J E Fournier Chimney & Roofing

A roof replacement involves fully removing the shingles and underlayment on your roof to reveal the decking. The decking will be inspected and repaired, if needed, and then new underlayment will be laid to protect the decking from water. Next, the shingles are put on, which may consist of asphalt, metal, composite, or another material. You can also choose between 3-tab, architecural, and luxury shingles, based on your budget and preferred style.

If your roof is damaged or leaking and is less than 15 years old, a roof repair can be more practical than full replacement. Common repairs include replacement of shingles and/or fascia boards, patching leaks, and fixing improperly installed flashing.

During new roof installation, your home gets a new underlayment and shingles over the roof decking. You can choose between 3-tab and architectural shingles, which can be made of asphalt, wood, composite, metal, or another material. New roofs last 20-30 years for less expensive materials, while slate, copper, or tile can last 50 years or longer.

Roof flashing is used to direct water away from areas of the roof where water might pool or penetrate. Flashing is made of metal, usually galvanized steel, and directs water down to the shingles and off the roof. Base flashing surrounds features like chimneys, step-flashing protects where the roof meets the wall, and drip edges help prevent leaks at the edge of the roof.

Roof waterproofing can provide an extra layer of protection against leaks in case shingles or other parts of the roof get damaged. Professional roofers will lay a base sheet or membrane under the usual underlayment and shingles. They'll also check the flashing around the vents, chimney, and skylights. If you have a flat roof, liquid membranes can be applied to improve waterproofing.

Having a fireplace installed can be simple if you choose a gas insert, or more complex for a traditional wood-burning option. For a traditional fireplace, a professional mason builds the chimney and hearth, including the chimney foundation and stack. Then fireplace installers put in the firebox and liner. Maintaining the fireplace includes cleaning the firebox of ash and buildup, yearly professional chimney cleaning, and repair of any broken or damaged masonry. For gas fireplace installation, the contractor can cut out the area for the insert, run electric and gas lines, and build a vent. Then the insert can be installed. Maintaining a gas fireplace involves cleaning the glass front and trim, checking for damage around the fireplace or vent, and having a professional repair it if needed.