Though homes and cottages are built from the foundation to the roof, protecting them from damage caused by the elements goes in the opposite direction.
Starting with a quality roofing system, ensuring the siding is durable, and keeping rain and ice away from the foundation are all keys to preventing serious damage.
Mike Vettese of GBS Contracting Services often advises his clients about their “building envelope” and what it takes to keep moisture out of the building. Too many times, he has seen improper building techniques cause problems for the unknowing property owners.
He and his team were brought to one cottage resort to redo the siding. Instead, they found rotten studs around doors, rotten rim boards around the foundations, and even rotten floor joists.
“There are many, many instances where we find moisture buildup and very worrying issues in the attic, behind walls, and even all the way down in the basement,” explains Mike. “We will be going to do a simple roof or siding project, and then with a thorough inspection we uncover unseen concerns.”
It can be as serious as rotting wood that crumbles to the touch, or mould beginning to grow (which causes respiratory issues).
The best results come from finding the issue when it’s small, before it turns into a major problem.
“Things might look safe on the surface – you think that just needs an update and maybe upgrade,” says Mike. “But sometimes we start investigating and wonder how on earth the building is still standing.”
Creating a tight seal to keep moisture out of the home starts with a quality roofing system. Whether it’s a shingles, metal, glass, or a flat roof, it’ s important to use materials that can stand up to central Ontario weather. The GBS team has even put in skylights and framed glass roofing that can withstand the tough winter months.
There should be proper ventilation and sealing, along with good soffit and fascia, explains Mike.
“No matter what style of building you have, the installation must be done right to protect the rest of your building,” he says. “If that’s not done right, it can lead to ice damming and moisture seeping back into the attic and walls.”
Eavestroughs
Eavestroughs play a vital role: they are a key line of defense in protecting a building from water damage.
By directing water away from the foundation, the eavestrough prevents water from running down the walls of a home as well as pooling at the base of the foundation. Water that pools around the foundation can freeze during the colder months and cause small cracks that could lead to serious damage.
“Eavestroughs are more important than most people are aware of,” explains Mike. “When they’re installed right and working as they should, they help keep your home safe.”
Siding
When the GBS team installs siding, they first fasten a moisture-proof membrane to the walls as an extra layer of protection. They ensure the moisture seal is integrated with the soffit, fascia, and roofing, to ensure a completely weatherproof exterior.
“If it’s done properly, it seals the building while still allowing excess humidity to escape, preventing moisture from building up behind the walls,” explains Mike.
Good aluminum siding is often recommended because it is more durable than vinyl, resistant to fire and insects, can withstand tough weather swings, and is more sustainable. However, it is up to the client and there are quality siding options in other materials as well.
“Aluminum siding is really ideal for central Ontario properties,” says Mike. “I especially recommend it for waterfront properties that can often get hit the worst by the elements.”
Construction experts
GBS Contracting has been in business since 1999 and is experienced in a wide range of construction techniques, handling projects both large and small.
As general contractors, their teams feature experts in a number of fields, including carpenters, roofers, and more. Mike notes that each member of the crew is an authority on their craft. GBS even has engineers available to help navigate the bylaws and geographical logistics abundant in Muskoka.
Over the years, they have built solid relationships with hundreds of happy home and cottage clients who provide references for their work – and even call GBS back for new projects as they arise.
Their team is fully insured, fully trained, and understands what it takes to do the job right, and they live in the communities where they work.
Whether it’s a new roof, new eavestroughs, new siding, or a full building envelope revamp, it’s vital to choose professionals with the know-how to do the job right.
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
