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Products & Resources

Materials We Specify.
Resources We Trust.

Every product on this page is something Great Raven specifies, installs, or recommends from direct experience on job sites across Salt Spring Island, the Cowichan Valley, and South Nanaimo.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. When you purchase through them, GRR earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list products we have direct experience with. Full disclosure below.

Roofing Systems

Our Preferred Roofing Systems

The Gulf Islands and Cowichan Valley are hard on roofing — salt air, moisture cycling, freeze-thaw in winter, and sustained UV in summer. These are the systems we specify because they perform in these conditions over time, not just in the first few seasons.

GRR installs Enviroshake, IKO Torchflex, CertainTeed, and Roofnado-specified systems
GRR Roofing Specification
Synthetic Slate

Enviroshake EnviroSlate

Our premium synthetic slate specification for heritage and high-exposure properties. Engineered from recycled materials with a 50-year transferable limited warranty, Class 4 impact rating, and the visual profile of natural slate at a fraction of the weight. GRR specifies EnviroSlate where budget and site conditions support a long-term roofing investment.

  • Class 4 impact rating — highest available; relevant for island properties exposed to hail and debris
  • 50-year transferable limited warranty — adds measurable value to a property sale
  • Lighter than natural slate — no structural upgrade typically required
  • Made from recycled materials — qualifies for some green building programs
Contractor pricing — request a quote
View Enviroshake →
Flat / Low-Slope Roofing

IKO Torchflex Base & Cap

Our specification for low-slope and flat roofs — the conditions most common on commercial, mixed-use, and larger residential builds across the Gulf Islands. IKO Torchflex is a 2-ply SBS-modified bitumen system applied by torch: a glass-fibre base ply followed by a granule-surface cap sheet that handles UV, ponding water, and thermal cycling without cracking.

  • 2-ply SBS system — redundant waterproofing layer reduces failure risk on low-slope applications
  • Torch-applied — better adhesion than cold-applied alternatives in coastal damp conditions
  • Granule-surface cap provides UV protection and foot traffic resistance for maintenance access
  • GRR-installed and warranted — we carry the workmanship, not just the product
Contractor pricing — request a quote
View IKO Torchflex →
Asphalt Shingles

CertainTeed Landmark & Landmark PRO

Our steep-slope shingle specification for reroofs where budget is the deciding factor over synthetic or metal systems. CertainTeed Landmark is a proven laminate shingle for standard residential applications; Landmark PRO steps up with a heavier substrate, tighter dimensional tolerances, and stronger wind ratings for exposed coastal sites.

  • Landmark: SureStart PLUS 10-year enhanced warranty — standard residential reroof specification
  • Landmark PRO: heavier 240 lb substrate with tighter manufacturing tolerances
  • Wind ratings up to 130 mph with 6-nail fastening — important on exposed Gulf Islands sites
  • Widely available through BC roofing distributors — reliable supply chain for island jobs
Contractor pricing — request a quote
View CertainTeed →
Roofing Underlayment

Roofnado Stormtread Underlayment

The synthetic roofing underlayment GRR specifies under shingles and synthetic slate on all steep-slope applications. Stormtread is a high-traction, waterproof synthetic that replaces 15 or 30 lb felt — it's lighter, stronger, and holds up better when the roof sits open during a project, which on island ferry-access sites can mean days of exposure before a crew returns.

  • Waterproof synthetic — maintains integrity under UV exposure far longer than felt during open-roof phases
  • High-traction surface — safer for crew footing on steep-slope applications
  • Lighter than felt — easier ferry logistics on material-haul days
  • Compatible with all shingle and synthetic slate systems GRR installs
Contractor pricing — request a quote
View Roofnado →
Flooring

Flooring We Install and Specify

Flooring on Gulf Islands properties faces humidity cycling, seasonal temperature swings, and the wear patterns of homes that are occupied year-round or used as retreats. These are the products that hold up in that environment.

GRR Flooring Specification
Luxury Vinyl Plank

LifeProof LVP — Full Waterproof

GRR's primary LVP specification for main floors, bathrooms, and below-grade areas where moisture is a factor. LifeProof is a fully waterproof click-lock system — not water-resistant, waterproof — which matters in the humidity-variable environments common to Gulf Islands properties, particularly in seasonal cottages and island homes where the building breathes more than a mainland urban build.

  • 100% waterproof core — safe for bathrooms, kitchens, and crawlspace-adjacent areas
  • Attached underlay included — reduces installation time and provides sound attenuation
  • Order samples before your GRR consultation to confirm finish under your lighting
From $3.49/sq ft
View LifeProof →
Engineered Hardwood

Mirage Engineered Hardwood

Specified on upper-floor renovations and feature rooms where real wood visual warmth is a priority. Engineered construction handles BC humidity cycling better than solid hardwood, and the Mirage UV coating holds better than most in high-traffic rooms.

  • Engineered construction — dimensionally stable through seasonal humidity changes
  • Mirage UV finish — harder surface than most pre-finished hardwoods
  • Wide plank options available — strong visual presence in open-plan renovation layouts
From $5.50/sq ft
View Mirage →
Tile Waterproofing

Schluter KERDI Waterproofing System

GRR's tile shower waterproofing specification. KERDI is a bonded waterproofing membrane applied directly over drywall or cement board before tile — it eliminates the failure modes that cause tile shower leaks in island homes, particularly around niches, changes of plane, and floor-to-wall transitions.

  • Bonded membrane system — no air gap behind tile where moisture can accumulate
  • Compatible with heated floor systems — Schluter DITRA-HEAT
  • Full system: membrane, corners, seals, drains — GRR specifies the complete system, not just the membrane
From $8.99/sq ft
View Schluter →
Smart Home

Smart Home Upgrades Worth Installing

GRR installs these on renovation projects when clients ask. They're practical upgrades — not gadgets — particularly useful for Gulf Islands seasonal properties that sit unoccupied for periods.

Thermostat

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

GRR's preferred thermostat specification on renovations that include HVAC work or heating system upgrades. The Ecobee integrates with most forced-air systems, allows remote monitoring and setback scheduling, and is particularly useful for seasonal island properties where heating costs during unoccupied periods add up quickly.

  • Remote access — adjust temperature from off-island before arrival
  • Up to 26% annual energy savings vs. conventional thermostats (Ecobee data)
  • Compatible with most existing HVAC systems — no new wiring typically required
From $279 CAD
View on Amazon.ca →
Security Camera

Arlo Pro 4 — 4K Wire-Free Security

Specified on renovations where exterior camera coverage is part of the scope. Wire-free installation means no conduit runs — GRR mounts and positions, homeowner connects to their network. Useful for seasonal island properties where unoccupied monitoring matters.

  • 4K HDR video — usable image quality for identification purposes
  • Wire-free — no exterior electrical required for installation
  • Local storage option — no mandatory subscription for basic recording
From $449 CAD
View on Amazon.ca →
Life Safety

Nest Protect — Smoke & Carbon Monoxide

GRR's preferred specification on renovations that involve propane work, new HVAC, or sleeping-area finish work. The Nest Protect tests itself automatically, gives voice warnings before full alarm, and sends phone alerts when the property is unoccupied — important for island seasonal homes.

  • Smoke + CO combined — one device covers both hazards
  • Voice alerts — identifies the hazard and location before full alarm
  • Interconnects with other Nest Protects — whole-home alert from one trigger
From $139 CAD
View on Amazon.ca →
Off-Grid Power

Power Equipment for Island Job Sites

Working on Gulf Islands properties means managing power independently. Ferry logistics, remote sites, and unreliable grid connections make reliable portable power a job-site necessity, not an optional add-on.

Portable Power Station

BE Power B4000 SST Portable Power Station

GRR's site power solution for locations where generator noise, exhaust, or fuel management is a constraint. The B4000 SST runs tools, lighting, and charging without fuel — practical for interior renovation phases, enclosed spaces, and sites where a gas generator isn't appropriate.

  • Silent operation — no exhaust or fuel smell during interior finish phases
  • Multiple output types — standard AC, USB-A, USB-C, 12V DC
  • Rechargeable via solar, AC wall, or vehicle — flexible recharge on island sites
~$4,799 CAD
View BE Power B4000 →
Dual-Fuel Generator

BE Power BE9400DFS — 9,400W Dual-Fuel Generator

GRR's primary site generator for full-crew days on remote island properties. Dual-fuel (gasoline or propane) gives flexibility when one fuel source is unavailable — propane is often easier to source and store on island sites without gas station proximity.

  • 9,400W peak / 7,500W running — sufficient for multiple tools simultaneously
  • Dual-fuel: gasoline or propane — flexibility for remote island logistics
  • Electric start — reduces crew fatigue on cold early-morning site starts
~$1,399 CAD
View BE9400DFS →
Tools & Hardware

Tools We Prefer on the Job Site

These are the tools GRR runs on every renovation project. Not sponsored selections — tools we've bought, used, and kept using because they hold up under production workloads on island job sites.

Cordless Tools

DEWALT 20V MAX Platform

The cordless platform GRR runs on all renovation jobs. 20V MAX batteries are interchangeable across the full DEWALT line — drills, circular saws, jigsaws, reciprocating saws, oscillating tools, and nailers all share the same battery. For homeowners doing their own maintenance between GRR projects, investing in this platform means one battery system handles everything.

  • Cross-compatible battery platform — one charger, one battery type across all tools
  • Wide availability across BC — serviceable and replaceable on short notice
  • Brushless motor options available — longer runtime and tool life on production workloads
From $299 CAD
View DEWALT Kits →
Finish Nailer

Metabo HPT NT65MA4 — 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer

GRR's finish nailer for trim installation, crown and base molding, window and door casings, stair work, and cabinetry. The NT65MA4 is a 15-gauge angled pneumatic — the 34° magazine angle lets it reach into tight corners that a straight nailer can't access.

  • 34° angled magazine — reaches tight corners and compound angles on stair and cabinet work
  • 15-gauge — holds exterior trim and hardwood casing without splitting
  • Narrow nose — minimal surface marring on finished material
~$262 CAD
View Metabo HPT NT65MA4 →
Framing Nailer

Bostitch F21PL2 — 21° Framing Nailer

GRR's framing nailer on larger sites. The Bostitch F21PL2 is a 21° plastic-collated round head nailer with an integrated metal connector plate — it drives joist hanger nails and hardware nails in the same tool without switching. Reliable, widely serviceable, and proven on heavy-volume framing work.

  • Integrated connector plate — drives joist hanger nails without switching tools
  • 21° plastic collation — compatible with most BC framing nail suppliers
  • Sequential and bump fire modes — adaptable to framing pace and precision requirements
~$279 CAD
View Bostitch F21PL2 →
Miter Saw

DEWALT DWS780 — 12" Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw

GRR's primary crosscut and miter saw for finish carpentry, framing cuts, stair work, and trim. The DWS780 is a 12" double bevel sliding compound — it bevels left and right without repositioning the workpiece, which matters on repetitive crown and baseboard runs.

  • Double bevel — no workpiece flip required on crown and compound cuts
  • XPS shadow line system — clean cut-line reference without a laser that drifts
  • Tall sliding fences: 7-1/2" nested crown, 6-3/4" vertical base molding capacity
~$1,195 CAD
View DEWALT DWS780 →
Roofing Nails

Robinson 1-1/4" Hot-Dipped Galvanized Coil Nails

GRR's standard coil nail for roofing fastening — hot-dipped galvanized to ASTM A153 specification, which is the correct coating standard for coastal and island exposure. Ring-shank and smooth-shank options; 1-1/4" length is the standard roofing nail spec for most asphalt shingle installations over 7/16" OSB or plywood decking.

  • Hot-dipped galvanized to ASTM A153 — correct for coastal and salt-air exposure
  • Canadian supplier — reliable island-accessible distribution through local lumber yards
  • Coil format — compatible with Bostitch and most pneumatic coil nailers
From $45/box
View Robinson Nails →
Structural Fasteners

GRK RSS & R4 Structural Fasteners

GRR's standard structural screw system across framing, ledger connections, deck build-ups, post bases, and heavy timber work. GRK's RSS replaces through-bolts and lag screws in most timber-to-timber connections — the Climatek coating meets the corrosion-resistance standard for treated lumber and coastal exposure.

  • Climatek coating — meets corrosion resistance for treated lumber and coastal exposure
  • RSS replaces lag screws in most timber connections — faster installation, no pre-drilling required
  • R4 multi-purpose — covers sheathing, decking, and general fastening where a nail won't hold
From $26/box
View GRK Fasteners →
Exterior & Coatings

Exterior Products Rated for Coastal Conditions

Salt air, sustained UV, and persistent damp are harder on exterior coatings and hardware than most manufacturers' warranty language acknowledges. These are the products GRR specifies on exterior scopes where performance in coastal BC conditions is the primary criterion.

GRR Exterior Specification
Exterior Paint

Cloverdale Paint Guardian Exterior

The exterior paint GRR specifies on siding, trim, stucco, and exterior woodwork. Guardian is Cloverdale’s ultra-premium exterior line — formulated and tested in BC, available at Cloverdale stores across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, and built to handle the moisture cycling, salt air, and UV load that shortens paint life on Gulf Islands properties. A BC brand with BC distribution is the right call for island jobs.

  • 100% acrylic latex with X-Link technology — superior early water resistance; holds up through wet shoulder seasons
  • Applies down to 3°C — extends the usable painting season on Gulf Islands projects
  • Environment Canada approved mildewcide — standard spec for high-humidity coastal exposures
  • Self-priming on most previously painted surfaces — reduces coat count on reclads and repaints
  • Available at Cloverdale stores in Duncan, Nanaimo, and Victoria — reliable supply chain for island logistics
From $79/3.78L
View Cloverdale Guardian →
Deck Finish

Sansin ENS Exterior Wood Finish

The deck and exterior wood finish GRR specifies on cedar, pressure-treated, and Douglas fir decking. Penetrating finish — not a film — means it doesn't peel or blister, which matters on island decks where moisture cycling cracks film finishes within a single season.

  • Penetrating system — absorbs into wood fibre rather than forming a surface film
  • Does not peel, crack, or blister — eliminates prep stripping on reapplication
  • UV-stable pigments protect wood structure from photodegradation
  • Canadian-manufactured — available at most BC building centres
From $89/3.78L
View Sansin →
Caulking & Sealants

Geocel 2300 Tripolymer Sealant

The caulking GRR prefers for roofing, trim, window and door perimeters, flashing interfaces, and general exterior sealing. Geocel 2300 is a tripolymer formula — combining the flexibility of urethane, the paintability of acrylic, and the longevity of silicone — without the surface prep headaches silicone creates. It adheres to damp surfaces, which matters on island sites where you don’t always get ideal conditions at seal time.

  • Tripolymer formula — 1,062% elongation on clear; follows wood, metal, and masonry movement without cracking
  • Adheres to damp and oily surfaces — no waiting for dry conditions on coastal job sites
  • UV and mildew resistant when cured — essential in high-humidity Gulf Islands exposure
  • Resealable and paintable — can be applied over itself and top-coated with Cloverdale Guardian
  • Applies down to -18°C — usable through BC winter for emergency weatherproofing and late-season closeouts
  • Suitable on asphalt, wood, metal, vinyl, concrete, glass — one product covers most site sealing needs
From $12/tube
View Geocel 2300 →
Our Standard

Why These Products, Not Others

Every product on this page has been installed on a real GRR job. Our specification criteria aren't marketing claims — they're what we've seen hold up and what we've seen fail.

Installed, Not Just Researched

Everything here has been specified on a GRR project. We don't list products based on manufacturer rep presentations or online reviews — we list what we've put our name on and seen perform over time.

Specified for BC Coastal Conditions

Salt air, sustained moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and UV at sea level are harder on building products than mainland conditions. Products that perform adequately in Vancouver may fail in 2–3 seasons on exposed Gulf Islands sites.

Island Supply Chain Tested

A product that's unavailable at BC supplier networks means delayed deliveries and missed schedules when BC Ferries is involved. Everything listed here has a reliable supply chain that survives island logistics.

Warranty We Can Stand Behind

GRR carries a 2-year workmanship warranty on renovations and 10-year on roofing. Specifying products with credible manufacturer warranties means the full system is covered — not just our labour.

Specifying any of these products on an upcoming project?

Tell us what you're planning. We can confirm the right product for your specific site conditions, sequence the installation correctly, and provide a written estimate before anything is committed.

Request a Consultation

Some links on this page are affiliate links. Great Raven Renovations Ltd. may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. All products listed are specified or recommended based on direct installation experience on GRR job sites — not based on commission rates. Affiliate relationships do not influence our specification decisions. Product pricing is approximate and subject to change at retailer discretion.