Roofs can last 20–50 years, but regular maintenance and inspections can help them last longer.

Labor costs for roofing can vary, but the average is $1.50–$3.00 per square foot. To estimate the cost of a project, multiply the square footage by 100.

Some signs that a roof may need to be replaced include:

Curling or buckling shingles

Granules in the gutters: This is especially true if the roof is over 10 years old. Granules are crushed stone and other materials that sit on top of the shingles

When designing a new roof, you can consider things like:

Material: The type of material you choose will affect the roof's durability, appearance, longevity, and cost.

Budget

Architecture

Color

The answer? Probably. Most professional roofing contractors recommend replacing the roof from the felt or rubber undercoating to the shingles, as that gives the home a more uniform look and ensures that the roof can be replaced cyclically. 

Moreover, the expense involved with replacing even a portion of the roof is considerable, so it makes sense from a financial perspective to do the entire roof at once versus piece-meal. This is only likely to make the project more expensive in the end. 

If you are missing shingles or notice that a few have buckled, especially given the harsh nature of Canadian winters, then you may need a roof replacement to maintain its overall integrity. Holes in your roof shingles may also compromise the energy efficiency of your home, which is yet another reason to invest in a new roof if you notice any issues with the shingles.

Animal damage may also necessitate a replacement, especially since small animals tend to create holes in your roof to seek shelter from the element. Routine roof maintenance can sometimes catch these holes before they allow the elements in as they grow in size. 

The most obvious sign that you need a new roof is a leak. If you have an attic, look around with a flashlight routinely to determine if there are any water spots, streaks, or even stains on the ceiling. If you notice light shining into the attic in places it should not, then you might have a leak. It’s best to look during daylight so that you can identify the issues with ease.

Asphalt roof shingles are among the most common roofing materials, and can come in a variety of colors, although most are shades of black and grey. They’re easy to install, easy to replace, and simple to maintain. 

Asphalt shingles are wind resistant and prohibit algae growth on your roof, a benefit in areas that tend to get more rain. They are also the most affordable of roof covering options and have sound mitigation that makes for a quieter interior space in your home. 

When you’re planning a large-scale or expensive home modification or an upgrade to your home, it’s important to get several estimates (quotes) for your project. This allows you to interview different contractors and to gather the right information for the right choice. 

We recommend at least three quotes. If you notice that one out of the three is an extreme outlier, then it might be one you reject. As professional roofing contractors, we believe that you get what you pay for, so if one quote is significantly less than the others, you may have a contractor that uses subpar materials, cuts corners, or may take a long time to complete the project.

This is why it is important to get an estimate from a contractor in person, so that you can ask important questions about process, material, experience and learn more about what is included in the quote. This opens up the lines of communication between you and your contract to make the experience much more transparent. 

On the flip side, a quote that’s much more expensive than the others may mean a contractor that jacks up the price – or you may have found the very best contractor in your town. 

A good roofing company may be able to replace your roof in as little as two days. This is, of course, barring any weather-related conditions that might prohibit a safe working environment. Most will work with your schedule and find times where the hammering isn’t as disruptive. One note – if you have close neighbors, it’s a common courtesy to tell them when you’re having your roof replaced, so that they know to expect excess noise. 

First, the process begins with completely removing the old roof and the materials underneath. The entire top of the roof is inspected for leaks and weaker spots, which are then fixed. If significant leaks are found, your contractor will alert you to have the interior of your home inspected, including mold detection. 

Once the exterior is pronounced leak-free, the roof covering process begins. First, a felt layer is placed, sealing the roof and giving a good base to place shingles. Then, the shingles are placed. Finally, the completed roof is inspected to make sure that everything is placed correctly. 

Professional roofing contractors will also completely clean up and dispose of all the wasteful materials. Good ones will double-check your lawn for those small roofing nails that can cut unwary barefoot walkers. 

Every good roofing company will offer a warranty on the completed roof, and most will guarantee their work for a certain period. Ask for your company’s guarantee in writing, and make sure to ask about exceptions.

While you may be considering taking on the task of replacing your roof yourself, we advise against it. Allowing an expert to handle this massive undertaking can help ensure accuracy, efficiency and safety. Unfortunately, carrying out improper installation can lead to higher costs down the line. 

The cause of the damage plays a pivotal role in this scenario. Most homeowners’ insurance policies usually cover damage that has been brought about by “acts of God” or unexpected accidents like storms, hurricanes, fire, or vandalism. These policies do not generally cater to damage as a result of lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear.

If your roof has been damaged by extreme weather conditions or unexpected incidents, you will need to immediately report the damage to your insurance company. It’s crucial to provide comprehensive documentation, which includes photographs, a detailed description of damage, and citations from professional roofers. 

The age of your roof might also influence your coverage. If your roof is relatively new, your insurance might cover the total cost of replacing the damage — but the older your roof, the less valuable it is in the eyes of your insurance provider. Understanding your insurance policy can significantly alleviate the financial stress associated with roof replacements. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance provider for clarification.

Finding a reputable roofing contractor for a roof replacement is a crucial step in your home improvement journey. They will ensure not only a high-quality job is done but also smooth communication, reasonable timeline, and transparent cost. Here are some tips to help you find the right contractor for your roofing project. 

Do Your Research: The internet is a trove of resources that can provide you with vital information about prospective contractors. Look up online reviews and ratings of different companies and their services. Consider factors such as their professional competence, quality of work, pricing, and timeliness. Local contractors are often a better choice because they understand the local weather conditions which can impact the long-term durability of your roof.

Ask for Recommendations: Word-of-mouth referrals from friends, family members, or neighbours can be extremely valuable in knowing the contractor’s workmanship firsthand. They can give you an honest review of their experience including any issues they encountered and how well these were resolved.

Check Certifications and Licenses: Hiring a licensed and certified contractor is key to ensuring professional and competent service. They should have all the requisite training and can adhere to safety norms. Certificates such as the ‘Certified Master Elite Roofing Contractor’ by GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, are a good sign of credibility.

Verify Insurance: A reputed roofing contractor should carry both workers’ compensation and liability insurance for the protection of their workers and your home. Make sure to ask for the necessary documentation. This shields you from any potential financial risks in case of an accident during the work period.

Remember, a competent and reputable contractor will be more than willing to provide you with all the necessary information to assure you of their service.

While every roofing project is unique, traditional roof replacements typically last from a few days up to a week, depending on the size and complexity of the roof. During this period, there will be noise from the roofers working overhead and using various tools. You might also experience some vibrations in the house, which could disrupt tasks that require concentration or tranquillity. 

However, good roofing contractors understand the need to minimize disruption for homeowners. They usually operate during working hours, allowing you to plan around their schedule. Here are some points to consider: 

Communicate your daily schedule to the roofer to help them plan the loudest tasks at the most convenient times.

Consider making arrangements for pets and children who may be distressed by the noise and commotion.

You may want to schedule your own more demanding tasks or meetings to take place away from home.

The key to a smooth roof replacement process is communication and flexibility. While there will inevitably be some disruption, this is temporary and necessary in order for you to gain the long-term benefits of a new, secure and efficient roof.

Most cracks that form during the construction process can be minimized.

Start with a sound subgrade. Make sure the subgrade is compacted.

Modify the concrete mix. Use a low water-to-cement ratio.

Install the joints. Be active where control joints will be placed.

Properly cure the concrete.

Isolate joints separating the concrete from an object such as a drain.

To allow the concrete ample time to strengthen and harden, we recommend waiting between 10 and 14 days to use concrete driveways on garage floors.

Although it may be tempting to roll up your sleeves, mix up some concrete, and tackle a concrete project yourself to save money, you will likely spend most of your time preparing for the project. From planning a complete and realistic budget to considering help from professional concrete contractors for certain steps of the project to making sure your project is allowed by the local permitting office, there’s a lot to do before you start mixing up that gray matter! Pouring and finishing concrete is hard work, and often the convenience of hiring a contractor outweighs the enticement of a challenge for most homeowners.

There are many options for upgrading concrete. Add color directly into the concrete mix. Stamp the concrete to look like brick or stone. Stamp the concrete is not only pleasing to the eye it also helps disguise any future flaws form being quite as noticeable.

Concrete is exceptionally durable on its own. Upon completing your installation, we apply a pure acrylic copolymer curing and sealing compound that provides a tough protective film that should last for years.  However, there are some things you can do to ensure your surface stays strong and maintains its natural beauty. We suggest you avoid applying deicing chemicals during the winter, don’t use harsh acids to remove stains, regularly clean your concrete (power washers work great), and consider applying a sealant to protect it from the elements every 5-10 years. 

We apply a sealing compound to reduce staining.  If required, stains can be removed from concrete using the following methods:

Wet treatments – involve applying water and/or specific chemicals according to the nature of the stain. 

Chemical treatments – dissolve the staining by using chemicals that can be blotted from the concrete’s surface or bleach the stain so it will not show. 

Dry or mechanical methods – sandblasting, flame cleaning and shot blasting, grinding, scabbing, planning, and scouring. Be careful using steel-wire brushes because they can leave metal particles on the surface that later rust and stain the concrete. 

Any experienced contractor will certainly have examples of their past work and customers who can attest to their craftsmanship by way of quality reviews.

Most of the time a portfolio of previous projects and customer reviews are posted publicly on the contractor’s website, but be sure to ask where to find this information if you don’t see it.

Perhaps you do your springtime maintenance and notice a few missing shingles or one morning you wake up and the bathroom ceiling has a leak stain. 

In the case of a roofing leak, you have options. Sometimes people ask if they need a new roof because of a leak, and the answer is always it depends. 

Factors such as the age of your current roof, the current warranty (if there is one), and the scop of your roof leak will ultimately determine the next steps. In either case, the first step is to always get the issue inspected by a roofing company… an honest roofing company. 

Depending on the damage on your roof causing the leak – a few missing shingles or a serious problem – will then determine your appropriate actions:

Sometimes a simple roof repair is an answer

Calling insurance to see if your roof qualifies for a replacement 

A new roof

One day. 

A good company can replace a single-family home’s roof in one day. This includes removing the old roof shingles and underlayment, followed by replacing both with new underlayment and shingles, followed by a thorough clean up! 

Perhaps the best question we get, and the one you should ask the most before ever selecting a roofing company to install your new roof, is the right hiring questions! 

Making informed purchasing decisions is vital, especially when it’s an item like your roof, which we recognize is not a small investment. Anything costing a few thousand dollars is a large investment for most households. 

That is why we put together this quick “Hiring a Roofing Contractor Checklist:” 

Hiring a Roofing Contractor Checklist: 

Is your company insured?

Is your company licensed?

Are you certified by the shingle manufacturer? (We are a certified Certainteed Shingle Master for example) 

Is your roofing company a BBB Accredited Business?

Do you have references and reviews? 

What does your roofing warranty look like? 

While the upfront costs of installing a metal roof are often higher than shingles, a metal roof lasts longer and will be replaced or repaired far less frequently. A typical shingle roof lasts anywhere from 12 to 20 years, depending upon how well it’s maintained and weather elements it may encounter. Metal roofs, on the other hand, can last between 40 and 60 years while also requiring less maintenance, making them a more cost-effective choice over the lifespan of the roof.

While it may be true that metal roofs on buildings like garages and pole barns intensify the sound of falling rain, this is primarily caused by the lack of a roof deck, insulation, and underlayment. On a residential home, layers of building materials between the metal roof and the living area reduce the noise significantly, making metal roofs as quiet as any other roofing material when it rains. Check out this video to see and hear for yourself.

Metal roofing actually reflects much of the sun’s heat and energy. While conventional shingles absorb much of the sun’s heat, metal roofing can actually reduce cooling energy costs by as much as 20%. That’s because the coating used on modern metal roof panels incorporates special pigments that reflect the sun’s energy and release heat that is absorbed throughout the day.

Residential metal roofing is available in a variety of aesthetically pleasing designs that can heighten the curb appeal of any home. In addition to conventional panels, there are several styles that are virtually indistinguishable from conventional tile and shingles. Metal roofing is available in a wide array of colors as well, making it easy to find an option that best suits any style of residential home.

The odds of a lightning strike hitting a metal roof are the same as any other roof, regardless of material. In the event that there is a lightning strike, however, metal roofing will not ignite and catch fire since it is not combustible.

Far from it. Studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) have found that metal roofing is far less likely to be punctured by hail than conventional asphalt shingles, withstanding even golf ball-sized hailstones with only cosmetic damage.

Metal roofing consistently outperforms shingles when it comes to resisting harsh elements. In addition to being fire and hail resistant, metal roofs are also effective against extreme winds. Many insurance companies recognize the durability of metal roofing, offering discounts for structures with metal roofs.

Definitely not! Like most building materials, metal roofing is available in varying levels of quality. Homeowners should be sure to ask their contractor or supplier what substrate and paint coating they are recommending for their home. Galvalume steel substrates and Kynar 500® (PVDF) coatings provide the best long-term performance. Click here for facts about substrates and coatings.