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Getting Ready for Winter (and Snow)

For those keeping track, the first reported snowfall in the Kenora area in 2013 was October 19. Everyone was thrilled. At least everyone at the Mount Evergreen Ski Club was thrilled.  For many people in Kenora, the winter of 2013/2014 will be remembered as the coldest ever recorded.

Last winter was one for the record books and as we wait for El Nino to make up its mind for the coming winter it’s a good time to plan ahead. REMR Roofing operates a fleet of truck mounted snow plows to help maintain access to your property and keep you safe. Our REMR snow removal team is ready to handle your job, whether it’s clearing your sidewalk and driveway or keeping your ice road open. Plan ahead and call us now to set up a custom package for the snow removal services you’ll need this winter.

Kenora Roof Snow Removal

As roofing specialists we appreciate the potential hazardous conditions that excess snow on your roof can create. Ice dams and water intrusion along with dangerous and damaging ice forming along gutters can all be caused by excessive accumulation of snow on your roof. We use the proper equipment and take special care to avoid damaging critical roof components and voiding any existing manufacturer’s warranty.

Warranty Protection

Shovelling snow, chiselling ice and applying salt or heat to melt ice and snow on your roof can all damage your roof and void your manufacturer’s warranty.  Particularly if you have a newer roof, make sure to check that your snow removal contractor is qualified to do the work under the manufacturer’s warranty program. We are qualified under most manufactures’ warranty programs to safely remove snow from your roof.

The Old Fashioned Way to Finding the Right Roofing Contractor

It’s time to find someone to remove that old, crumbling and sometimes leaky thing you have been living under for far too long and replace it with something that you won’t have to worry about for many years to come. Getting the best roof for your money is a combination of selecting quality products that fit your budget and finding the right roofing contractor to install them. In the roofing business, like many others, word of mouth, personal introductions and a firm handshake have increasingly been replaced by online review websites, government mandated insurance, professional certification and manufacturer referral networks. Here is some old advice on what to look for in a roofing contractor with a little updating for the Internet age.

Weeding Out the Bad Apples

>The Canadian Roofing Contractors Association recommends that you prequalify your roofing contractor to make sure the job is done right. Here are some their guidelines.

• Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number and tax identification number.
• Ask to see copies of the contractor’s liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation certificates.
• Look for a company with a proven track record that offers references from past clients and lists of completed projects.

We also have plenty of photos of past jobs and many of our customers have shared reviews of our work. Drop us a line/email if you would like to see our insurance coverage, licenses and training certificates.

A Word About Warranties

Big name factory warranties are only as good as the reputation for quality warranty service in the local area. GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America offers some of the best warranties in the business. GAF depends on quality installation to insure the durability of their products is maintained.

REMR is one of only two GAF factory-certified roofing contractors in Manitoba and the only certified contractor in Northwestern Ontario. You can verify our GAF factory certification online using our Kenora phone number (807-548-2811) here.  REMR’s 10 year warranty on workmanship adds another level of worry free protection on top of the GAF lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. We also carry IKO and made in Canada roofing products from BP. Quality products are just the beginning.

Experience Can’t Be Borrowed

REMR is a family owned company that uses only trained and certified in-house roofers on the job. We do not subcontract low cost or temporary labour.

Before Yelp and Google there was the Better Business Bureau. Created over 100 years ago, the familiar BBB logo and flaming torch have meant you can trust your local businesses that subscribe to the BBB code of ethics. We have been accredited with the BBB of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario since 2009 and have received their highest A+ rating. See for yourself here.

We’re Not Always the Lowest Price

Many professional associations and consumer groups recommend getting a minimum of three bids for major home improvement jobs but also warn that if a bid sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We price our services competitively and provide free estimates within 48 hours of your inquiry. We may not always be the lowest price but we are the best value.

Service Starts When You Call

As well as promptly responding to your inquiries, we work around your schedule when planning your roofing project. We start work on the appointed day and leave the site clean and tidy at the completion of the job. We also offer roof inspection, regular maintenance and snow clearing services in the winter.

Choosing the right roofing contractor doesn’t need to be a burden but spending a little time doing your homework can save hours of headaches down the road. Online tools make it easier than ever to research companies, find reviews and contact them for a quote. We invite you to check us out.

Roof Check – Your Fast and Easy Guide to Fall Roof Inspections

Uh-Oh…Water Spots on the Ceiling

Just the thought of a leaky roof puts fear into the heart (and wallet) of the average homeowner.  Real evidence of a leaky roof is even worse; when you spot a water stain on your ceiling, you need to take action quickly.  If your roof is leaking, repair needs to be effected right away to prevent extensive damage to your property.

Roof leaks can be hard to track down.  The first thing you need to do is establish that there is an actual leak – that the moisture you’re seeing does indeed come down through the roof.  Ensure that you’re not seeing a leak from a water pipe (unlikely in a ceiling, but not unheard of or simply condensation appearing on the ceiling from water evaporating inside the house and condensing when it gets trapped at the top of the room.

Condensation stains tend to happen near the edge of an exterior wall, and appear in groups.  The stains will have white centers, and will appear even when it hasn’t been raining.  Condensation stains are a sign of a problem with excessive humidity in the house.  They can be cured by finding the source of the moisture (leaky basement, poor ventilation, etc.) and correcting it.

A roof leak will generally manifest itself in a single location, and show itself during and after a rainstorm. If your ceiling is sagging, move valuables from underneath, and stay out of the way.  You need a repair right away!

It’s sometimes very difficult to locate a roof leak, as the place that the water appears on the interior can be far from the actual compromise in the roofing system.  In newer roofs, suspect the flashing where the roof meets the wall, or around a chimney or plumbing vent.  With an older roof, it’s likely the shingles and the barrier underneath have worn out and require replacement.

REMR Roofing proudly serves Western Ontario and Manitoba.  If you’re having trouble with your roof, call us for a no-obligation quote.  REMR Roofing can be reached in Kenora at 807-548-2811, Dryden at 807-223-5223, and in Winnipeg at 204-237-5401.

Roof Repair Vs. Roof Replacement

The primary job of your roof is to keep the elements out. If it stops doing that (or shows any signs that it might quit soon) you need to deal with the problem to prevent damage to your property.

Modern roofs last a long time. Asphalt shingles are the most common choice for residential construction, and last 20-25 years on average. Cedar shakes (shingles) last about the same, while slate, steel, and some new types of synthetic roofing materials can last a lot longer.

If you start experiencing problems with your roof, you’ll be confronted with a decision; should you repair the damage, and extend the life of your existing roof, or should you replace it entirely?

Repair

If this is the first time your roof has leaked, and the leak is limited to a specific location, a repair might be sufficient. Especially if the roof isn’t that old, and the materials as a whole aren’t worn, the significantly lower cost of fixing just one part of the roof mean that you can confidently have it repaired. Certainly repair if only a small part of an otherwise good roof is damaged by pests or in a storm. Often, a stopgap repair can be effected when financial needs dictate the need for a little bit of time (one or two seasons) before shelling out for replacement.

Replacement

Roof replacement costs more than a single repair, but might outweigh the costs of patching the roof a piece at a time over several seasons, especially when you consider the hassle and potential damage to your property from leaks. Replacing your roof allows you to choose the material you want, in the colour you want. With a new roof, installed by a credible contractor like REMR Roofing, you can rest assured that you’re building has you covered.

Call us today, or contact us online, and you’ll get a free, no-obligation quote in the next 48 hours. REMR Roofing can be reached in Kenora at 807-548-2811, Dryden at 807-223-5223, and in Winnipeg at 204-237-5401.