Roofing Questions, Answered

Yes. We inspect your roof, explain what we find and give you a written estimate at no cost and with no obligation.

It depends on the age of the roof, how widespread the damage is and the condition of the deck underneath. If the problem is isolated, a repair usually makes sense. If shingles are curling, losing granules or leaking in several places, replacement is often the better investment. We will show you photos and lay out both options when both are reasonable.

Yes. James Roofing is a licensed and insured roofing contractor, and we are happy to provide proof of coverage before work begins.

Most residential roof replacements take one to three days, depending on the size and pitch of the roof, how many layers come off and the weather. You will get a realistic timeline with your estimate.

Yes. We handle flat and low slope commercial roofing, repairs and maintenance, plus snow removal for commercial lots.

Most single-family homes take one to three days, depending on size, pitch and how many layers are coming off. Weather can move the start date. We only open as much roof as we can close up the same day.

We don't recommend it. A second layer hides deck damage, adds weight and holds heat that shortens shingle life. We tear off to the deck so we can inspect and repair the wood underneath.

Yes. Many repairs can be done in cold weather, and some leaks can't wait for spring. We make a permanent repair when conditions allow and a proper temporary one when they don't, and we tell you which is which.

If the rest of the roof has good life left, a targeted repair is usually the smart move. If the shingles are brittle and worn everywhere, repeated repairs add up fast. We'll give you an honest assessment with photos.

Most residential inspections take about an hour, depending on the size of the roof and access to the attic. Larger commercial roofs take longer. The written report follows after the visit.

We walk the roof when it's safe to do so. If pitch, ice or weather make it unsafe, we inspect from ladders and the attic, note any areas we couldn't reach, and come back when conditions allow if needed.

It depends on the membrane, the installation and above all the drainage. A flat roof that sheds water and gets checked regularly will far outlast one with ponding. We'll give you a realistic picture for your roof when we inspect it.

Usually, yes. On a replacement we can add tapered insulation or rebuild low areas to create slope toward a drain or scupper. On an existing roof, adding or moving a drain is sometimes possible, depending on the structure.

Yes. We set up scheduled inspections, typically in spring and fall, along with drain clearing and minor repairs. After each visit you get a photo report with anything that needs attention ranked by priority.

Yes, most commercial roofing happens on occupied buildings. We plan staging, noise and access with you, keep entrances clear and close the roof up at the end of each workday.

They're the same thing. Eavestrough is the common Canadian term, and gutter is more common in the US. Either way, it's the channel that collects water at the roof edge.

Most homes are done in a day. If fascia boards need replacing or new soffit is going in too, it can take longer. We'll give you a timeline with your quote.

Far less often, but not never. Most guards need an occasional check and a light brushing or rinse of the surface. Scooping wet leaves out by hand every fall becomes a thing of the past.

Usually, yes, if the troughs are in good shape and properly sloped. If they're sagging, leaking or undersized, we'll recommend fixing or replacing them first so the guards sit on a sound system.

Sometimes, but we usually recommend removing it. Covering the old layer hides rotten sheathing and moisture problems, and it creates depth issues around windows and trim. Stripping it lets us fix what's underneath.

Vinyl, fibre cement, aluminum and steel all perform well here when they're installed properly. The best choice depends on your budget, the look you want and how much maintenance you're willing to do. We'll walk you through the trade-offs.

Many older Ontario homes have far less than current standards. Around R-60 is a common target, but the right level depends on your house, the attic space and what's already there. We'll measure what you have and recommend a level.

Usually not, as long as it's dry and free of mould, pests and contamination. We blow new insulation over it. If we find vermiculite, which can contain asbestos, we stop and recommend testing before anyone disturbs it.

Yes. A seasonal contract covers the whole winter for a set scope, and it's the most common choice for homeowners and businesses. We'll go over the terms, including the snowfall depth that triggers a visit and what's included, before you sign.

Yes. Salting and de-icing are available for residential driveways and walkways and for commercial lots and entrances. It can be built into a seasonal agreement or added as needed.

Most homes don't need it after an average snowfall. It's worth calling if you have a flat or low-slope roof with heavy drifts, ice dams forming, or interior doors that suddenly start sticking, which can signal a heavy load. Please don't climb onto a snowy roof yourself.

We use steam to cut through the ice instead of hammers or chisels, which crack shingles and bend eavestrough. Once the ice is cleared and meltwater can drain, we can look at what's causing the ice dams so they stop coming back.