Our Philosophy

Our Philosophy

Why We Build Roofs the Way We Do

The Standards That Define Us

Every roofing company says they do "quality work." But what does that actually mean? What specific decisions separate a roof that lasts 15 years from one that lasts 30?

Our philosophy is simple: Build every roof to survive Fraser Valley weather, not just pass code inspection.

Why We Only Use Synthetic Underlayment

The Old Standard: For decades, asphalt-saturated felt paper (#15 or #30 felt) was the industry standard for roof underlayment.

Why We Abandoned It:

  • Felt paper absorbs moisture like a sponge, staying wet for days after rain
  • It wrinkles and tears during installation, creating weak points
  • It degrades in 10-15 years, long before the shingles above it fail
  • In Fraser Valley's 1,800mm+ annual rainfall, felt paper is constantly saturated

Our Standard: We exclusively use premium synthetic underlayment (polypropylene/polyethylene-based) on every project.

Why Synthetic Wins:

  • 100% waterproof — doesn't absorb moisture
  • Tear-resistant — won't rip during installation or from wind uplift
  • 30+ year lifespan — outlasts the shingles it protects
  • Lightweight — easier for crews to handle, faster installation
  • Non-slip coated — safer for crews on steep roofs

The Cost Difference: Synthetic costs about $200-400 more than felt on an average home. Over a 25-year roof lifespan, that's $8-16 per year for dramatically superior protection.

Our Promise: We will never use felt paper, even if a customer requests it to save money. Some standards aren't negotiable.

The 6-Nail High-Wind Protocol

BC Building Code Requirement: 4 nails per shingle in most zones.

Our Standard in High-Wind Areas: 6 nails per shingle in Hope, exposed Chilliwack slopes, and properties near mountain passes.

Why We Do This:

  • Hope's wind shear from converging mountain passes regularly exceeds 100 km/h
  • Each additional nail increases wind uplift resistance by approximately 10%
  • 6 nails = 50% more holding power than code minimum
  • The cost difference is negligible (about $50-100 per roof)
  • We've seen 4-nail installations fail catastrophically in Hope wind events

When We Use 6 Nails:

  • All Hope properties (mandatory)
  • Chilliwack properties on exposed slopes or near Chilliwack Mountain
  • Any property with documented high-wind history
  • Properties above 300m elevation
  • Customer request (we never charge extra for this)

Extended Ice & Water Shield: 72" vs. 36"

Code Requirement: 36 inches (3 feet) of self-adhering ice and water shield at eaves in snow zones.

Our Standard: 72 inches (6 feet) in Hope, Harrison Hot Springs, and properties with documented ice dam history.

Why We Double It:

  • Ice dams can extend 4-6 feet up a roof in severe winters
  • The code minimum was written for average conditions, not Fraser Valley extremes
  • Ice and water shield is the only waterproof barrier if ice dams form
  • The cost difference is $200-300 on an average home
  • We've repaired dozens of roofs where 36" wasn't enough

Where We Use 72":

  • All Hope properties (mandatory)
  • Harrison Hot Springs (lake effect snow)
  • North-facing roofs in any location
  • Low-slope sections (under 4:12 pitch)
  • Properties with history of ice dams

Why We Recommend Metal Over Asphalt for Long-Term Value

This is controversial in the industry because asphalt shingles are more profitable for contractors (faster installation, more frequent replacement cycles).

But here's the math:

Asphalt Shingles:

  • Upfront cost: $12,000-18,000 (average home)
  • Lifespan in Fraser Valley: 20-25 years
  • Lifetime cost (50 years): $24,000-36,000 (two replacements)

Standing Seam Metal:

  • Upfront cost: $25,000-35,000 (average home)
  • Lifespan in Fraser Valley: 50-70+ years
  • Lifetime cost (50 years): $25,000-35,000 (one installation)

Plus Metal Benefits:

  • Superior snow shedding (critical in Hope/Harrison)
  • Zero moss/algae growth (non-porous surface)
  • Extreme wind resistance (engineered to 150+ mph)
  • Fire resistance (Class A rating)
  • Energy efficiency (reflects heat)

Our Honest Recommendation: If you're planning to stay in your home 10+ years and can afford the upfront cost, metal is the better investment. If you're selling in 5 years or have budget constraints, quality architectural shingles are perfectly acceptable.

We install both. We just want you to make an informed decision.

Customer Education Over Sales Pressure

We don't use high-pressure sales tactics. We don't offer "today only" discounts. We don't push unnecessary upgrades.

Our Process:

  1. Free Inspection: We assess your roof honestly
  2. Transparent Estimate: Itemized breakdown of materials and labor
  3. Education: We explain options, pros/cons, and realistic lifespans
  4. Time to Decide: Take days or weeks to compare quotes
  5. No Games: Our price is our price, no haggling or pressure

Why This Matters: Roofing is a major investment. You deserve time to research, compare, and make an informed decision without feeling pressured.


Experience our philosophy in action. Call (604) 997-1292 for your free, no-pressure inspection.

Related Guides