Drainage FAQ
Recently my basement an/or yard seem to be turned into a swamp after rain. Why is this happening?
It can be water on the floor, seeping under the concrete slab, in the crawl space or dampness on the walls.
Basements and crawl spaces with water penetration and dampness contribute to mildew problems in the house, cold floors, structural damage and mold or rot. It can also lead to serious health problems. If not treated immediately a slushy yard can ruin gardens, produce mosquitoes and foul odours. One of the most common problems facing homeowners and contractors alike is the foundation crack. Foundation cracks can lead to wet basements, cause basement-remodelling problems and limits basement living space and finishing plans.
What is Drain Tile?
If you have a wet basement or crawl space, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of drain tile.
Drain tile is a piping system that collects water from around your foundation and moves it away from you home. If your drain tile is doing its job properly, you won’t know it’s there. This is one of the reasons why a lot of people are puzzled when they start to notice a water problem.
Drain tile is basically a run of pipe with holes in it that runs horizontally (at a very slight slope) around the perimeter of your house. This pipe is surrounded with rock. The holes let water in so that it can then run toward a city connection or in some cases a rock pit.
Your drain tile basically sets the water table around your home. Without it your basement or crawl space is at risk of flooding and if not dealt with when problems arise, your property will suffer damage and you could start to experience health issues.
How do you install it?
Below we’ve listed the typical steps required to install a new drainage system or replace one or two sides of your perimeter drain tile layout.
- Remove any landscaping such as, trees, shrubs or sidewalks to allow easier access to your foundation. This landscaping can be put back.
- Excavate along your foundation down to the homes footing. This is where your drain tile rests.
- Pressure wash the foundation wall and repair all cracks. We then apply a paint on rubber proof membrane and then dimple board in some cases If deemed necessary. This depends on where the home sits geologically.
- Install perforated 4″ PVC pipe around the perimeter of your foundation and its covered with drain rock.
- Install solid 4″ PVC pipe to collect water from down spouts / gutters.
- Connect the new PVC pipes to either your existing sump or install a new sump if you don’t have one. From the sump the water will enter the city connection.
- Back-fill and replace sidewalks. replace shrubs.
FAQ
Why are Burrard roofing and drainage Warranties important?
A new roof is a big investment, typically involving thousands of your hard-earned dollars and lasting 25, 30, 40 years or more. As with any big investment, knowing in advance what your warranty covers could save you thousands in the event that problems arise with your roof.
What are the chances of having a problem with my new GAF Roof?
Based on our state-of-the-art manufacturing process, the odds of having a problem with a new GAF roof is about 1 in 1000! On the other hand, while serious problems with GAF roofing materials are rare, if you were to have a problem, it can be as expensive to fix as your roof originally cost. So while the risk of having a problem is low, the cost if you do have a serious problem can be high.
What about problems with installation?
GAF’s studies indicate that more than two-thirds of the problems that people experience with their new roofs are due to the contractor’s workmanship—not the roofing materials. This is an important distinction to keep in mind when deciding on warranty coverage.
What should I look for in a Roofing Warranty?
Basically, there are two types of coverage that you should ask your contractor about: coverage against material defects and coverage against workmanship errors.
Tell me about coverage against Material Defects…
To the best of our knowledge, all roofing products come with a warranty against material defects, although your exact coverage will vary depending on the brand. For example, a typical shingle warranty will cover material defects for a period of 20, 30, 40 years or more. The warranty on the other components of your roofing system can vary from as little as a few months to several years. It is important to remember that coverage against material defects is provided by the manufacturer, so you should select a brand from a manufacturer who is financially strong and therefore more likely to be in business for as long as you own your roof—which could be several decades!
What is a GAF’s “Smart Choice Protection Period”?
GAF’s warranties come with a special provision called the Smart Choice® Protection Period that covers you against material defects during the critical early years of your new roof. During this period, in the event that you experience a material defect on covered components, GAF will provide you with 100% replacement materials and the reasonable cost of labor to install them. This is important because some roofing warranties may only provide replacement materials, but not the labor to install them.
What is the GAF Smart Choice System Plus ltd. Warranty?
What Is The GAF Smart Choice® System Plus Ltd. Warranty? (Back to Top) The GAF Smart Choice® System Plus Ltd. Warranty provides coverage against material defects for all major GAF components on your roof (not just your shingles)—so you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that, if any covered roofing component fails, it will be covered by the warranty (see ltd. warranty for complete coverage and restrictions). The warranty is available through GAF certified contractors, and is a low-cost way to get up to 50 years of non-prorated coverage (against material defects) on your new roofing system.
How do I get coverage against workmanship errors?
Many roofing contractors provide their own warranty against errors in workmanship, sometimes for as long as ten years or more. Obviously, that coverage is only good for as long as the contractor remains in business. Since roofing is a “high turnover” occupation, the majority of roofing contractors are out of business within five years—far less than the life of your new roof—making the warranty worthless and leaving you with nowhere to turn in the event that you have a workmanship problem.
Are there any manufacturers who will cover The Contractor’s Workmanship?
Until recently, there were no manufacturers that provided warranty coverage against errors in the contractors’ workmanship. Recognizing this obvious need, GAF introduced the Golden Pledge® Ltd. Warranty—the first manufacturer’s warranty to cover both material defects and the contractor’s workmanship (see ltd. warranty for complete coverage and restrictions). Whether or not your contractor remains in business, GAF will stand behind his workmanship up to 20 years! The Golden Pledge® Ltd. Warranty is available only through GAF Master Elite® Contractors, who are factory-certified by GAF. The warranty even includes an inspection by GAF’s independent inspectors after your new roof has been completed to insure proper installation. It is the strongest, safest warranty available in roofing today. Your Master Elite Contractor can provide a price for the warranty when he gives you a quote for your new roof.
How do I file a claim if I have a material defect on my GAF Shingles?
Before you proceed, if possible you should locate a copy of your GAF warranty and a copy of the contractor’s invoice, contract, or original estimate. You will also need to provide the date applied, proof that you were the owner when the shingles were installed (or that the warranty was properly transferred to you), the number of squares applied (1 square = 100 square feet), and the date applied. Then call our Warranty Service Department toll-free at 1-800-458-1860, and let us know the nature of your complaint.
FAQs
How can I contact a roofing contractor near me?
As a certified roofing contractor, we’re available to take your call and answer any questions you may have. You can contact us by phone at (604) 986-1812, or by filling out our online contact form.
How long do roofs last?
A roof’s lifespan can vary considerably depending on what material is used. Your typical shingle roof will usually last between 25 and 30 years.
Slate, metal, and tile roofs will last considerably longer. Generally, a metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, while slate and tile can last 100 years or more with regular maintenance.
How can I tell if my roof needs to be replaced?
There are several signs you can look out for that may indicate your roof needs to be replaced. Watch out for the following:
- Dark patches or bald spots
- Curling or missing shingles
- Sagging or drooping
- Moss growth
If you see any of the above, don’t hesitate to contact us for a roof inspection.
What’s the best type of roof?
Best is hard to say: It depends on the property and the budget. In terms of price and performance, asphalt shingle roofs are a great option. But if you have a higher price point, it’s certainly worth considering going for a roof of wood shingles, metal, slate, or tile.
If my roof leaks, do I need a whole new roof?
No. Unless the roof is past its prime, we usually only have to repair the affected area. The roof will then be good to go for the rest of its lifespan.
How long does it take to replace a roof?
An asphalt shingle roof can be installed in as little as a day or two. Other materials—such as metal or tile—will take longer, up to a week or more depending on the size of the job.
What is the cost of a new roof?
The cost of a roof will vary based on the material and the size of the job. Usually, it ranges anywhere from $5,000 to $11,000. In some parts of the country, the high-end figure is as much as $45,000.
How can I get an estimate?
You can get a no-obligation estimate by contacting us. We’ll then assess the size of the job, as well as the costs of materials and labor so that we can give you a detailed quote.
How does roof pitch affect durability?
The pitch of a roof is its angle: how flat or how high it sits. Generally speaking, low-pitch roofs tend to accumulate water build-up, which can cause them to wear out faster. A higher pitch will have better drainage, meaning fewer down-the-road issues.
Note that pitch only affects the durability of certain types of roofs. Some roofing systems—such as torch-down roofs—will always have a low pitch. Asphalt roofs should be built on a higher pitch.
What do you do to protect a home temporarily after a storm has damaged a roof?
We use a range of preventative measures to shore up the roof and make sure it won’t leak. We will patch holes, secure any water-damaged areas, and fasten waterproof tarpaulins if required. From there, we can work with the client to develop a detailed action plan to provide a more permanent solution.
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Contact Us Today
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about our services, our work history, or what we can do to help you with your roof. We value honesty and transparency, and we’ll be sure to give you all the guidance you need to make an informed decision for your property.
To get started, don’t hesitate to contact us today.