Maintenance and Repairs

January 22, 2024 Published by Golden Horseshoe Chapter - By Justin DeBoer

Roofing Resilience: Navigating Warranties and Weather in Multi- Residential Properties

From the Volume 18, Winter 2024 issue of the CCI GHC Condo News Magazine

Introduction

In the face of increasingly erratic and severe weather patterns, the roofing decisions made by condominiums and multi-residential properties have never been more critical. Gone are the days of slow, steady drizzles; now, property managers and owners must prepare for sudden torrential downpours and ferocious windstorms.

This article delves into the world of roofing materials and warranties, exploring how they intertwine with insurance policies and weather resilience. It’s a guide to making informed decisions that could save tens of thousands in insurance deductibles and provide peace of mind during the harshest weather.

The Evolution of Weather Patterns and Their Impact on Roofing

The Hamilton and surrounding area has experienced several severe weather events in recent years, each underscoring the need for resilient roofing in multi-residential properties. Three notable examples include:

1. January 2022 Snowstorm: This event brought about 40 to 50 cm of snow in less than 12 hours, leading to significant weight load on roofs and subsequent freeze-thaw cycles that formed dangerous icicles and ice sheets.
2. April 2018 Ice Storm: Affecting a large area across southern and central Ontario, this ice storm caused widespread power outages and property damage due to ice buildup on trees and power lines combined with high winds.
3. Hurricane Fiona (2022): Though primarily impacting Atlantic Canada, its effects were felt in Ontario as well. This post-tropical system brought heavy rains, powerful winds, and storm surges, causing extensive damage and flooding.

These events demonstrate the increasing severity and frequency of extreme weather in the region, emphasizing the importance of considering more resilient and weather-proof roofing materials and designs for multi-residential properties. The impact of these storms on roofing structures includes the risk of heavy snow and ice accumulation, as well as damage from falling trees and debris due to high winds. This data supports the need for a reevaluation of roofing strategies in the face of changing weather patterns.

Understanding Roofing Materials and Their Durability

The advancements in asphalt shingle technology have significantly enhanced their durability and weather resistance. Incorporating fabrics into the shingle at the adhesive strip and nailing line strengthens the bond and makes it difficult for nails to pull out under high wind conditions. Improved adhesives that are stronger and less brittle also contribute to this enhanced resilience. The construction of shingles has evolved to multi-layer designs using asphalt on a fiberglass-reinforced mat, which substantially increases the shingle’s strength and lifespan compared to the original organic single-layered shingles. These technological developments reflect a focus on weather resilience and longevity in roofing materials for all discerning building owners who make the wiser choices in shingle roofing selections.

Decoding Roofing Warranties: What Property Owners Need to Know

In the realm of roofing warranties for multi-residential properties like condos, several key aspects need to be understood:

1. Coverage Differences: Warranties for single-family homes often differ significantly from those for multi-residential or commercial properties. Typically, single-family dwelling warranties might extend up to 50 years, whereas for other buildings, they are about half of that duration (20-25 years).
2. Specifics of Coverage: These warranties vary in terms of what they cover. Some may offer labor-only coverage, while others might cover issues only if they cause a leak. Extended coverage, often available through credentialed installers, is crucial, especially for labor and materials in cases of manufacturing defects or wind damage.
3. Navigational Challenges: Understanding these warranties can be complex due to their legalistic language. It’s important for property managers and condo boards to conduct thorough research, possibly with professional guidance or explanations from manufacturer representatives.

This understanding is essential for ensuring adequate protection and making informed decisions regarding roofing warranties in condos and similar properties.

Roofing Warranties and Insurance: Navigating the Coverage Maze

In condos, roofing warranties and insurance intersect in complex ways. Older properties often face limited options when dealing with storm damage due to basic warranties. High insurance deductibles can make claims impractical. However, choosing advanced roofing materials can lead to better warranty coverage and potential insurance rebates. This highlights the importance of investing in quality roofing systems from the outset. Such decisions can offer long-term financial benefits, reducing the risk and cost associated with weather-related damages.

The Role of Professional Contractors in Ensuring Roofing Resilience

Professional installation and maintenance are crucial for maintaining roofing resilience, especially in extreme weather conditions. Credentialed installers can offer extended warranties to condos, demonstrating expertise in prescribed installation methods. A professional contractor’s knowledge is vital, particularly for condo roofing, where warranty conditions differ from single-family homes. The right contractor choice reflects positively on community decisions, ensuring long-term benefits and preparedness for inevitable weather challenges. This approach underscores the importance of not just focusing on cost but on value and expertise. In addition, Maintenance practices like ‘tabbing’ can extend a roof’s life, as seen in a condo that deferred roofing replacement for three years. Regular checks also allow for early detection and repair of minor issues, preventing larger problems. This comprehensive approach underlines the importance of skilled contractors in maintaining and preserving roofing integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adapting to changing weather patterns and embracing advancements in asphalt shingle technology are crucial for roofing in multi-residential properties. Understanding roofing warranties and their interplay with insurance, along with relying on the expertise of professional contractors, is key to long-term resilience.

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Justin DeBoer
Skyline Contracting