What our roofing service includes
Roofing is more than nailing down shingles. A proper roof system includes the deck, ice and water shield in vulnerable areas, synthetic underlayment, drip edge, starter strip, ridge cap, and adequate attic ventilation. When any one of those layers is skipped or done poorly, the whole roof suffers — usually quietly, until a leak, ice dam, or premature shingle failure shows up years later.
When Harmsway Construction installs or replaces a roof in Brussels or anywhere in Huron County, we install the full system. That means full tear-offs (not lay-overs) on most jobs so we can inspect and repair the deck, ice and water membrane in the eaves, valleys, and around penetrations, premium architectural shingles, properly installed flashing at every wall and chimney intersection, and ridge venting that actually moves air through your attic.
We also handle smaller scopes — leak repairs, partial reshingles after wind damage, replacing rotted decking, vent boot replacement, and chimney flashing rebuilds. If your roof can be saved, we'll tell you. If it can't, we'll give you a straight answer and a fair quote on a full replacement.
Common problems homeowners face
Most of the roofing problems we see in rural Ontario fall into a handful of categories. Ice dams are at the top of the list — caused by warm air escaping into a poorly vented attic, melting snow on the upper roof, and refreezing at the cold eaves. The result is water backing up under shingles and leaking into ceilings every January.
Wind damage is another constant. Open-field properties around Brussels, Walton, and Wingham take the full force of west winds. Cheap three-tab shingles or improperly nailed architectural shingles will lift and tear off, often in patches that aren't obvious from the ground.
Then there's plain old age. A 20-year shingle that's been baking in the sun for 25 years is a ticking clock. Granules wash off, the asphalt dries out, and you start finding shingle pieces in the eavestrough. That's the moment to plan a replacement — before the next bad storm forces an emergency call.
Signs you need this service
- Curling, cupping, or cracked shingles — usually visible from the ground
- Granules collecting in your eavestroughs or downspouts
- Stained ceilings, water marks, or damp spots in attic insulation
- Missing shingles after a windstorm
- Visible sagging along the roof line
- A roof that's 20+ years old and has never been replaced
- Recurring ice dams every winter
- Daylight visible through the attic deck
The benefits of hiring a professional
Hiring a professional roofer isn't just about the install — it's about everything that goes into a roof that lasts 25–30 years. A pro contractor sources premium materials at trade pricing, builds the full waterproofing system underneath, and warranties the workmanship in writing.
A proper roof also protects everything below it. We've torn off too many DIY or storm-chaser jobs where the deck was rotted, the insulation was soaked, and mold had taken hold in the attic — all because the original install skipped a $400 ice and water shield and a $100 worth of vent baffles.
And from a resale perspective, a documented professional roof replacement is one of the highest-return improvements you can make to a rural Ontario home. Buyers ask. Inspectors check. Insurance companies care.
Why Harmsway Construction is the right choice for roofing
Harmsway Construction is a local, owner-operated roofing contractor based in Brussels — not a national franchise and not a storm-chaser passing through. Michael Harms personally walks every roof, writes every quote, and is on every job site. There's no call center, no commissioned salesperson, and no surprise upcharges.
We use premium architectural shingles, full ice and water shield in code-required areas (and beyond), synthetic underlayment, and proper ventilation on every replacement. Our crews tarp the property, protect landscaping, and clean up the same day — including a magnetic nail sweep around the perimeter.
Most importantly, we stand behind the work. If something isn't right, you call us and we come back. That's a promise that's a lot easier to keep when the contractor lives twenty minutes away.
Local expertise across Huron County
We provide roofing services across Brussels, Huron County, and surrounding towns including Wingham, Blyth, Listowel, Seaforth, Clinton. Rural Ontario homes have their own challenges — high winds, ice damming, and harsh seasonal swings — and we build for them.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roof replacement take? Most rural Ontario homes are completed in one to three days, depending on size, pitch, and how many layers we're tearing off.
Do you do repairs, or only full replacements? Both. If a repair is the right call, we'll quote a repair. We don't push replacements that aren't needed.
What's the best time of year to replace a roof in Huron County? Late spring through early fall is ideal, but we install year-round in cold weather using cold-weather techniques and adhesive activation.
Are you insured? Yes — fully insured with liability and WSIB coverage. Proof is provided with every quote.