When a squall sweeps off Lake Ontario and hammers Burlington, roofs tell the story. I have seen midnight calls where a small shingle tear turned into ceiling stains across three rooms by morning, and flat commercial roofs ponding so badly that water found every weak seam it could. Emergency roof repair is a race against time, and the first hour often determines whether you are dealing with a localized roof leak repair Burlington folks fix in an afternoon, or a multi-room drywall, insulation, and flooring project that drags on for weeks.
This guide lays out what to do when https://storage.googleapis.com/cloudblog-blogs/spray-foam-insulation-guide-toronto.html your roof fails after a storm, who to call, how to talk with your insurer, and how to judge whether you need roof repair Burlington services or a full roof replacement Burlington homeowners consider every 15 to 25 years. I will also share what experienced Burlington roofing crews look for in the field, from wind-lifted asphalt shingles to punctured EPDM seams on flat systems. If you need same-day roofing Burlington can deliver it, but knowing how to triage safely will save you money and headache.
What qualifies as an emergency
A roof emergency has two qualities: uncontrolled water intrusion or structural compromise. If you are placing buckets every five minutes or you hear dripping inside a wall, it is an emergency. If you can see daylight through decking, or if wind has peeled back shingles in a broad swath, it is an emergency. A few loose shingles with no active leak rarely justifies a night call; heavy interior dripping does.
The tricky cases live in the gray area. A skylight that weeps at the corners only during wind-driven rain may feel minor, yet soggy insulation around that opening can grow mold in a week. A tiny puncture in a TPO roofing Burlington warehouse, if it sits in a low spot, may allow a surprising volume of water to migrate under the membrane and drip far from the puncture. A good rule: if water is spreading, if you cannot contain it with a towel and a bucket, or if safety is in question, treat it as urgent.
First steps you can take before a roofer arrives
If a storm is still on, stay off the roof. Rain-slick shingles and surprise wind gusts put homeowners in the emergency room. There are safer moves that buy time and reduce damage.
- Move valuables. Shift electronics, furniture, and area rugs away from the drip path. Plastic tarps or garbage bags under a blanket limit splash when water drops from height. Contain water. Buckets on towels help. If a ceiling bulges, do not let it rupture on its own. Poke a small hole at the lowest point with a screwdriver to relieve pressure, then place a bucket under it. This prevents a wide ceiling collapse. Kill power to affected circuits. If water is dripping near light fixtures or wall outlets, switch off breakers feeding those areas. Document everything. Take clear photos and short videos, both wide shots and close-ups. Capture the exterior from ground level. These images will help with roof insurance claims Burlington adjusters review later.
This short list fits most homes and small businesses, and it is the only list we need for this part. Once the weather eases, a licensed and insured roofer Burlington calls on can tarp or repair safely.
How emergency roofers stabilize damage
On storm calls, we stabilize first and diagnose second. The sequence changes by roof type, but the aim is to stop water now and understand cause later.
Asphalt shingle roofing Burlington homes rely on tends to fail by wind uplift or impact. We look for missing tabs, creased shingles, and popped nails at ridge lines. If wind has exposed felt or bare wood, a properly anchored tarp goes down, weighted with boards fastened into rafters, not just decking. A quick smear of mastic over nail heads and a ridge cap re-secure buys days to a week until permanent shingle replacement.
Metal roofing Burlington properties see less blow-off but can suffer panel uplift along eaves or ridge, damaged fasteners, and flying-debris dents. For metal systems we check seams, gaskets at fasteners, and flashing transitions. Emergency measures include butyl tape under loose seams, temporary stitch screws where the substrate is sound, and reinforced tarping if a large section is compromised.
Flat roofing Burlington is a category with its own playbook. EPDM roofing Burlington projects use black rubber with taped seams. TPO roofing Burlington jobs use white thermoplastic with heat-welded seams. These systems are resilient, but punctures and seam failures happen. On EPDM we clean and prime around the breach, then apply a patch with pressure-sensitive flashing tape for a reliable short-term seal. On TPO we will heat-weld a patch if conditions permit, or use manufacturer-approved sealants until a proper weld is possible. Ponding indicates drainage issues, often a blocked scupper or crushed downspout. Clearing drainage sometimes stops the leak faster than any patch.
Skylight installation Burlington homes love for daylight also creates a common leak path. On emergency calls we re-bed loose step flashing, reseal counter-flashing, and check the curb. Sometimes the glass is fine and the leak travels from an upstream shingle course. With skylights, we often recommend a follow-up roof inspection Burlington homeowners can schedule to rebuild the flashing system correctly.
Inside the house: what to watch after a leak
Even when the rain stops, water keeps moving. Drywall will hold moisture like a sponge, then release it slowly. Insulation clumps and loses R-value. Wood swells and may twist as it dries. The damage is often hidden.
After an emergency mitigation, plan a moisture scan. Good roofing contractors Burlington residents trust use pin or pinless moisture meters, sometimes thermal cameras, to map damp zones. If readings stay high after 48 to 72 hours, consider opening sections to promote airflow. Your restoration company might handle this, but the roofer should coordinate. Attic insulation Burlington homes rely on is especially vulnerable. Blown-in cellulose tends to compact when wet, and batt insulation grows musty. Pulling and replacing a few square meters now prevents recurring odors and mold.
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Ceiling stains are not a reliable map of the leak. Water can run along rafters before it drops, which is why experienced crews trace from attic to roof deck and back. If a stain appears but the attic is dry, the leak may have traveled through a wall cavity. This is a good moment for a thorough roof inspection Burlington homeowners should not skip, even if emergency repairs hold.
When a repair is enough, and when replacement is smarter
Budget and timing always matter. So does roof age. If asphalt shingles are eight to ten years old with isolated storm damage, repair usually makes sense. Spot-replacing a few bundles, redoing ridge caps, and re-sealing flashings can add years. If your roof is 18 to 20 years old and you are seeing brittle tabs, granule loss, and multiple leaks after routine storms, throwing good money at patches turns into a false economy. A frank talk with a local roofing company Burlington homeowners rely on should include these realities.
Metal roofs commonly last 40 years or more, but sealing washers at fasteners typically tire out around year 15 to 20. If leaks appear at hundreds of fasteners, a fastener replacement program with new gaskets can stave off a replacement. If panels oil-can, seams loosen broadly, or substrate corrosion spreads, replacement or a retrofit system becomes the better bet.
Flat systems follow different cycles. EPDM can reach 25 to 30 years if maintained. TPO formulations vary by era; newer membranes often perform better than early generations. When seams fail across large areas or the membrane is thin from UV exposure, it is safer to plan a recover or replacement. Commercial roofing Burlington managers often opt for a recover with a cover board if the deck is sound and code allows. This can be cost effective and less disruptive to tenants.
A ballpark new roof cost Burlington homeowners see for a typical 1,800 to 2,200 square foot asphalt shingle roof ranges from the low teens to the low twenties in thousands, depending on shingle grade, deck repair, and accessories. Flat commercial roofs vary widely, from single digits per square foot for straightforward recover projects to higher teens when full tear-off, insulation upgrades, and tapered systems are included. These ranges shift with material markets, disposal fees, and access complexity.
Burlington weather patterns and what they do to roofs
Late spring brings hail in occasional bursts. Hail damage roof Burlington claims tend to focus on bruised shingles, where granules are crushed and the asphalt mat shows. Not every hailstorm creates functional damage. A qualified roofer knows how to distinguish cosmetic marks from compromised shingles. Insurance adjusters will look for a hail pattern on slopes facing the storm and will check soft metals like downspouts and vents for impact dents as confirmation.
Autumn winds off the lake lift shingles at ridgelines and eaves. When the wind hits the right angle, it exploits nails that missed the nailing strip or shingles that were never sealed properly. Edge metal on flat roofs can flex, allowing capillary entry under membranes. Winter adds ice dams, a product of heat loss and poor roof ventilation Burlington roofs sometimes suffer from. Warm attic air melts snow, liquid runs to the cold eaves, and refreezes. Water backs up under shingles, then into the house. Adequate ventilation and insulation reduce risk. Properly installed underlayment at eaves gives you a second line of defense.
What an emergency visit from a professional looks like
A same-day roofing Burlington service call should not feel chaotic. The tech will ask about where you noticed water first, then how fast it came, then what changed as the storm continued. We always look inside first if it is safe: attic access, ceiling stains, and wall lines. Then we go topside with fall protection if conditions allow. For townhouses and multi-residential buildings, we ask about shared flashing and party-wall details because leaks often cross unit boundaries.
Temporary repairs follow the material. Asphalt shingles get wind-secured and covered where missing. Flashings are sealed. For metal, we tighten and seal as needed. For EPDM and TPO, we clean and patch or weld. For skylights we stabilize flashing, sometimes add a temporary diverter strip above the unit. If gutters overflowed and contributed to the leak, we may clear downspouts on the spot. Gutter installation Burlington and maintenance are not afterthoughts; undersized or clogged gutters dump water where the roof is weakest.
We photograph before and after, document square footage of affected areas, and provide a written summary with next steps. You should leave that visit with a clear plan: either a scheduled return for permanent repairs, or a timeline and estimate for replacement.
Insurance, scope, and keeping control of the claim
Roof insurance claims Burlington homeowners pursue go more smoothly when the facts are neat and documented. You need dates, weather conditions, photographs, and a written report from the roofer. Be factual, not speculative. If a hailstorm hit your block on May 9 at 4:20 p.m., say so, and back it with publicly available weather data if you can. Insurers distinguish between sudden storm damage and deferred maintenance. Clean gutters, intact soffit and fascia Burlington homes show, and a history of roof maintenance Burlington records all help.
Expect an adjuster visit. You are entitled to have your roofer present to discuss scope. This often prevents scope creep later. If your policy covers code upgrades, your roofer should identify where current code requires ice and water shield at eaves, updated roof ventilation, or additional insulation. If your policy pays actual cash value initially and holds back depreciation until proof of completion, make sure your contractor provides final invoices and completion photos promptly.
Avoid signing away direction of payment before you understand terms. A reputable local roofing company Burlington relies on will explain whether they can work with your carrier and what happens if supplemental damage is found after tear-off. Hidden decking rot appears often under old leaks. Good documentation supports a supplemental request.
Maintenance that prevents the next midnight call
Most emergency calls start months earlier. Nails back out because the substrate was soft. Flashing dries and cracks. Gutters overflow due to leaves. None of this sounds dramatic, but water exploits the smallest advantage.
An annual roof inspection Burlington owners schedule in spring or fall reveals most vulnerabilities. On asphalt roofs we check seal strips, exposed fasteners, chimney step flashing, pipe boots, and ridge vent alignment. On metal we look for loose fasteners and failing gaskets, especially at penetrations. On EPDM and TPO we inspect seams, terminations, and mechanical units. We also look at penetrations like satellite mounts that pierce the membrane, a frequent leak source.
Roof ventilation Burlington systems deserve attention. Baffled ridge vents, clear soffits, and unobstructed attic pathways keep temperatures moderate and reduce ice dam risk. Soffit and fascia Burlington details matter here; blocked soffits suffocate intake air. If you see blackened sheathing near the ridge in the attic, ventilation or exhaust air mixing is suspect.
Business Information
Business Name: Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair Kitchener
Address: 151 Ontario St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 4Y5
Phone: (289) 272-8553
Website: www.custom-contracting.ca
Hours: Open 24 Hours
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Gutter maintenance is maintenance for the roof. If downspouts discharge near foundations, water rebounds up siding, then at vulnerable eaves. Some homes benefit from gutter guards, others do better with manual cleaning twice a year. For problem sections, a properly sized outlet and an extra downspout can tame overflow. When doing gutter installation Burlington crews should flash the gutter apron correctly, a small detail that keeps water from curling back under shingles.
Choosing the right partner in an emergency
Storms draw out-of-town crews that chase weather. Some are competent. Many are fast and loose with details. The best roofer Burlington can depend on is a contractor you can find again in six months if you need them.
Look for licensed and insured roofers Burlington residents recommend, with WSIB coverage and liability insurance you can verify. Ask for local references and addresses you can drive by. Look at how they handle edges and penetrations, not just shingle color. A roof warranty Burlington contractors offer should be in writing, with clear labor and manufacturer terms. If a company promises a lifetime fix to a temporary problem, be skeptical.
When you request a free roofing estimate Burlington companies often provide, pay attention to how they measure and explain. Do they climb the roof or rely only on satellite measurements? Are they proposing proper underlayment, ice and water shield, drip edge, flashing replacement, and ventilation improvements where needed? A detailed scope signals professionalism.
Local presence matters. A local roofing company Burlington homeowners know, such as Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair, understands neighborhood roof styles, how lake-effect winds hit certain blocks, and the quirks of older houses in the core. If you are researching, you will find roofing Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair information and service details at custom-contracting.ca roofing pages, along with related trades like Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair eavestrough solutions and custom-contracting.ca eavestrough service notes. Many Burlington homes benefit from bundled exterior work, and a team that also handles doors, windows, siding, and ventilation can deliver better integration at roof edges. You can explore custom-contracting.ca doors, widnows custom-contracting.ca, and custom-contracting.ca siding to see how these pieces tie into weatherproofing. If you suspect attic airflow or ice damming, ask about hvac custom-contracting.ca coordination for balanced intake and exhaust. A strong roof is not only shingles and nails, it is a system of parts working together.
Materials and details that matter for Burlington homes and businesses
Asphalt shingles still dominate residential roofing Burlington neighborhoods. Architectural shingles deliver better wind resistance than three-tab, with ratings commonly in the 110 to 130 km/h range, sometimes higher with specific installation instructions. In Burlington’s wind corridors, I prefer shingles with reinforced nailing zones and manufacturer-approved adhesive patterns at edges. Flashings around chimneys are the weak link on older roofs. Rebuilding with step flashing and a proper counter-flashing cut into the mortar joints is worth the effort.
Metal roofing Burlington installations shine on cottages and custom homes near the lake. Standing seam systems with concealed fasteners outlast exposed-fastener panels and handle thermal movement without loosening. They are pricier upfront, but they shrug off wind and shed snow well. Pay attention to underlayment choice and clip spacing, and specify snow guards where needed over entrances and walkways.
For commercial roofing Burlington facilities with EPDM or TPO, longevity hinges on seams and penetrations. HVAC curbs move slightly with thermal cycles. Boots harden with time. Regular checks and quick patch work prevent failures. For new work, I like thicker membranes and a cover board above insulation. It adds puncture resistance and a smoother surface for seams. TPO reflects heat in summer, lowering cooling loads, while EPDM’s black surface may help with winter melt in shaded spots. The right choice depends on your building’s use and energy profile.
Skylight installation Burlington teams complete often includes integral flashing kits from the manufacturer. These kits, when matched to roof pitch and material, outperform site-built flashing on most homes. Add a self-sealing underlayment up the sides of the curb for belt-and-suspenders protection. If you are replacing an older unit during a reroof, consider upgrading to venting models in bathrooms or kitchens to reduce humidity and improve comfort.
Timelines, permits, and how long you will be under the tarp
Emergency temporary repairs usually happen the same day or within 24 hours. Permanent repairs might follow within a few days, weather permitting. Full replacement, once you sign and materials are available, often schedules within one to three weeks during peak season, faster in quieter months. Tear-off for a typical detached home roof takes a day, installation another day or two, plus extra time for complex details or weather delays.
Permits vary by scope. In most cases, like-for-like roof replacement without structural changes falls under standard municipal requirements, and your contractor will handle any necessary notifications. Adding skylights, upgrading insulation significantly, or altering ventilation patterns can trigger additional steps. A local contractor who works Burlington daily will keep you legal and on schedule.
Dollars and sense: where to invest during a reroof
When the emergency leads to a full replacement, you have a brief window to make upgrades efficiently. Spending a little more in the right places stretches the value of your roof warranty Burlington products come with.
- Ice and water shield at eaves and valleys. It stops wind-driven rain and backs up against ice dams. Ask for extra coverage in problem areas. Proper ventilation. Combine ridge vents with clear soffit intake, sized for your attic. This improves shingle life and indoor comfort. Flashing replacement. Reuse is penny wise, pound foolish. New step flashing, chimney flashing, and properly sized pre-finished metals pay for themselves. Underlayment. Synthetic underlayments resist wrinkles and hold fasteners better than old felt, especially in humidity. Gutter upgrades. If run-off overwhelmed your system, resizing downspouts or adding one can prevent future leaks at eaves.
These are not cosmetic add-ons. They address how water behaves on your roof and around your home.
The quiet value of documentation and routine
Keep a roof folder. Store your free roofing estimate Burlington contractors provided, the signed proposal, shingle or membrane specifications, color codes, permit receipts, progress photos, and the final invoice. Note the date of install or repair, warranty terms, and the contact for service. When a storm arrives, you will know what sits over your head and who installed it. Insurers respond better to organized homeowners, and future buyers appreciate records.
Set a calendar reminder for a yearly check. If nothing is wrong, you get peace of mind. If something small is off, you catch it before it is large. A five-minute fix on a lifted shingle tab, a reseal on a pipe boot, or a cleared scupper is the difference between a quiet winter and a shop-vac at midnight.
Final thoughts from the field
Emergency roof repair Burlington calls reveal the same pattern over and over. Water exploits small mistakes, and time multiplies the cost. Respond quickly, stabilize safely, and involve a professional who knows local roofs and weather. If you choose well, you will get a straight answer on repair versus replacement, a clear scope, and workmanship that stands through the next squall line.
There is no glory in sleeping under a tarp. There is satisfaction in a tight flashing detail, a tuned ventilation system, and gutters that carry water where it belongs. That is how you convert a bad night into a better roof, and how you keep the next storm outside where it belongs.
How can I contact Custom Contracting?
You can reach Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair any time at (289) 272-8553 for quotes, inspections, or emergency help. Homeowners can also contact us through our website at www.custom-contracting.ca, where you can request a free roofing or eavestrough estimate, upload photos of damage, and learn more about our exterior services. We respond 24/7 to Burlington-area customers and prioritize active roof leaks and storm-related damage.
Where is Custom Contracting located?
Our Burlington office is located at 1235 Fairview St #169, Burlington, ON L7S 2K9, in a central location that makes it easy for us to reach homeowners across the city and the surrounding Halton Region. We are just minutes from:
- Burlington GO Station, convenient for commuters and central Burlington residents.
- Mapleview Shopping Centre, surrounded by established family neighbourhoods.
- Spencer Smith Park and the Burlington Waterfront, close to many lakefront and downtown homes.
This central position allows our roofing crews to arrive quickly for inspections, scheduled projects, and urgent calls anywhere in Burlington.
What services does Custom Contracting offer?
Custom Contracting provides complete exterior home services for Burlington homeowners. Our core services include roof repairs, full roof replacement, new roofing installation, eavestrough and downspout repair, full gutter replacement, vinyl and fiber cement siding installation, plus soffit and fascia repair or upgrades. We combine quality materials with experienced installers to deliver durable, weather-resistant solutions that protect your home through Ontario’s changing seasons.
Service Areas Around Burlington
From our Fairview Street location we regularly service homes in neighbourhoods such as Aldershot, Tyandaga, Dynes, Plains Road, Roseland, and the downtown Burlington core. If you are within a short drive of Burlington GO Station, Mapleview Mall, or Spencer Smith Park, our team can usually schedule inspections and repairs very quickly.
Local Landmarks Near Custom Contracting
We are proud to be part of the Burlington community and frequently work on homes near these landmarks:
- Burlington GO Station – central hub for commuters and nearby subdivisions.
- Mapleview Shopping Centre – close to many of the homes we service for roofing and eavestrough work.
- Spencer Smith Park – popular waterfront park near many older Burlington roofs we have upgraded.
- Burlington Waterfront – an area where we often handle wind and lake-effect weather damage.
PAAs (People Also Ask)
How much does roofing repair cost in Burlington?
The price of roofing repair in Burlington depends on the size of the damaged area, the type of roofing material, roof pitch, and whether there is any underlying wood or structural damage. Minor shingle repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, while larger sections or water damage can be higher. Custom Contracting provides clear, written estimates after a proper on-site inspection so you know exactly what will be done and why.
Do you offer eavestrough repairs?
Yes. We repair leaking, clogged, or sagging eavestroughs, replace damaged or undersized gutters, install new downspouts, and improve drainage around your home. Properly installed eavestroughs help prevent foundation problems, soil erosion, and water damage to siding, soffit, and fascia.
Are you open 24/7?
Yes, we are open 24 hours a day for roofing and exterior emergencies in Burlington. If you have an active leak, storm damage, or sudden roofing issue, you can call (289) 272-8553 any time and we will arrange emergency service as quickly as possible.
How quickly can you respond to a roof leak?
Response times depend on weather and call volume, but our goal is to reach Burlington homeowners with active leaks as soon as possible, often the same day. Because our office is centrally located off Fairview Street, our crews can travel efficiently to homes near the GO Station, Mapleview Mall, and the waterfront.
Do you handle both minor repairs and full roof replacement?
Absolutely. We handle everything from replacing a few missing shingles to complete tear-off and replacement projects. Our team can inspect your roof, explain its current condition, and recommend whether a targeted repair will safely extend its life or if a full roof replacement will be more cost-effective and reliable over the long term.