Today’s custom home designs have more interesting exterior lines than ever before, with roofs that vary in pitch and shape. And increasingly, architects are calling for more than one type of roofing material.
From sleek flat-roof retreats to chalet-inspired cottages with dormers, sloped roofs and cupolas, there’s no single best roofing solution, says TJ Scull, owner of Advanced Roof Solutions.
A multi-system roof, he says, combines two different types of roofing materials for style and added durability. “One popular multi-system solution combines asphalt shingles with steel accent dormers,” says TJ. “But some designs call for a combination of steel and flat roofing, or flat and asphalt.”
While multi-systems are becoming more common, it’s important to note that each of these roofing materials is installed very differently and needs to be installed by a roofing contractor who is not only experienced in installing each type, but knows how to seam them together.
Having worked in roofing for over 20 years, TJ has seen it all. Just last year, he says his team was hired for a new custom build in Simcoe County.
While the design called for a multi-system roof solution, the builder decided to cut costs by hiring two separate companies to complete the roof. TJ’s team completed the steel dormers, while another roofer installed the asphalt shingles.
“That company didn’t know how to properly join the materials and ended up destroying the steel roof,” says TJ. “Once they were done, we had to remove all of our steel and redo it.”
In the end, the builder saved $2,000 by not having TJ’s team install the shingles, but then spent $10,000 to have the steel repaired.
Experience matters not only for maximizing your roof’s longevity but also for its curb appeal.
“Every roof has symmetry and precise measurements, so any inconsistencies can stand out in a bad way,” he says. “Attention to detail matters, from measuring and closing hems to alignment along the fascia.”
In addition to carefully selecting your installer, it’s important to also consider the quality of the roofing materials used to complete your roof. While shingles usually last between 15 to 20 years, innovative brands like GAF have more than doubled the lifespan of their roofing materials.
“With GAF, we can offer a 50-year transferable warranty to our clients,” says TJ. “It’s an incredible product.”
With better technology, there’s never been a better time to protect your home or cottage with a roof that will last for decades to come.
“Call us for a complimentary onsite consultation, and let us protect your greatest investment,” says TJ. “We’ve got you covered.”
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
