Faq

Each person will do their due diligence differently. I think these are some of the things that should be considered when hiring a roofing company:

• Do they have WCB coverage? If someone get hurts on your property, you want to make sure you aren’t held liable.
• Do they have liability insurance? At least $1 million dollar liability insurance is recommended. What happens if your house becomes flooded or is burnt down because of mishandling a torch or not performing a four-hour fire watch?
• Are they reputable? Ask to see references and testimonials. Homestars, Google Plus and Yelp are usually good indicators of a company’s reputation.
• Do you trust them? Trust is huge — if you feel uncomfortable in any way, there is probably a reason for it.
• Are all agreements in writing? Make sure everything agreed upon is included in a signed agreement/contract with you and the contractor.
• Ask about the installer’s experience. The crew leader should have at least five years experience working with your type of roof to ensure quality.
• Are there inspections being performed throughout the job and at the end? Quality inspections should be done midway through the job and at the end. This ensures peace of mind for the future knowing your roof was properly installed and inspected.

When you start to notice these issues with your roof it may be time to take action.

Asphalt Shingles

• Missing granules on shingles
• Exposed asphalt on shingles
• Curling shingles
• Finding loose shingle pieces
• Discolored shingles
• Algae and moss

In the early stages of roof failure you will start to notice granules coming off the shingles and filling up your gutter. You may notice patches of asphalt are exposed to the elements where sections of granules are missing. You may find pieces of shingles on the ground or in your gutter. The shingles may appear to be discoloured. Algae and moss will start to collect after five years on a new roof. If you notice patches of moss and algae this can greatly speed up the deterioration process on your shingles.

Cedar Shakes/Shingles

• Bottoms of shakes/shingles are starting to rot
• Cedar is starting to split or crack
• Cedar is showing signs of curling
• Shakes/Shingle appear to be brittle and worn
• Flashing is rusted

Torch-on

• Membrane is cracking
• There are noticeable blisters and bubbles in the system
• Patches of asphalt are exposed
• Membrane is not fully adhered (You can lift up the membrane at the seams with your hand)
• There is noticeable rust on the hardware especially at the base

If you see any of these signs and or unsure about the condition of your roof, please call us for a free inspection. 

For the average 1800 sq ft home:

• Asphalt shingle — asphalt shingle – $6000 – $10,000
• Cedar shake — asphalt shingle – $9,000 – $15,000
• Cedar shake — cedar shake – $20,000 – $30,000
• Torch-on — torch-on – $14,000 – $19,000
• Tar and gravel — torch-on – $15,000 – $20,000
• Metal – $20,000 – $30,000

These are general prices to help with budgeting for your roofing project. Prices may vary depending on factors involved.

It would depend on a few factors:

• Budget
• Expected lifetime for roof
• Roof Type (Flat or Sloped)
• Aesthetics ( Style/Appearance)

For sloped roof you have wide range to choose from including cedar shakes, asphalt shingles, clay/concrete tiles, and metal.

If 20-30 years is a sufficient lifetime for a roof there are a variety of asphalt shingles to choose from in different shapes, styles, thicknesses and colour. They are cost effective as well.

Cedar shakes are the more luxurious choice costing 1.5-2.5 times the cost compared to asphalt. Many homeowners are now converting from cedar to asphalt but if you choose to remain with cedar you will stand out as the unique household on the block.

For a longer roof life of 30+ years metal and concrete tile roofs are the route to go. They may be more expensive than your conventional roof but if you are looking for a lifetime roof, go with metal or concrete tiles.

For flat roofs you can choose from EDPM rubber, TPO, PVC and torch-on SBS.

Torch-on SBS is the standard product used in the Canadian marketplace for flat commercial and residential roofs. It’s a cost-effective system, easy to repair and usually lasts good number of years between 15-25 years.

PVC is a more environmentally friendly product than SBS. The life expectancy of a PVC roof is longer than most torch-on SBS roofs. The material and labor coverage ranges from 15-25 years. PVC is more expensive than an SBS roof but comes with added value in lifetime and warranty.

Yes, very important. Having sufficient intake and exhaust ventilation is critical for the lifespan of your roof. Without proper ventilation the attic has the potential to overheat and hold moisture. This will accelerate the deterorationdeterioration process on your roofs and potentially cause mildew and mold to grow in your attic.

The average sized home takes about 2-4 days to replace the roof. Larger homes and commercial projects can take anywhere from a week to six months of good weather.

• Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years
• Cedar shakes: 20-30 years
• Torch-on SBS: 15-25 years
• Metal: 25-40 years
• Tile: 30-50 years

These estimated life spans are based on properly installed roofs. The years vary depending on products used, slope of the roof and weather conditions.