2. You are selling your home. A roofing inspector can help you determine if you should adjust your sale price due to a need for roof repair or replacement. This precaution will prevent unwelcome surprises during the home inspection.
3. You have a roof leak but can’t find the source. Should you notice ceiling spots or stains, but can’t easily find the source of the leak, it’s important to have your roofing system promptly inspected. Ignoring a problem or delaying action may result in additional, more expensive damage.
4. Your roof is more than 15 years old. The lifespan of asphalt roofing averages around 20 years. An inspector can let you know how much service life to expect from your roof before problems begin to develop.

Why guess? Crown Residential Roofing has developed a thorough multi-point inspection process to fully evaluate the condition of your home’s roof. Our certified Richmond roofing specialist can tell you how long it’s likely to last and an estimated cost for repairs, if needed. To schedule a FREE inspection for your roof, please call Crown Residential Roofing at (877) 907-3066. We look forward to serving your needs.

As 2011 draws to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the success of Crown Residential Roofing over the past year. We express a heartfelt thank-you to our wonderful customers for their business. We know you have many roofing companies in Vancouver to choose from, and are honored you continue to select Crown for your roofing needs!

We are also grateful for our loyal employees, who make the difference for us and our customers. Thank you for giving 110% to every job!

We look forward to even greater success in 2012 by continuing to provide durable, dependable Vancouver roof repair and replacement services for homeowners throughout southern British Columbia. Crown Residential Roofing – “Tried & True Since 1902!”

All manufacturers provide a warranty against manufacturing defects for their Richmond roofing products, but the similarities end there. The length of the warranty, what’s covered and the transferability of the warranty will depend upon the manufacturer. Crown Residential Roofing is proud to offer and install GAF roofing systems for our Vancouver homeowners, because we know that every roof we build is backed by industry-leading warranty coverage.

GAF offers three levels of warranty coverage to choose from: a standard shingle warranty, the System Plus warranty, and the Golden Pledge warranty. Here are highlights from each of the GAF warranties:

GAF Smart Choice® Shingle Limited Warranty
• 10 years of coverage against material defects
• Only shingles covered, not the roofing system
• Cost of installation labor covered for 10 years
• Warranty is transferrable

GAF Weather Stopper® System Plus Limited Warranty
• 50 years of coverage against material defects
• Entire roofing system covered
• Cost of installation labor covered for a lifetime
• 2 years of workmanship coverage
• Installer must be certified
• Warranty is transferrable

GAF Weather Stopper® Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty
• 50 years of coverage against material defects
• Entire roofing system covered
• Cost of installation labor covered for a lifetime
• 25 years of workmanship coverage
• Disposal costs included (for material defects or workmanship)
• Installer must be certified
• Exclusive 40-point factory inspection
• Warranty is transferrable

A new roof is a big investment, typically involving thousands of your hard-earned dollars and lasting for several decades. As with any big investment, knowing in advance what your warranty covers could save you thousands in the event that you experience problems with your roof. Count on GAF, North America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing, to provide the best products available backed by dependable warranty coverage. For more information about GAF warranties, please call Crown Residential Roofing at (877) 907-3066.