Homeowner's Handbook & Resources
Your complete guide to roofing care, maintenance, and project insights.
Welcome to the Paul's Roofing Homeowner's Handbook! This section is designed to help you understand and care for your roof. Proper maintenance will ensure your roof lasts a lifetime, protecting your home and family for decades to come.
Understanding Your Roof System
Your new roof is a complex system of components. Here are the key parts you should know about:
- Roofing Material: The outermost layer (metal panels, asphalt shingles, etc.), your first line of defense against the elements.
- Underlayment: A waterproof barrier beneath the roofing material, providing secondary protection against water intrusion.
- Flashing: Metal pieces installed at joints, valleys, and vents to prevent water from seeping into the structure.
- Ventilation: A system allowing air to circulate, preventing damaging heat and moisture buildup in your attic.
Top Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is crucial for maximizing your roof's lifespan:
- Inspect Regularly: Twice a year (spring and fall), visually inspect your roof for loose shingles, damaged flashing, or blocked vents.
- Keep Gutters Clean: Clogged gutters cause water to back up, leading to fascia and roof deck damage. Clean them at least twice a year.
- Trim Branches: Keep overhanging tree branches trimmed back to prevent scraping, which can damage roofing materials over time.
- Avoid Foot Traffic: Minimize walking on the roof, as foot traffic can damage materials, especially shingles in cold weather.
đ Dad's Roofing Jokes
Because even roofing should have a sense of humor! Share these with your crew.
What's a roofer's favorite candy?
...Shingles! đ«
Why did the shingle break up with the wood sheathing?
...Because he felt too much pressure! đ
How many roofers does it take to change a lightbulb?
...None, we work better in the dark! đĄ
Why did the roof go to therapy?
...It had too many issues up top! đ
Got a better one? Share it on our Facebook page! #BetterCallPaul
Dad's Fix of the Week: Roofing Articles & Guides
Dad's Fix #1: The New Brunswick Homeowner's Guide to Eavestrough Maintenance
Stop the Rot! Your gutters are the unsung heroes of your roof. In Quispamsis, Saint John, and Southern NB, heavy rains and fall debris make gutter maintenance critical. Learn Dad Paul's essential tips to prevent thousands in water damage.
Insurance Claims for Roof Damage in New Brunswick: Your Complete Guide
Storm damage your roof? Navigate insurance claims like a pro with this comprehensive guide for NB homeowners. Learn what adjusters look for, how to document damage, and maximize your claim payout.
Metal vs Asphalt Roofing: Which is Best for New Brunswick's Climate?
Choosing between metal and asphalt roofing in NB? Compare durability, cost, and performance in our harsh Atlantic climate. Get expert insights for Saint John, Quispamsis, and Moncton homes.
Winter-Proof Your Roof: New Brunswick's Essential Pre-Winter Checklist
Don't let winter catch you unprepared! Follow this comprehensive checklist to protect your NB home from ice dams, snow loads, and freeze damage. Essential tips for Saint John and Maritime homeowners.
Understanding Your Roof System: The Five Essential Layers
Your roof is a complex, integrated system. To ensure maximum protection and longevity for your home in Southern New Brunswick, it's vital to understand its key componentsâand why quality installation matters for each one.
Roof Maintenance: The 4-Season Inspection Checklist
Protecting your roof is a year-round job. Use our essential 4-season checklist to identify potential issues early and protect your home investment in New Brunswick.
Metal vs. Asphalt: The True Cost of Your Roof (An Investment Comparison)
The price tag on a new roof is only part of the story. We break down the true lifetime cost, maintenance, and longevity to show why a Paul's metal roof is the smarter investment for New Brunswick homes.
The Anatomy of a Leak: 5 Critical Spots Where Water Gets In
A leak rarely starts in the middle of a panel or shingle. They begin at key junctions. Learn the five critical failure points on your roof so you can spot danger before the ceiling drips.
Attic Airflow: The Hidden Key to Roof Life and Lower Bills
The most expensive damage to a roof isn't from stormsâit's from poor ventilation. Learn how balanced intake and exhaust airflow prevents premature material failure, ice dams, and high energy bills in New Brunswick.
Roofing for Southern NB: Why Saint John Homes Need Metal
The climate and coastal elements around Saint John, Quispamsis, and Rothesay pose unique challenges for roofing. Learn why standard shingles fail here prematurely and how Paul's metal solutions are built for our specific conditions.
The Fastener Factor: How Screws vs. Nails Make or Break Your Roof
Ninety percent of wind damage to roofs starts with fastener failure. Learn why the type, grade, and placement of fasteners is the most critical decision in roof installationâand why cutting corners here costs you everything.
Financing Your New Roof: Investment vs. Never-Ending Repair Costs
A new roof is a significant investment, but continuing to patch an aging system often costs more. Learn about financing options, tax benefits, and the true cost comparison between ongoing repairs and a permanent metal solution.
Emergency Roof Repair: When to DIY and When to Call Paul's
A sudden leak can cause panic, but knowing what you can safely handle temporarilyâand when to call professionals immediatelyâcan save your home from extensive damage. Here's your emergency action plan.
Roof Warranty Guide: What's Covered, What Isn't, and Why It Matters
A roof warranty isn't just a piece of paperâit's your financial protection against defects and premature failure. But not all warranties are equal. Learn how to read the fine print and what questions to ask before signing.
Metal Roof Profiles: Standing Seam vs Panels - Which is Right for Your Home?
Not all metal roofs are created equal. The profile you choose affects everything from cost to performance to appearance. Learn the key differences between standing seam and exposed-fastener panels to make the right choice.
Seamless Eavestroughs: The Foundation of Proper Water Management
Your gutters are the first line of defense against water damage, but only if they're sized, installed, and maintained correctly. Learn why seamless eavestroughs outperform sectional systems and how proper drainage protects your investment.
Ice Dam Prevention Strategies for the NB Winter
Ice dams are the #1 cause of winter roof damage in New Brunswick. They're preventable, but only if you understand the science behind their formation and take proactive steps. Here's your complete prevention strategy.
Choosing the Right Contractor: Red Flags vs Green Flags
Not all roofers are created equal. Some will protect your investment, while others will leave you with expensive problems. Learn the warning signs of unreliable contractors and the qualities that separate professionals from pretenders.
Spring Roof Inspection Checklist: Your Post-Winter Assessment Guide
Winter is hard on roofs. From ice dams to wind damage, the season leaves its mark. Use this comprehensive spring checklist to identify problems before they become expensive disasters.
The True Cost of DIY Roofing: When to Save vs When to Hire Pros
DIY roofing seems like a great way to save money, but the hidden costsâfrom safety risks to warranty voidsâoften exceed professional installation. Learn which roof tasks you can handle and which ones require Paul's expertise.
Roof Pitch and Material Selection: Why Slope Matters More Than You Think
Your roof's pitch isn't just about aestheticsâit determines which materials will work, how water drains, and even how much your insurance costs. Learn why slope is the foundation of all roofing decisions.
Wind Damage Assessment: Your Complete Guide to Insurance Claims
Wind damage can be subtle and expensive if missed. Learn how to identify wind damage, document it properly, and work with your insurance company to get the coverage you deserve. Paul's guides you through the entire claims process.
Roof Decking Replacement: When Structure Matters More Than Surface
A beautiful new roof on rotten decking is a disaster waiting to happen. Learn when decking replacement is necessary, what materials work best, and why cutting corners on structure is the most expensive mistake you can make.
Energy Star Metal Roofing: Tax Credits and Rebates Available in NB
Energy-efficient metal roofing isn't just good for the environmentâit can save you money on taxes and energy bills. Learn about federal tax credits, provincial rebates, and utility incentives available for Energy Star certified metal roofs.
Wind Damage Assessment: Understanding Your Insurance Claim Process
Storm winds can cause hidden damage that isn't immediately visible. Learn how to assess wind damage, document it properly, and navigate the insurance claim process to ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
Roof Decking Replacement: When Structure Matters More Than Surface
A beautiful new roof is only as good as the decking beneath it. Learn when roof decking needs replacement, what materials to choose, and why this hidden component is critical to your roof's long-term performance.
Energy Star Rebates: Roofing Upgrades That Pay You Back
Government rebates and tax credits can significantly reduce the cost of energy-efficient roofing upgrades. Learn which materials qualify, how much you can save, and the application process for maximum returns.
Commercial Roofing Systems: Flat Roof Solutions That Last
Commercial flat roofs face unique challenges requiring specialized solutions. Learn about TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen systems, their applications, and how to choose the right system for your building.
Gutter Systems: Protection Beyond the Roof Edge
Proper gutter systems are critical for protecting your foundation, siding, and landscaping. Learn about seamless gutters, gutter guards, and sizing requirements to keep water flowing away from your home.
Roof Maintenance: Your Seasonal Checklist for Homeowner Success
Regular maintenance extends your roof's life by 5-10 years. This comprehensive seasonal guide shows you what to inspect, when to call professionals, and how to prevent small problems from becoming major expenses.
Flashing Installation: Watertight Seals at Critical Points
Flashing is your roof's most critical component for preventing water infiltration. Learn about proper flashing installation around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof valleys to ensure decades of leak-free performance.
Winter Roof Safety: Ice and Snow Management Guide
Winter weather poses unique challenges for New Brunswick roofs. Learn about ice dam prevention, safe snow removal, and emergency winter roof maintenance to protect your home through harsh Maritime winters.
Roof Ventilation Systems: Breathe Life Into Your Roof
Proper roof ventilation extends shingle life, prevents ice dams, and reduces energy costs. Learn about ridge vents, soffit vents, and balanced ventilation systems that keep your New Brunswick home comfortable year-round.
Siding Installation: Exterior Protection and Curb Appeal
Quality siding protects your home's structure while enhancing its appearance and value. Learn about vinyl, fiber cement, and steel siding options, plus proper installation techniques for Maritime weather conditions.