TIPS:

Useful Information to help you be an informed consumer.

• Common Words

• Inspection Checklist

• Recent Customer Reviews

Common Words/Phrases:

Built-Up Roof Membrane:

BUR systems generally are composed of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics that create a finished membrane. These roof systems are commonly referred to as tar and gravel roofs.

Caulking:

The process used to seal a joint or juncture.

Drip Edge:  

A finishing material installed along the eaves, which directs water into the gutters as it drains from the roof.

Fascia:

A vertical or steeply sloped roof or trim, typically located at the perimeter of a building.

Flash Point:

The lowest temperature of a liquid at which it gives off vapors sufficient to form an ignitable mixture with air near its surface.

Flashing:  

Components used to weatherproof or seal the roof system edges at perimeters, penetrations, walls, expansion joints, valley, drains, and other places where the roof covering is interrupted or terminated.

Gable:

A triangular portion of the end-wall of a building directly under the sloping roof & above the eave line.

Joist: 

Metal or wood beams arranged parallel from wall to wall to support a building’s floor, ceiling or roof.

Membrane:

A flexible or semi-flexible material, which functions as the waterproofing component in a roofing or waterproofing assembly; primary function is the exclusion of water.

Metal Flashing:

Metal accessory components used to weatherproof terminating roof covering edges.

Modified Bitumen:

A bitumen modified through the inclusion of one or more polymers.

Rafter:

Sloped structural members, typically extending from the ridge or hip to the down slope perimeter or eave.

Rake:

Sloped edge of a roof, at/or adjacent to the first or last rafter.

Ridge:

The highest point on the roof.

Ridge Beam:

The top support beam between opposite slopes or sides of a roof.

Roof Sheathing Boards:

The structural base of a roof. Also called the roof deck, or decking.  Plywood: The structural base of a roof. Also called the roof deck, or decking.

Roof Truss (rafters):

The framework that supports a roof.

Shingles:

The outer covering of a roof.

Soffit:

The finished underside of the eaves. Soffit panels are available in wood, vinyl and aluminum.

Step Flashing:

A corrosion-resistant sheet metal used to waterproof the angle between a chimney, skylight, dormer, etc. and a sloping roof.

Underlayment:

An asphalt saturated felt or other sheet material, installed between the roof deck and the roof system, usually used in a steep-slope roof construction.

Valley:

The intersection of two sloping roofs joining at an angle to provide water runoff.

Valley Flashing:

Made from aluminum or galvanized steel, this additional water barrier is installed after the roof and valley have been covered with underlayment.

Vapor Retarder:

Material installed to block or restrict the passage of water vapor through a roof assembly.

Vent:

An opening designed to convey air, heat, or water vapor from inside a building to the atmosphere.

Vent Flashing:

A flat piece of pre cut sheet metal installed on top of the underlayment to prevent leaks from occurring where roof vents are present.

Wall Stud:

An upright piece of wood used to frame a house and support the walls of the structure.

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Inspection Checklist:

Roof:

Inspect to make certain all roofing components are secure, including shingles, flashing and fascia boards. Tree branches, that overhang your home and are at risk of coming down in the event of an ice storm should be removed in the fall.

Chimneys:

Loose or missing brick can usually be seen from the ground or with the help of binoculars.  Look for mortar missing from between the brickwork and crumbling brickwork.

Attic:

Ensure you have adequate attic insulation and that all vents are functioning properly.

Eavestroughs:

Clean out the eavestroughs after the leaves fall and before the snow; to prevent any water problems come Spring.

Downspouts:

Inspect downspouts to ensure water is not collecting near the foundation of your home.

Tuckpointing:

Upgrading the mortar between your homes bricks and concrete blocks helps keep the structure sound and prevents water intrusion.

Exterior Foundation:

Check for water points of entry such as cracked mortar joints, deterioration, loose caulking or cement around basement windows, which would allow water to enter, window wells that are not functioning properly.

Interior Foundation:

Look for moisture stains that show up at the base of interior walls; and can be identified by discoloration and flaking.  Lift rugs where the floor meets the walls and check for odour, dampness or mould.

Landscaping:

Make sure sidewalks, driveways and patios are sloping away from the foundation to divert water.

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Terri - June 2011
"Roofing in Etobicoke: Atlas building Services did a new roof for our small strip plaza. They met all the needs of our property manager. Compared to some other roofing companies, Atlas had good prices and we were pleased with the work".

TT -  4 Apr 2011
"Mississauga Waterproofing Job: Happy Customers. We had waterproofing done by Atlas Building Services. Our basement was leaky. They did a wonderful job. No more wet basement. They were fast, clean and professional. We recommended Atlas Building Services for Waterproofing. Thank you guys!! We are now having our roof repaired by Atlas".

Ernie - April 2011
"Waterproofing in Mississauga: We had our commercial building waterproofed by Atlas Building Services. They did a wonderful job and we have not encountered any water since.  We recommend Atlas Building Services for waterproofing".

AnneB - March 2011
"Toronto Roofers:  Roof done by Atlas, we originally hired another company that did not show up. Atlas did the job last minute, we are extremely pleased with their customer service and workmanship. Thank you to a Great Roofing Company in Toronto".

mbmsn - 30 Sep 2010
"Great job! We had our roof replaced. We are very happy with the outcome. They did a very good job. Very friendly people. We highly recommend them. We are now using them for waterproofing job".

WebM - 6 Aug 2010
"Commercial Roof: Atlas Building Services repaired our commercial roof of approx 14000 sq ft. The job was done on time and on budget. We highly recommend them. Additionally they are very nice people to deal with".

Sc - 1 Jul 2010
"Commercial Flat Roof: I had a flat roof done by Atlas and I was very impressed. No interruption to our business. Job done on time. Clean and quiet. Nice Professional crew".

lab - 2 Oct 2009
"New Roof: They did my roof. I found them to be professional, courteous of our neighbours (which was very important to us), friendly and clean. I would highly recommend them. Thanks".

Contact us for all your Roofing & Waterproofing Needs!

Atlas Building Services (416) 826-3729

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