Common questions about Mader's and roofing

About Mader's Roofing

What's your background?

40+ years in the roofing industry (business was established in 1993) and experts in all types of roofing applications, including flat and shingled roofs.

What makes you different from other roofers?

We are professional and having a very strong knowledge of roofing and roofing practices.

Are you insured?

Yes, we are fully insured for this type of work. Carrying insurance is important to protect the home or business owner. If a worker has an accident and the roofer is not covered, you may be held liable. Mader's Roofing has you covered!

What materials do you use?

We use only new and high quality products suitable for your application or location.

Do you oversee every job site?

Every project is inspected by our project manager, the lead-hand, foreman and myself, Larry Mader.

What is your payment policy?

Payment is due in full upon project completion. Deposits are not required for projects less than $50k.

How long is the warranty and what is covered?

All workmanship is warrantied by Mader's Roofing and each product has its own duration of warranty through the manufacturer.

About commercial roofing

How much liability insurance do you carry?

We carry $2 million standard or up to $10 million liability insurance, depending on the project.

Are you current with the WCB?

Yes we are and provide a copy of the WCB clearance letter with each estimate.

Are you current with safety requirements?

Yes, we are fully trained and have certificates in all fields of fall protection, scaffold erection and safety in general.

How much experience do you have with flat roofs?

We have 40+ years experience with flat roofs of all types.

About residential roofing

How long will it take for my roof to be completed?

Each residential home is different. The estimate lists the length of time estimated to complete the project but does not take into account unforeseen potential problems. On average a bungalow takes one day. More complex projects can take 2 to 5 days, weather dependent.

What are my choices of colours?

You may have any colour offered by the manufacturer, shown in the brochures provided.

I live in a windy area. Do I need special shingles?

Yes. If your home is located in a high-wind area like on a hill or by the ocean, a heavier weight product is strongly recommended.

How will you protect my flower beds?

We offer tarp coverage and in some cases plywood stands, and make every effort to protect your plants as best as possible.

Can you handle intricate roof features?

Mader's Roofing specializes in challenging roofs. We excel at the following:

  • Expertise
    • Regardless of how intricate your roof design may be, we are experienced and prepared.
  • Peace of mind
    • We have you covered! Mader's Roofing installs and warrant materials plus our workmanship is guaranteed.
Do I need to be home for the estimate?

We prefer to give a face-to-face explanation of the requirements for a new roof but understand it may not always be feasible.

Signs of potential roof failures

Curling shingles

If shingles appear to be curling up on the edges, they are likely expired and you will need a new roof.

Dip in roof

A dip in the roof deck can be caused by rotted sheathing, broken truss or an improper roof deck installation.

Rot

Wood rot usually occurs in areas of eaves, ridges or valleys of the roof. It will need to be removed and replaced prior to a new roof being installed.

Discolouration

Discolouration of your roof is not necessarily a red flag but should be checked out by a professional to determine the cause.

What you may not know about roofs

Why you should not put new shingles on top of old

A new roof should never be installed on top of old shingles because the top (new) layer will condensate on the underside and leak through the old layer nail holes below. In the winter this will result in ridges of ice and will leak on warmer days when it melts.

Any warranty on new shingles is voided if not installed correctly.

How long does a roof last?

Depending on the manufacturer, shingles can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years. Longevity of a roof is largely determined by 3 factors:

  • Installation
  • Quality of the product

Considerations for choosing a roofing company

How long have they been in business?

Choosing a newcomer in the roofing industry may be fine for a standard roof but the more complicated the project, the more experience will matter. A well-established business may also be more dependable, crucial when it comes to honoring warranties..

Has the company been under the same ownership?

When a business changes ownership, the principles established by the original owner who built the company may no longer be recognized or honored.

Mader's Roofing roofing has been established and to this day, is still operated by Larry Mader.

Are they accredited with the Better Business Bureau?

All BBB accredited businesses have agreed to live up to our Standards for Trust. Standards for Trust are a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices focused on how businesses should treat the public – fairly and honestly in all circumstances.

BBB Accreditation is an honor – and not every company is eligible. Businesses that meet our high standards are invited to join BBB. Businesses meeting BBB standards are presented to local Boards of Directors (or designers) for review and acceptance as a BBB Accredited Business.

BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. This is done by:

  • Setting standards for marketplace trust
  • Encouraging and supporting best practices by engaging with and educating consumers and businesses
  • Calling out and addressing substandard marketplace behavior
  • Creating a community of trustworthy businesses
Does the roofer have references?

References should be readily available for you to review, especially if the business has been operating for an extended period of time.

Mader's has been serving the greater HRM for 40+ years and it is very likely we have worked on homes in your neighbourhood. We will be happy to supply a list of names and addresses.

Are they insured?

You could be held personally liable for any accidents that occur on your property if the roofing company does not carry insurance. This applies to people and property.

Do they provide a warranty?

You are entitled to peace of mind. Check into workmanship and material warranties before signing with a roofing company.