Finding greener solutions

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This article was published 10/06/2022 (1411 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SIMON FULLER

STAFF REPORTER

NORTH KILDONAN

When it comes to one new local business, it can be easy being green.

Greener Shingles Winnipeg gives homeowners that might be considering replacing their roof shingles an alternative option.

The new company, which was launched this spring, is owned by North Kildonan resident Jim Huntrods and Oakbank resident Myles Ras.

It focuses on spraying existing asphalt shingles with a 90 per cent bio-based oil that replaces lost oils in the shingles and rejuvenating them, thereby giving them another five to 15 years of use, Huntrods said.

“We rejuvenate the shingles and replace their lost oils using basically a soybean oil solution. This soaks into the shingles, rejuvenates them, and extends their life,” he said.

Essentially, the solution is sprayed onto to the shingles, at first appearing white and frothy. It will soak into the shingles within 30 minutes, Huntrods said.

“The shingles will then have a like-new appearance and will return closely to their original colour. The whole process is very simple and creates little to no mess,” he added.

In terms of the green benefits, the spray is biologically friendly and not harmful to the environment or to pets, Huntrods said. The solution will also provide the shingles with better wind and hail protection, and also give homeowners better granular adhesion.

Shortly after launching the business, Huntrods and Ras appeared as vendors at the Winnipeg Home and Garden show in April, which garnered them some interest from the public.

“This had some effect, as many people hadn’t seen the product before. The first question most people would ask us is are we washing the roof?” Huntrods said.

Another regular question is how much the treatment costs?

“Fortunately, Greener Shingles is affordable, coming in at less than $1 per square foot. For example, a 2,000-square-foot roof will cost approximately $1,800. The same size roof will cost approximately $8,000 to replace the shingles. The price of re-shingling your roof will vary greatly depending on the roofing company,” Huntrods said.

And now, as spring prepares to turn into summer — the prime months for the business, in terms of working conditions — Huntrods and Ras continue to build their customer base as word spreads about their services.

Regarding their target market, it doesn’t necessarily matter how old a house is for them to work on its roof.

“It doesn’t matter how old the home is, as it’s not about the condition of the home, it’s about the condition of the shingles,” Huntrods said.

“At the end of the day, it’s a very simple product, and a very simple process.”

Huntrods said the groundbreaking solution was developed in Regina, Sask., several years ago.

Go online at greenershingleswinnipeg.ca for more information.