Welcome to Gauthier Roofing and Siding Windsor and Area’s Leading Exterior Home Improvement Company

First and foremost, do your research. Ask friends, family and neighbours for the names of contractors they have used and would recommend. Search online and check the contractor’s ratings and reviews, including the BBB. Find out what year the company was established. Thirty years of experience doesn’t necessarily mean 30 years of operation. See if they have been successful enough to own an actual business establishment, as compared to simply working from home, which shows sound business policies and typically a greater chance of being around in the future. Make sure the contractor carries public liability, property damage and WSIB insurance. Get detailed written estimates, nothing vague and don’t rely on a handshake. Be careful with deposits, ideally avoiding them. Lastly, don’t rush your selection. You are going to live with the work for years and maybe even decades, so taking the time to select the right contractor will save a lot of frustration, time and possibly added expense later.

For the most part, this oftentimes comes down to the details of what is actually being quoted, commonly known as the scope of work. There are numerous ways that all home improvement projects can be done, along with a variety of materials that can be used. If a roof, for example, is done without complete underlayment and entry level materials, it’s going to cost less than a complete integrated roof system with better quality materials. A contractor without proper insurance coverage can also work for less than one who has complete coverage. It’s important to look at what each contractor is offering in terms of the best protection for you, as well as the actual scope of work. It’s easy to see some similar words or phrases on estimates and assume they are the same, as home improvements aren’t every day purchases and can be confusing. However, it’s important to compare closely and ask lots of questions to clear up any confusion. Typically, home improvements are much like everything else, in that you get what you pay for.

Although this may originally seem great, if it’s the busy season it typically should raise a red flag. Good contractors are going to be busy during the busy season. Finding a contractor that no one else wants isn’t a good thing. It’s easy to lose sight of this in the excitement of getting your project done, but it’s best not to rush into anything. Even if you have a leaking roof, for example, a quick temporary repair can be done (oftentimes free upon authorization of a complete roof replacement), so that the immediate concern is addressed quickly, alleviating the pressure to act fast and make the wrong decision.

Typically, the main thing to keep in mind is that the manufacturer warrants the product and the contractor warrants their workmanship. The manufacturer warrants the shingle and any covered accessories against manufacturing defects. Exactly what is covered and how, will be outlined in the manufacturer’s warranty. Coverage does vary between manufacturers, so it is important to read the warranties. From these basic warranties, manufacturer’s also offer enhanced warranty coverage when roofs are installed by their certified installers and a specified scope of work is followed. The actual workmanship is warranted by the roofing contractor, but there are certain enhanced warranty coverages available where the manufacturer also warrants the workmanship. To add a little more confusion, the manufacturers typically also note the labour coverage in their warranties, this means the labour coverage involved to replace the roof in the event of a manufacturing defect. This labour is not the same as the workmanship warranty.

Yes, and it’s typically recommended. A wallboard insulation can be installed once the old siding is removed. It’s available in a variety of styles, thicknesses and R values. Many come with a housewrap and the joints get taped. Energy efficiency is improved along with air infiltration and noise transmission. By insulating over the exterior wall in this way, it prevents thermal bridging at the wall studs, adding to the energy efficiency. In addition, the insulation provides a better surface for the installation of the new siding.

Windows are typically replaced when they become difficult to operate or lock, when a draft can be felt when closed, or when there is moisture present between the panes of glass (called a seal failure). Sometimes they just look old and worn over time. New windows are going to be more energy efficient, look better and typically block more outside noise. There is also oftentimes better fade protection where sun enters the windows hitting furniture, flooring, etc. Energy efficient replacement windows come in an array of styles, sizes, shapes and colours.

One option is going to a larger size eavestrough, but what is oftentimes recommended when replacing a complete residential eavestrough system is upgrading to larger downpipes. This way the eavestrough doesn’t look too bulky and the speed in which the eavestrough can drain, is more important than how much water the eavestrough can hold. Typically, the downpipes we use are 50% larger than the existing ones. We also use heavy-duty, screw-type aluminum hangers. These hangers are concealed, won’t snap or corrode and are secured with special rubber-washer bolt-head screws. We can even install covers (aka gutter guards) on your new or existing eavestroughing, so you’ll never have to clean them again.

We are a family run business in operation for over 50 years and have served over 35,000 customers in the Greater Windsor area. We’ve had a continuous A+ rating with the BBB since becoming a member over 45 years ago, and we are a two-time BBB “Business Integrity” finalist award winner. We have also won a Windsor Chamber “Company of the Year” award. We have hundreds of 5-Star reviews on Google, BBB, Facebook, TrustedPros, Yellow Pages, HomeStars and more. We are the highest rated and most award-winning exterior home improvement company in the Windsor area and nearly 80% of our work comes from previous customers and referrals. We are a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor. Less than 3% of roofing contractors in North America have achieved this status, and it enables us to offer enhanced warranty coverage over and above standard warranties. We are the Best Roofing Contractor in Windsor, as selected by Three Best Rated™ and the 2022 Top Choice Award winner for Roofing Company in Windsor. We also offer complete exterior home improvements.