Capping Shingles
50yr cap on a 50yr roof.
We only install GAF hip & ridge cap to match the shingles colour and 50 year lifespan unlike cut-up 3-tab shingles.
If 3-tab shingles are cut up and used as capping on a 50 year roof they will look like above picture in about 10-15 years.
Nail Placement
Never high nail shingles.
Manufacturer specifications require 4 nails on a low slope and 6 nails on a steep slope and high wind areas.
Most companies follow these guidelines but we prefer to use 6 nails for every install - on the nail line, and not in the seams!
Starter Strip Shingles
Starter strips prevent blow-offs.
Before starter strip shingles were created roofers would turn a shingle around and use the top side as the starter.
Starter strip shingles are a single layer piece lined with tar to help form a better seal at the edges of the roof.
We only use GAF starter strip shingles on both eaves and gables to ensure a proper seal and a 210km/h wind warranty
Chalk Lines
Hips, Ridges, Valleys, & Sometimes Starters
Chalk lines are the fastest way to mark straight guidelines on flat surfaces and yet some people still don't use them.
Without straight lines on your hips, ridges, and valleys the only thing you'll notice when looking at your new roof is all of the wavy lines. We use chalk lines for all capping and valleys and f or a roof that is 40ft or more we use a chalk line to mark our first course of starters to make sure the shingles go on straight.
Shingle Placement
Staircase vs. Racking
Installing roof shingles in a racking pattern is not recommended by any roofing manufacturers for laminate shingles.
There is also the cosmetic issue with shingle racking and that is when different bundles are installed next to each other they often won't blend correctly - you'll see rectangular patterns of shingles and different colours on the roof surface.
Therefore we only install our shingles in the staircase format and never rack them.
Inspection & Follow-Up
Installation Inspection
Most companies will install a roof and never return. Some might come back if there is an issue. But unfortunately from the stories we've heard from homeowners - some go out of business or just simply refuse to return.
Our first inspection is done right after the roof is installed. We check for proper installation, adhesion of the shingles and cap, and we make sure the roof and ground are clean. We then book your 6 month follow up inspection where we will check the roof to make sure nothing has blown away or come loose.
With winds reaching over 100km/h 3 years in a row you can never be too careful.
GAF Certified
To become factory-certified as a GAF contractor, a roofing contractor needs to show that they are:
- Properly Licensed
- Adequately Insured
- Have a Proven Reputation
- Committed to Ongoing Professional Training
Because of GAF’s stringent standards, only 10% of all roofing contractors have qualified as Certified contractors! Choosing a GAF Certified contractor is your assurance that you’ll be dealing with a quality driven, reputable, and dependable professional contractor.
Velux Certified
Why choose a certified installer?
Have peace of mind knowing that your skylights are properly integrated with your roof by a VELUX trained installer.
Installation is done by a certified member of the installers program who is in good standing.
VELUX is the only residential skylight company to offer a certified installers training program - ensuring that you, as a homeowner, get a quality installation.
Working at Heights Training
Safety first.
Workers on a construction project who have to use fall protection equipment – including residential roofers – have to be trained. It's the law.
Any employee of Gateway Roofing who is on the roof is trained in proper working at heights (fall arrest) techniques and carries a valid Working at Heights certificate.
More Training
Installed to manufacturer specifications
In addition to our certifications and working at heights training we also do in house training on proper installation techniques so everyone on the crew is on the same page and you don't end up with something like a closed valley on one side of your roof and an open valley on the other.
Training is not required to become to a roofer for other companies but it is required by us.
$2M Liability
Just in case
Even though we have never had any incidents and we do our best to avoid these situations - accidents do happen.
You can have peace of mind knowing that we are insured for any damages.
Ask us for proof of insurance and we will have a certificate of insurance made specifically for your home.