"Due to the ongoing heat wave in the Greater Toronto Area, some homeowners are probably cranking up their air conditioners. While this habit might help you keep cool throughout the summer, it will inevitably increase your energy bill; in fact, air conditioning reportedly accounts for 60% of summertime electric consumption. Yet with a few low-cost upgrades, you can lower your monthly power bill and keep cool at the same time. One such energy-efficient project, according to Deborah R. Huso of USA TODAY Green Living magazine, is to replace your old windows. Huso states that argon-filled, high-efficiency, Energy Star-rated, and double-pane windows block thermal radiation and protect against heat and cold from outside. To ensure proper installation of your Toronto replacement windows, you may want to narrow down your choices to reliable local companies like Peter & Greg Walker Contracting Inc."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/top-reasons-to-get-energy-efficient-toronto-replacement-windows/Monday, 2 December 2013
Sunday, 1 December 2013
On Finding Reliable Roof Repair in Toronto and Preparing for a Tornado
"Environment Canada says that the roof damage was caused by a tornado with an Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale of 2. An EF-2 tornado has a wind speed of 178 to 217 kph (111-135 mph)—definitely strong enough to destroy many roofs. Thus, even before tornadoes strike, homeowners should be prepared. Periodically checking out tornado forecasts and hiring a reliable Toronto roof repair company for regular maintenance checks should do well to prep a home against that kind of onslaught. If you notice the sky go dark, check the weather report and see if a tornado warning has been issued. However, according to residents who were affected by last May's tornado, it only took a nanosecond before things got bad; in such cases, residents living in high-risk areas must take extra precaution."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/on-finding-reliable-roof-repair-in-toronto-and-preparing-for-a-tornado/Saturday, 30 November 2013
When Necessary, Don’t Hesitate to Call the Aid of Roofers in Toronto
"An article in the Toronto Star website dated June 12 narrates the pitiful plight of one Cliff Dwyer. His living space within a Toronto Community Housing Corp. (TCHC) apartment has been seriously damaged by the recent rains. What began as a simple leak that was spotted last August worsened into a metre-wide gaping hole almost a year later. According to Dwyer, he had discussed the damage with TCHC in the hopes that the management can fix it immediately. However, as of the publishing of the article, the damage has yet to be addressed by the officials, leaving Dwyer and his wife at the mercy of a ceiling that's about to give way. Matters regarding leaks shouldn't be ignored; property owners should learn from this sad story and immediately call on roofers in Toronto, like Peter & Greg Walker Contracting Inc. to do necessary repairs."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/when-necessary-dont-hesitate-to-call-the-aid-of-roofers-in-toronto/Friday, 29 November 2013
Maintaining Roofing in Toronto to Avoid Structural Collapse
"An article posted on The Globe and Mail website last July 15 recounts the collapse of the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake, Algoma District, Ontario. The article also states that the building had already been identified as suffering from severe water damage some years earlier. In 2008, the Royal Bank discovered that the mall would need about $3 million in order to fully carry out repairs, but this warning failed to save the structure. Water damage in this case is the result of rainwater managing to seep through roofing, thus, ruining the interiors of a building. The only way to prevent water damage is through regular maintenance and repair of roofs. Roofing in Toronto, as in elsewhere around the world, has to be prepared for all types of weather, most especially the rains."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/maintaining-roofing-in-toronto-to-avoid-structural-collapse/Thursday, 28 November 2013
Choosing the Right Materials from Roofing Companies in Toronto
"An article by Amy Kraft posted on Salon that originally appeared on Scientific American claims that urban roof gardens have been performing below expectations. These roof gardens were supposed to cut energy usage and minimize rainwater runoff, but the results of several studies were mixed and not as favorably expected. However, research on how to maximize the benefits of green roofs continues to this day in various cities of the globe like New York. In fact, on a rooftop in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood, two students are collecting soil samples from boxes planted with two native species. They place the dirt from the soil into a plastic bag to be taken for analysis in the laboratory. It shows homeowners that choosing the right materials to install on their roof, whether from New York or Toronto roofing companies, is a process that must be carefully considered."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/choosing-the-right-materials-from-roofing-companies-in-toronto/Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Roofing Contractors in Toronto: Providing Protection in all Kinds of Weather
"According to an article by Karen Smith Welch in the Amarillo Globe News, a severe hailstorm that struck Amarillo, TX in May 28 brought with it a surge of roofing permit requests, with no sign of letting up anytime soon. In fact, 86 per cent of the 2,194 roofing permits the city has already issued were for the month of June alone, based on city data. City building official Scott McDonald expects that thousands more of these roofing permits will likely be sought out by city residents in the weeks ahead. For example, violent storms are also expected to hit Toronto in the coming weeks that would place city residents in a situation similar to what Amarillo homeowners experienced some months back. Roofing contractors in Toronto will surely have similar business opportunities as those of their Amarillo counterparts."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/roofing-contractors-in-toronto-providing-protection-in-all-kinds-of-weather/Winterize and Beautify Your Home with Toronto Replacement Windows
Beyond that, replacement windows can increase the value of your home. When you sell your home, you can get back about 65% to 75% of the upfront cost of doing the replacement. One note, though: it’s important to make sure that your windows match the style and quality of your home. High end windows alone won’t necessarily result in a high appraisal. You can also think of replacement windows as worthwhile investments. Say, for instance, that you’re planning to move to another part of the country and would like to sell your home fast. You can add more value to your home and make it more enticing to potential buyers if you’ve got energy-efficient windows in place that can lower heating costs. For quality window installation services, turn to trusted Toronto window replacement companies such as Walker Contracting. Finally, replacing your windows with newer and energy-efficient ones can be a good way to winterize your home. New windows with low-emissivity coatings,
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/info-article/winterize-and-beautify-your-home-with-toronto-replacement-windows/Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Signs You Need to Contact a Toronto Roof Repair Expert Right Away
If you have asphalt roofing, expect the shingles to lose their granules due to constant exposure to the elements. This is a serious issue that often requires roof replacement, not just repair. However, if the damage isn't that severe, or if a costly roof replacement is currently not an option, an expert Toronto roofer can assess the extent of the damage and offer solutions to prolong your existing roof’s service life for as long as possible. Any issue you encounter with your roofing may be an indicator of the need for immediate repair. Be it a small crack that causes little drips into your ceiling or a loose flashing, you need to address such roofing concerns before they worsen. Should the damage be caused by a storm or heavy winds, be sure to entrust the job to a trained and licensed roofer who can also document the project to back your insurance claim.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/info-article/signs-you-need-to-contact-a-toronto-roof-repair-expert-right-away/Monday, 25 November 2013
Get Your Home Ready for the Winter with Help from Toronto Roofers
Most building codes are based on well-defined considerations like the climate conditions. In Toronto, where temperatures can drop as low as -44.7 degrees during winter, homeowners have to make sure their roofs are thick enough to keep the cold air out. The materials used should also be able to withstand the weight of snow and must be installed by no less than reliable roofers in Toronto who can give accurate and reasonable quotes. Always get no fewer than three estimates from three different contractors. More is preferable. Always use a licensed contractor, and insist on references. Get everything in writing! Spell it out, in detail. Do not use a contractor who offers you a "good deal" and who has no track record. Do a background check, and check around for satisfied customers. Meanwhile, keep in mind that roof replacement costs vary according to the type of material to be installed and the amount of labor required.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/info-article/get-your-home-ready-for-the-winter-with-help-from-toronto-roofers/Sunday, 24 November 2013
Trust Professional Toronto Roofing Companies for Quality Repair Work
Indeed, roof repairs are best left to the experts who have the right equipment and skills to carry out the job safely. Stories of accidents while working on the roof have, unfortunately, become rather commonplace, and this has prompted experts to repeatedly issue warnings to homeowners about going up on the roof to conduct repairs. This is particularly true for homes with steep roofs. In addition, Toronto roofing experts know how to spot problem areas that may otherwise escape the untrained eye of an amateur. Homeowners are nonetheless encouraged to watch out for signs of damage from the ground or from the top of a stairs. However, roofing professionals such as those from Peter & Greg Walker Contracting Inc, can perform a more thorough roof inspection, and detect potential problems in their early stages before they worsen. Although homeowners may perform some simple roof repairs on their own, major ones should be entrusted to the pros to ensure the best results.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/trust-professional-toronto-roofing-companies-for-quality-repair-work/Saturday, 23 November 2013
Toronto Roofing Companies Can Help Extend Your Roof’s Service Life
Homeowners can help extend the lifespan of their roofs by performing basic maintenance activities, such as keeping the gutters clean, removing debris, and watching out for ice dams. Angieslist.com also recommends having the roof professionally inspected every two to three years. Additionally, the article suggests addressing minor forms of damage as needed. A professional inspection can help spot and repair minor roofing damage before it escalates into an even bigger problem. Experienced Toronto roofing companies know all about the most common roofing problems in the area, particularly those caused by the weather, and would know what to watch out for during detailed inspections. It would also be advisable to call on these professionals after a heavy storm to make sure that the roof remains in good condition, and to find out if the storm has caused any damage that needs immediate repair.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/info-article/toronto-roofing-companies-can-help-extend-your-roofs-service-life/Friday, 22 November 2013
Trusted Toronto Roofing Contractors Can Help Improve Home Resale Value
How is the competition in your area? Is the market in your neighborhood hot enough that your home will likely receive multiple offers? Examine whether there are other houses for sale in the area that are priced in your range and, if so, what condition they are in. If you are facing a lot of inventory on the market, a new roof may be a major incentive to potential buyers. The real estate market conditions in Toronto have recently been on the upswing, which could mean tight competition among home sellers. Hence, as Ms. Woollard advises, if a new roof will give your home an advantage over the others, then it might be a good time to call on reputable Toronto roofing contractors and learn about your roof replacement options. Woollard further adds: Will leaving the roof as is have a negative impact? Is it necessary to put a new roof on the property to prevent other damage to the home? If you have already seen leaking, you must act immediately.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/trusted-toronto-roofing-contractors-can-help-improve-home-resale-value/Friday, 1 November 2013
Making the Right Choice of Windows Replacement in Toronto For Your Home
Our homes need proper ventilation for proper airflow during the season shifts throughout the year. However, especially with the upcoming winter, old windows can end up drawing in draft rather than keeping its cold breath out. If this is the case, perhaps you should consider windows replacement in Toronto to save up on heating and cooling costs. If you aren't sure where to start, Kim Ray shares some tips for homeowners on how to choose the proper replacement windows for your home. In her article on DoItYourself.com, she elaborates on the advantages and disadvantages of different window types, and describes some of them. One type is the steel replacement window, which, according to Ray, may be the best because of its weather-resistant and long-lasting value.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/info-article/making-the-right-choice-of-windows-replacement-in-toronto-for-your-home/Thursday, 31 October 2013
Is there a Bad or a Good Time To Do Roof Repair in Toronto?
If you're from Toronto and are looking to get your roof repaired or replaced before the onset of intense heat of summer, or the biting cold of winter, Rebecca Taylor, a contributor on Angie's List, shares a few tips on roofing repair and upkeep for homeowners. First, when in doubt, Taylor advises that it's always safer to hire a roofing contractor. A licensed roofer in Toronto, such as Peter & Greg Walker Contracting Inc, can recommend the proper solutions to your roofing problems.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/info-article/is-there-a-bad-or-a-good-time-to-do-roof-repair-in-toronto/Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Under The Atrocity Of Thunderstorms: What Toronto Roofers Must Know
There's no denying thunderstorms are destructive to homes—and to the economy. The protracted interval for recovery invites financial drawbacks as expenses outweigh generating income. The government shells out a larger sum helping affected people over many parts to restore damaged communities. Last July, Toronto suffered from the atrocity of a thunderstorm as 6,000 Toronto residents were affected by power outages. Heightened tornado warnings and circulating reports about funnel clouds resonated in the areas of southern Ontario. The meteorologists of Environment Canada kept track of the thunderstorm which affected London, northern GTA, and the eastern Ontario. In the article posted from News.nationalpost.com, an excerpt from Environment Canada's website was published, which should make Toronto roofers take notice.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/under-the-atrocity-of-thunderstorms-what-toronto-roofers-must-know/Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Trusted Contractors Of Roofing In Toronto Shield Your Home From Disasters
Thunderstorms are a major cause of headaches for homeowners as repairs from damages on structure and property can run up to quite a sum. Trees get a tremendous beating from strong winds, and in worst cases, falling trunks can slice houses. Nevertheless, by investing in replacement or repairs, homeowners understand that homes can be restored by hiring reliable contractors of roofing in Toronto.. According to a July 20, 2013 article on CTVnews.ca, Toronto swept up to clean the huge mess left by that Friday's thunderstorm that stole through the city. A number of trees had fallen on the ground and homes struggled with power outages. Residents were saddened when one of the famous trees in their area had toppled.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/trusted-contractors-of-roofing-in-toronto-shield-your-home-from-disasters/Monday, 28 October 2013
To Repair or Replace Your Roof: Roofing Companies in Toronto Decide
“Repairing a problem at this stage (as new season begins) can be risky; it might not correct the problem and a wet autumn or an early snowfall can cause extensive damage,” according to the article. Without the know-how to figure whether a repair would suffice instead of a replacement, your only option is to have your roof inspected by roofing companies in Toronto. Your roofing contractor will apprise you of the nature of the damages on your roof, and recommend the proper actions. Having only a part of your roof replaced due to wind damage or fallen limbs may be less expensive than getting the entire roofing system replaced. New roofing, however, will offer you longer and more solid protection to last you for decades.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/to-repair-or-replace-your-roof-roofing-companies-in-toronto-decide/Sunday, 27 October 2013
Practical Luxury: Installing Skylights by Roofing Contractors in Toronto
Installing skylights by roofing contractors in Toronto might be too costly, and while they can be both practical and beautiful, these fixtures are often viewed as luxury than a necessity which they might as well be. Once properly installed in your home, you'll notice how a skylight improves the lighting in your living spaces throughout the day. When a skylight is professionally installedby a trusted Toronto roofing company like Walker Contracting, you take steps to cut your energy costs while raising the curb appeal value of your home. There is less need to turn on any other lighting fixtures for the most part of the day, thus reducing your electric lighting bills.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/practical-luxury-installing-skylights-by-roofing-contractors-in-toronto/Saturday, 26 October 2013
Windows Replacement in Toronto: What Today’s Homeowners Should Keep in Mind
"WiseGeek.com writer S. Mithra discusses several factors a homeowner should consider when purchasing and installing replacement windows. These factors include the type of windows to be replaced, home needs, and a homeowner's financial concerns. Taking these into account will lead to the ideal replacement window—a very important find, because, as Mithra explains, replacing old windows will help reduce energy costs and improve a home's appearance. Window replacement is a common project of homeowners living in rapidly growing cities like Toronto. The pace of life and development in such cities force people to improve the looks of their homes. But windows replacement in Toronto does more than enhance a home's style. It also helps strengthen its shield against extreme cold during winter and heat during summer."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/windows-replacement-in-toronto-what-todays-homeowners-should-keep-in-mindThursday, 24 October 2013
Replace or Renew? Make up Your Mind Before You Hire Roofers from Toronto
"The good news is that you needn’t climb on your roof to assess its condition. Good vision plus binoculars may be all you need to affirm that replacing the roof is essential or that only spot repair is needed. “Just because your roof isn’t leaking doesn’t mean you don’t have a roofing problem,” cautions Joann Liebeler, former co-host of PBS’s Home Time and, currently, a spokesperson for GAF.” To help you decide whether the roofers in Toronto you hire should do a simple patch-up job or a full-blown roof replacement, call for an inspection first. Roofing contractors have plenty of experience in properly assessing all kinds of roof damage and tracing them back to its source—two tasks you likely don't know how to do properly. They also have the skills and expertise to do minor structural repairs, such as on damaged flashings and broken gutters."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/replace-or-renew-make-up-your-mind-before-you-hire-roofers-from-toronto/Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Reliable Toronto Roofing Teams Can Help You Prepare for the Next Big Storm
"The rains were so strong that even the 9/11 memorial service in Fredericton had to be postponed. The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in the city also had to be canceled. If something like this can happen in New Brunswick, then it's not a stretch to say that the same catastrophe can hit Toronto. Both this city and New Brunswick practically share the same wet climate and experience the heavy rainfall that the Northeastern United States also has. All Toronto roofing contractors would have to make the extra effort to ensure that every roof that they install is sturdy enough to withstand the strongest storms. However, the same can be said about the homeowners themselves who call for them; they have to do their part if they want to have quality roofing services. Just as contractors need to pick the best roofing materials, their customers also have the responsibility of finding the best roofers for the job."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/reliable-toronto-roofing-teams-can-help-you-prepare-for-the-next-big-storm/Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Toronto Roofing Companies Can Help Improve Home Insulation
"While insulation is great and all, there would be little point to it if the roof above it is leaky. Even the tiniest of cracks in roofing can cause water to seep into insulation, compromising its effectiveness. Homeowners should not only install insulation for their houses, but also better roofs, with the help of Toronto roofing companies. The Toronto Star article also broaches the subject of water damage, as not many insulation materials are meant to withstand exposure to rainwater. The idea is that once average insulation material gets wet, it loses its shape and fluffiness—the most important aspects of any insulation. Without these characteristics, the material's ability to retain heat disappears."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/toronto-roofing-companies-can-help-improve-home-insulation/Monday, 21 October 2013
Roofing Contractors in Toronto Can Quickly Mend Storm-Damaged Roofs
"The fateful storm that brought Toronto to its knees hit the region on July 8 and 9. It was notable for breaking rainfall records and causing destructive floods everywhere. It also managed to disable or force the power companies to pull the energy plug on 300,000 residents. The storm was nothing short of devastating, leaving hundreds stranded and many homes ruined. Whenever a storm hits, residents need to anticipate the worst. Preparing for a storm certainly helps, but getting everything back together afterward can be a real challenge. Folks might want to call upon a roofing company in Toronto should they find their roof in shambles following a thunderstorm."
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/roofing-contractors-in-toronto-can-quickly-mend-storm-damaged-roofs/Monday, 15 July 2013
The Dangers of Falling Glass: Why You Should Hire Professional Window Replacement Services in Toronto
Accidents can happen anywhere and can cause damage to property and individuals. An example of this is an incident in the Toronto Trump Tower where glass panels fell from the 34th floor and damaged vehicles on the intersection of Adelaide and Bay streets. As Huffington Post Canada reported, it was not because of the structural integrity of the building but rather because of human error. Fortunately, no one suffered from injuries. Installations and maintenance, whether they are exterior or interior, should only be done by professionals. Safety should come first before anything else, which is what windows replacement companies in Toronto, such as Walker Contracting Inc., guarantee. With reliable contractors, there's no need to worry about accidents caused by falling windows. Never settle for second best and always choose to work with trusted and reliable contractors. Make wise decisions and have peace of mind while beautifying your property.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/the-hazards-of-falling-glass-why-professional-windows-replacement-in-toronto-is-a-good-idea/Sunday, 14 July 2013
Warning From Roof Repair Companies in Toronto: Never Use Blowtorches
The Canadian Press reported an incident wherein a man tried to dry his leaky eavestrough using a blowtorch. Instead of fixing the issue, it left a $200,00 worth of casualties to the entire condo unit. Another similar case happened in the National Library of Wales in the UK, where investigators cited that the blowtorch burned the wood behind the external cladding that caused the fire to spread quickly. While the blowtorch is part of a roofer's tools, it is never intended to treat moisture. Blowtorches spew flames that can get up to 2,000 degrees Celsius that can easily burn a house's structure. This holds to be true despite the fact that many roofing materials have been rated for fire resistance. The two incidents is a clear example that working without the right knowledge and tools can lead to disasters. That is why it is important to call for services on roof repair in Toronto if you know that you can't handle the job on your own.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/leaky-roof-toronto-roof-repair-companies-never-use-blowtorches/Saturday, 13 July 2013
Canada's Housing Market: Still Seeing Light for Roofing Contractors in Toronto
The Toronto Star reported a decrease in housing sales in the Toronto and Vancouver areas, but economists and analysts remain positive that the market will soon catch up and run the way it did before the 2009 recession. Due to the fragile state of the housing market, home buyers are putting more caution in their purchases. This resulted to a slower sales rate in Vancouver and Toronto. Despite what reports say, BMO Chief Economist Doug Porter said that the market is calm, cool, and collected, indicating that the market is stable. Furthermore, financial experts agreed that a great number of Canadians can still afford to buy new homes. Along with the positive path that housing market is taking, more jobs for roofing contractors in Toronto and other regions in Canada await as the number of home buyers is expected to increase and the market to solidify soon.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/more-jobs-for-roofing-contractors-in-toronto-canadas-housing-market-not-headed-for-a-crash/Friday, 12 July 2013
Roofers in Toronto: Leading Toronto in a Greener Direction
Due to the enactment of the city legislation requiring buildings of more than six stories high to install green roofs, more homeowners in Toronto are going green. With this, Toronto is encouraging its residents to be more in touch with nature and live in a safer environment. Green roofs aren't new in Toronto though. Even before the enactment of the legislation, Toronto was acknowledged as the second city in North America to have the most green roof coverage next to Chicago. But because there are important factors to consider, not all homeowners are qualified to have green roofs. The roofing has to be capable of handling the extra weight. This is why an engineer should see the foundation of the home first. Installing green roofs can be expensive as well. But with the help of roofers in Toronto, they can go for skylights or solar panels. Both are economical and nature-friendly.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/green-roofs-and-skylights-roofers-in-toronto-work-with-nature/Tar-less Roofing in Toronto to Push for Individuals' Safety
The roof protects people from natural and man-made dangers, and to enhance the defense of a roof, the application of tar is necessary. The procedure, however, brings potential health risks. Hot tar can cause headaches and distress to people, especially those with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Teachers from Thorncliffe Park Public School are worried about the roof tarring project in their building, so they made objections. The teachers weren't the only ones who complain about it as well. Corporations specializing in roofing in Toronto received lots of requests to remove tar in roofing. This led them to improve and develop new methods of roofing without the application of tar. Roofing companies in Toronto, such as Walker Contracting Inc., have come up with a solution that allows roofs to resist water pooling. Also, before they conduct a construction, they check for the latest roofing techniques first as a protocol to ensure the safety of individuals.
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/tar-less-roofing-in-toronto-the-safer-option-a-school-project-missed/Thursday, 11 July 2013
Reputable Roofing Companies in Toronto Assure Customers Excellent Quality of Service
Last year, the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake, Ontario made news when its roof collapsed, injuring more than twenty people and resulting into the death of two women. Witnesses have mentioned that the roof had been in bad shape for a long time and was leaking every time it rained or snowed. Further investigations state that the accident was caused by faulty roofing and lack of proper maintenance. The roof was installed more than 30 years ago, and the roofing contractor admitted that the installation didn't include waterproofing. The said incident caught the attention of roofing companies in Toronto. They then enhanced the quality of materials they use to prevent similar incidents from happening. They have also improved their technical skills to assure to render A-one service to their customers. Meanwhile, the incident has made people more vigilant in searching for qualified contractors. Rely only with the one that provides quality maintenance and repair such as Walker Contractin
http://www.walkercontracting.ca/industry-news/challenge-to-roofing-companies-in-toronto-provide-only-quality-materials-and-services/