Timber Link Blog

  Out of all the roofing materials available today, asphalt shingles are still one of the more affordable choices. The most popular style of asphalt shingle is the architectural shingle, also called dimensional or laminated. They are made from laminated layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass giving them their dimensional appearance. They are stronger and heavier than traditional 3-tab shingles from the past. There are different qualities of shingles within the architectural category so cost can vary greatly and budget will play a big part in your shingle choice. If you live in an area with regular high winds and frequent hail storms then you may want to consider a shingle with a high wind and impact resistance rating. These shingles have a higher price tag but will ensure your home is protected. This higher protection may make you eligible for a discount on your home insurance. Warranty The manufacturer warranty is something to consider very carefully when cho...

  Knowing commonly used roofing terms will help you speak the lingo when communicating your needs for your roofing project. Below is a roofing glossary to help you better understand the parts of your roof. Eaves The horizontal edges of the roof, where the roof meets the gutter. An eave’s membrane is a watertight, self-adhering layer that goes under the rows of shingles closest to the gutter to prevent water from reaching the roof deck and leaking inside the house. Rake of the roof Similar to eaves but is angled to follow the edge of a gable. The eaves run horizontally and the rake of the roof is the same board that runs on an angle. Soffits The underside of an overhanging eave. This is where you’ll find soffit vents that play a key role in allowing air to circulate into the roof system. Fascia The vertical board that is attached just under the roof line. Think of it as the “face” of the roof line. Decking The solid flat surface that covers the roof and...

    When picturing a stone, concrete block or brick structure, many people, even professionals within the building industry, visualize buildings or facades bound by mortar. Masonry with mortar, whether it be stones, veneers or brick, is commonly used worldwide because its non-combustible (think of a traditional brick or stone fireplace), it resists rot, pests and harsh weather. It can increase the thermal mass of a structure, withstand large compressive weight loads and can be visually breathtaking. But masonry with mortar has distinct disadvantages, too.    Achieve a seamless and clean look with tightly stacked mortar-less stone veneer.   “Ideal temperatures for the placement and curing of masonry mortar is the range of 70°F + 10°F,” according to cement.org . “In cold weather (40 degrees Fahrenheit and below) mortar materials need to be heated, otherwise the mortar is likely to exhibit slower setting times and lower early strengths.   Stone ...

  A great time to install a skylight is when the shingles are off and the roof decking is exposed. It’s as simple as cutting a hole, installing the skylight, trimming it out, and then installing the appropriate flashing as the roof is completed. The biggest benefit of adding a skylight to your home is how much natural light they bring into your space. They are a natural solution for bathrooms where privacy is an issue. Chamberlain Timber Mart carries a wide range of fixed and venting skylights with a full assortment of features including optional factory-installed blinds. There are two main types of skylights: curb mount and deck mount. Mounting Types Curb mount These are the most common type. They require a box structure for the unit to sit upon and fit over the curb like a lid on a shoe box. Deck mount This type is directly attached to the roof deck and features a lower profile because there’s no box structure underneath. These hug the roof and are cons...

  How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home Choosing the siding for your new home is a big decision. Not only is it the first thing you will see every time you come home, but it also has a huge impact on its insulation, protection, and durability. Investing in high-quality siding also pays off in the long term. We ensure our customers have a choice of siding that will last the test of time. With over 50 years of manufacturing expertise, Gentek is a leading siding provider in Canada. Known for their commitment and never-ending ambition to produce the best building materials, we couldn’t feel more confident with the products they offer every single Homeowner. You can tick all the boxes when choosing from Gentek’s various siding options – great design, easy maintenance, and energy efficiency. Gentek offers a number of different siding options, including Vinyl Siding , which won’t just enhance the architectural style of your home but also help the planet. How Gentek’s pro...

 Refinishing worn hardwood floors isn’t a DIY project for beginners, but if you’re determined and somewhat skilled, you can pull it off with the right equipment and materials. Sanding a hardwood floor is the first step of the refinishing process.   Types of Floor Sanders There are several different types of sanders used for refinishing hardwood floors. All are available to rent from us or at local tool rental centers, where you can also purchase sandpaper to fit each machine. Drum Sander   Drum sanders are massively heavy beasts that generally require two people to carry. A large sandpaper belt fits over a rotating drum, which spins at high velocity and makes quick work of sanding a floor. A built-in dust bag catches most of the dust and debris, although you’ll need to vacuum thoroughly before coating the floor. Drum sanders are powerful enough to remove finishes and stains, smooth high spots, and take the floor down to a layer of bare, untouched...