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Metal Roofing in Ottawa: A Match Made in Heaven?

Metal roofing OttawaThere are so many different kinds of roofing choices these days that it’s mind-boggling. The three most common options available to most property owners include tiles, shingles, and metal. Shingles often require more maintenance than the other options and tiles are often not far behind. There are better and worse tile and shingle materials and there are few that incorporate some very cool technology, such as solar shingles, but oftentimes the best choice for roofing, especially in a place like Ottawa, is metal roofing. Ottawa’s humid summer climate and its harsh winters will test the limits of your entire household and your roof is its first line of defense. Here are some of the main reasons to keep metal roofing in mind if you are in the process of either looking for a new roof or building a new property.

Expected Lifetime of Metal Roofing in Ottawa – As long as metal roofing is installed correctly, it should last as long as the house itself. Most companies will provide a warranty of up to fifty years. Even the paint on metal roofing can have a warranty spanning thirty years. Some tiles and shingles can have lengthy warranties, too, but their appearance often degrades much quicker.

Metal Roofing Stands Up to Bad Weather – Metal roofing is moisture resistant and can withstand winds up to one hundred and forty miles per hour. Snow sheds quickly from the metal, too, limiting the buildup from small to heavy storms and blizzards. These roofs can also be installed with minimum pitch, which is a luxury compared with other types of roofing materials that will often leak when the pitch isn’t sufficiently high. Though the risk isn’t very big with regards to wild fires in Ottawa, metal roofing protects against this, as well. Of course lightning strikes can also cause a fire, but this can be alleviated by grounding the roof.

Metal Roofing in Ottawa Will Insulate Your Home – Believe it or not using metal roofing in Ottawa will not only insulate your home, it will also shave a few dollars off of those terrible heating and air conditioning bills. The metal roof reflects ultra-violet rays, therefore keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. There are also a number of different paints that can amplify this effect, too, which can be especially beneficial in the summer.

The Price is Right – Yes the initial cost of having a metal roof installed isn’t exactly cheap, but the ROI (Return On Investment) is well worth every penny. Can you believe that owning a metal roof in Ottawa can help you save money on insurance? This depends on the insurance company, of course, but it is a possibility. Remember that a metal roof should last a lifetime, it aids with winter and summer energy costs, and best of all it really does look great.

For metal roofing in Ottawa, there’s no one better to trust than London ECO-METAL Manufacturing. We are the roofing contractors concerned about you. We have a fine selection of aluminum and steel roofing and many colours to choose from, too. Let us know if you are interested and we’ll give you a quote.

 

 

How Does Steel Roofing Affect the Conditions Inside Your Home

steel roofing TorontoThinking about replacing your tired, leaky, wooden roofing with metal roofing? More and more property owners are turning to steel roofing as an alternative to wood, asphalt and tile. Energy efficiency, fire resistance and longevity have all been cited as reasons to change to steel roofing. Changes on the outside of your home will also result in changes on the inside.

 
Steel Roofing On The Outside, Better Conditions On The Inside

Metal roofing is a great fit for property owners not only in Toronto, Mississauga and Ottawa but also from across the country. While there are many aesthetic, budgetary and practical reasons to change, an often overlooked advantage of steel roofing is how it can directly and indirectly affect the conditions inside your home in a positive way.

  • Maintenance: Metal roofing is much lower maintenance. As a result, you won’t have people inside your home constantly repairing and replacing things or outside banging away on shingles while you’re trying to put your kids down for a nap. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, that’s a long time without ever having to have a roofing contractor inside your house!
  • Temperature: On long, hot summer days, people with a wood, tile or asphalt roof notice as their house heats up throughout the day and their electric bill ticks up from the air conditioning. Metal roofing reflects the sun and reduces midday heat gain. This keeps your home at a more consistent temperature as well as reduces your electricity bills. As the mercury begins to drop during winter months, with proper insulation, your home will stay warm and toasty with steel roofing.
  • Protection: Since metal roofing naturally repels snow, ice and water better than other materials, you won’t be left with a leaky roof and all the problems associated with it. When a roof leaks, you’re not only faced with replacing that, but you also have to deal with all the collateral damage inside your home. On the other end of the spectrum, if you live in an area prone to wildfires, metal roofing can give you better protection against the blaze because it has the highest fire safety rating. Live in the hurricane belt? Most metal roofs can withstand up to 150kph of wind. However unlikely, a metal roof that is properly grounded can also prevent your home from going up in flames if it is hit by lightning. Metal roofing can protect the inside of your home from the natural elements much better than the alternatives.

Without proper armor, you can’t expect to defend the inside your home from the onslaught of natural elements. Whether it’s heat, cold, rain, snow, fire or lightning, steel roofing will give you much better peace of mind that the inside of your home is safe from whatever nature throws at it.

 

 

 

7 Traits the Roofing Contractors You Hire Should Possess

roofing contractors MississaugaSo you’ve done your research and decided to update your home with metal roofing. Great! Now, it’s time to choose the perfect contractor for the job. Your new roof is a big investment and since you’ve chosen metal, it’s likely to last you a very long time. Metal roofing installation is highly specialized so it’s even more important to choose your contractor carefully.

 
How to Find Your Perfect Roofing Contractor

With metal roofing becoming more and more popular, there are plenty of contractors in the Mississauga area to choose from. The key is to find the one who can do your project best. Finding the right roofing contractor doesn’t have to be a headache if you can check these 7 traits off your list.

  1. Experience: Choose a contractor that has at least 3 years of metal roofing installation experience. The tools and materials used for metal roofing are not like those used for more traditional roofs. Therefore, you should be careful to only hire someone who has experience with this type of installation.
  2. Client References: If you have had friends or family go through the process, ask for references. If not, ask neighbours or look online at websites that review home improvement companies. Or simply ask the roofing contractor for references. If they’re unwilling to provide them, avoid doing business with them.
  3. Industry References: A good contractor should have done business with other people in a similar industry like architects and builders. Call some local companies and see what they have to say about the roofing contractors in your area.
  4. Knowledge: A good roofing contractor can explain your options to you. A great roofing contractor can listen to your goals and not only explain the options, but also recommend the best solution. Opt for a contractor who can detail why certain materials or installation procedures would be best for you.
  5. Problem Solving Skills: While there is no easy way to test for this, it’s important that your roofing contractor be able to solve any problems that may arise during your installation. If they gloss over problems during this phase, it will lead to bigger problems, like leakage, for property owners further down the line.
  6. Communication: This is probably one of the most important traits a roofing contractor should possess. From the start to the finish of the project, the contractor should be able to communicate their plans to you in a manner that you can understand.
  7. Diverse Backgrounds: This can be difficult to find, but if you find a contractor with employees from different professional backgrounds, it can be a real advantage. They can use their combined experience to ensure that your project, however unique it may be, is successful.

From the minute the first shingle is removed from your old roof until the final panel of your new roof is put into place, you can rest at ease that your contractor is doing a good job if you have checked these seven items off your list.

Have You Considered Metal Roofing? Here are 5 Reasons Why You Should

The popularity of metal roofing has been growing by leaps and bounds. So much so in fact that it’s share of the total roofing market has increased by nearly 400% over the last 10 years. Homeowners have caught on to the many benefits of having a metal roof and it seems some of the more stubborn myths about this type of roofing – like the myth that it attracts lighting – have finally begun to die off.

The Many Benefits of Metal Roofing

Decisions related to people’s homes are not ones that are made on a whim. Homes are serious business, lifelong investments and the place where you, your family and your closest friends live and gather. So if metal roofing is becoming popular there must be good reasons for it, and here are five of them.

  1. Long Term Savings It should be no surprise that this tops the list because everyone is interested in long term value. While the initial installation of a premium metal roofing system will cost about the same as other materials, where metal roofing separates itself from the pack is in terms of longevity. A properly installed metal roof can be expected to last 40 to 50 years. That’s several times the life expectancy of asphalt shingles, tiles or wood.
  1. Fire Resistance Asphalt or wood shingles often do little during a house fire other than make the situation many times worse. Metal roofs by comparison carry a ‘Class A’ fire resistance rating and will never be the source of or a contributing factor to a house fire.
  1. Weight An average tile roof weighs about 750 lbs per 100 sq feet, wood shingles around 300 lbs per 100 sq feet and slate can weigh as much as 1000 lbs per 100 sq feet. By comparison the average metal roof will weigh around 100 lbs per 100 sq feet. The lightweight nature of steel roofing and other types of metal means you don’t need as many roof supports and you don’t have to worry about your roof sagging under the weight of the roofing material.
  1. Ability to Shed Snow and Rain With a metal roof snow slides off easily before it can accumulate and rain never gets a chance to pool and seep in to create water damage. No more worrying about all that snow that’s been accumulating on the roof.
  1. Ease of Installation Qualified, experienced metal roofing contractors can install one of these roofs on your home in a fraction of the time it would take to install shingles or tile.

In addition to all those benefits metal is also resistant to mold, mildew and rot and will not become home to colonies of insects that can take up residence in the cracks and crevices of other roofing materials. Metal roofs also reflect radiant heat helping to keep your home cooler during the hot summer months.

With all these benefits it’s no wonder so many homeowners are choosing a metal roofing system over more traditional roofing materials!

London Eco Metal has a reputable team of metal roofing contractors offering services for steel roofing in Toronto, Mississauga, Windsor, Kitchener and Ottawa.

Machine Operator

We are currently looking for qualified applicants to fill in this position:

Machine Operator

Requirements:

  • Experienced running Coiled steel threw, CNC controlled stamping process would be preferred.
  • Experienced  running a shear.
  • Fork Lift Certified.
  • Own Transportation as we are located out side the City of London.
  • Salary depending on Experience

Apply for this position

A Few Questions You Should Always Ask Metal Roofing Contractors Before Hiring

Installing a metal roof is a smart decision more and more homeowners are making for a number of good reasons. Before you can enjoy the benefits of a new metal roof however, you need to find someone to do the work. Someone who will get the job done right, on time and within the agreed upon budget. The problem is that finding the right metal roofing contractor isn’t always easy because for every reputable roofer out there there’s one who is just looking to make a few bucks by cutting corners.

Questions to Ask Metal Roofing Contractors

To protect yourself and your home you’ll need to ask any prospective roofing contractors a few questions designed to put your mind at ease and to establish whether their level of expertise is sufficient for them to do a good job. These questions should always include:

  • What Kind of Experience Do They Have Installing Metal Roofs? The metal roofing industry is booming and boom situations tend to attract lots of unqualified people trying to cash in on the boom. Ask your prospective metal roofing contractors for references and follow them up. Also, ask to see a contractor’s license.
  • Are They Properly Insured?If the contractor you choose to install your new metal roof is uninsured and something happens you could be liable. Make sure the contractor you choose has insurance that covers both his workers and your property so you’re not left holding the bag should a worker get injured or they burn your house down. And don’t just take their word. Insist on seeing proof.
  • What Kind of Coating Will Be Applied to Your Roof? Coatings are necessary to prevent fading and to add aesthetic value to your metal roof. Ask the contractor which coating they intend to apply and then do some research on that particular coating.
  • What Warranty Will You Receive With Your Metal Roof? The metal roofing contractor in front of you may be a wonderful, hard-working human being but you’ll want to see the warranty anyway. Read the fine print. All of it. Formulate questions and ask him. If he doesn’t know the answers ask him to find out for you.

A metal roof can add immediate and lasting value to your home, make it a safer, healthier place and save you money on heating and air conditioning. Choosing the right metal roofing contractor to install your new roof will go a long way toward ensuring you get to enjoy these benefits for decades to come.

London Eco Metal has a reputable team of metal roofing contractors offering services for steel roofing in Toronto, Mississauga, Windsor, Kitchener and Ottawa.

Roofing Contractors: How to Make Sure You Get a Great Deal

The roof that covers your home can mean the difference between your single biggest investment appreciating or depreciating in value. It doesn’t pay to skimp on the roof you live under but it doesn’t make sense to overpay for it either. With so many roofing companies willing to promise the moon, how do you get the best deal possible while also getting high-quality metal roofing properly installed? The fact is that although the internet is loaded with stories of people who trusted the wrong contractor and lived to regret it, you don’t have to be one of them.

Roofing Contractors – Approach With Caution

Way before you ever start talking prices there are some other steps you should take to make sure the metal roofing contractors you’re speaking with are worth considering for the job. Here are a few:

  • Make sure they have a permanent, verifiable address, phone number and tax ID number.
  • Insist they provide you with proof of insurance. If they don’t have insurance and an accident occurs during the roofing process, you could be liable for damages.
  • Ask for references and check them out thoroughly.
  • Check to see if the contractor is a member of a local or regional trade association.

Once you’ve developed a pool of roofing contractors to choose from you should move onto the next phase of the process, where you should:

  • Get Competitive Bids As a general rule you can toss the lowest bid since it’s not uncommon for unscrupulous contractors to submit a lowball price to get the job and then spring unexpected or “emergency” costs on you in the middle of the process, when your roof has been ripped apart and you’re in a vulnerable position.
  • Negotiate Once you’ve decided which bids seem the most realistic ask the different roofing contractors involved for a discount on labour or materials. Get them bidding against each other. But beware of pushing things too far. Contractors have real expenses after all and if the discounts become too deep the winning contractor may look for ways to recoup that money later on.
  • Get Everything in Writing That includes the discounts you negotiated as well as a maximum price for various discretionary items. Shady roofing contractors sometimes try to pad their margins by inflating the cost of these items. Since you don’t want to wind up paying $200 for a sheet of plywood it’s in your interest to make sure the unit price for discretionary items are entered into the contract as well as a maximum number of these items that can be purchased without further, written approval from you. You may also want to include a penalty that kicks in should the work run past an agreed-upon completion date.

Getting a great deal from a roofing contractor requires patience and persistence during the negotiating process and then making sure the deal you negotiated is set down in writing. A reputable contractor will not object to this process and will adhere to the terms of the contract allowing you to reap the benefits of your deal-making prowess.

London Eco Metal has a reputable team of metal roofing contractors offering services for steel roofing in Toronto, Mississauga, Windsor, Kitchener and Ottawa.

How Does Steel Roofing Compare to Other Roofing Materials

Steel roofing has been around for more than 100 years but it’s only recently that its outstanding value has finally begun to get the media attention it deserves. Still, in spite of the gains steel roofing has made in the public eye more traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, tile and even slate continue to hold the lion’s share of the roofing market. So let’s take a look at these different materials and see how they stack up when compared to steel.

Steel Roofing vs. Traditional Roofing Materials

While many comparisons are completely subjective, comparing steel to other roofing material does not require an injection of opinion or speculation. There are plenty of hard facts to kick around regarding:

  • Cost – Steel will generally cost a bit more than asphalt, wood shingles or ceramic tiles and less than slate tiles to install. However, while asphalt, ceramic and wood have life expectancies of 10 – 20 years a steel roof can last 50 years or more. Slate is about the only material that compares to steel in terms of longevity but woe unto you should one of your slate roofing tiles break.
  • Maintenance – Once installed your steel roofing system is maintenance free. Compare that to tiles that can be torn off in storms or asphalt shingles that begin to degrade the minute they’re installed and often need to be patched or repaired due to leaks. And as alluded to above, trying to patch a slate roof should a tile break can be an expensive and tricky process with the odds very long indeed that you’ll actually find a tile to match the ones you have.
  • Safety – Asphalt is a form of petroleum, that is, crude oil. When you install asphalt shingles on your roof you are in fact installing a layer of solidified oil across the top of your house. Should a fire break out these asphalt shingles become an immediate liability and act as an accelerant, turning a bad situation into a potentially devastating one. The same can be said of wood shingles. Steel roofing on the other hand will never catch fire or promote the spread of a fire that may be underway. A huge safety plus.
  • Green Value – When a roofing contractor replaces the asphalt shingles on your roof the old shingles almost invariably go straight to landfill. During any given year thousands of tons of these rotting petroleum sheets are dumped into landfill sites across Canada adding to groundwater contamination and releasing toxic gases as they break down. 50 years or so from now, if you decide it’s finally time to replace it, you’ll be able to recycle it once again.

As you can see, metal roofing has distinct advantages over more traditional roofing materials. When you factor in the substantial energy savings you’ll enjoy due to steel’s ability to reflect the sun’s heat as well as the relief you’ll see on your homeowner’s insurance due to steel’s safety factor you’ll realize there’s no mystery behind the growing popularity of steel roofs.

London Eco Metal has a reputable team of metal roofing contractors offering services for steel roofing in Toronto, Mississauga, Windsor, Kitchener and Ottawa.

Jobs: Service Coordinator

Service Coordinator Position

The Service Coordinator is responsible for scheduling, planning, and coordinating service work with our customers and crews, as well as problem-solving repair requirements and the ability to put those plans into action.

The Ideal Candidate will be highly organized with a customer service mindset. They will bring excellent organizational skills, the ability to multitask in a fast paced office and in-the-field environment. Requires understanding of general construction practices as well as a valid driver’s licence. This job will require working at heights.

This is a full-time position with benefits based at our manufacturing facility at 531 Shaw Rd, Dorchester.

Please send your resume to apply@londonecoroof.com with “Service Coordinator” in the subject line.

Jobs: Crew Leaders, Roofing Apprentice, General Labour

Crew Leaders (Starting at $20+/hr)

Requirements:

  • 3-5 years residential metal roofing experience
  • Previous experience with supervision on job sites
  • Valid Driver’s Licence
  • Job site Safety and Fall-Arrest Certified
  • Capable of consistent performance and leadership including safety enforcement and productivity
  • Grade 12 or equivalent required
  • Fluent in reading/writing English
  • Requires physical exertion at heights
  • Understanding of construction general practices

Roofing Apprentice (Starting at $16+/hr)

Requirements:

  • 1-3 years residential metal roofing experience
  • Job site Safety and Fall-Arrest Certified
  • Valid Driver’s Licence
  • Requires physical exertion at heights
  • Understanding of construction general practices

General Labour (Starting at $14+/hr )

Requirements:

  • Previous roofing experience
  • Impeccable safety record
  • Requires physical exertion at heights
  • Understanding of construction general practices
  • Training provided

All positions include benefits, and have possibility for advancement with proper experience and qualifications. Hiring in all markets in Ontario from Windsor to Ottawa.

To apply email resume to apply@londonecoroof.com with “Roofing Installer” in the subject line. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.