What is a Roof Replacement?

Things to Know Before Starting the Roof Replacement Process

Consider Local Roofing Companies for Your Roof Replacement

Get Multiple Quotes

Don't Look for a Cheap Roof Replacement

Which Materials to Use for Your Roof Replacement

Get a Full Roof Replacement Instead of Fixing

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?

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Determining the appropriate frequency of roofing inspections is not what you would call an exact science.  There are a number of factors that will influence how often your roof should be inspected from the materials used in its construction to the age of the roof, not to mention the impact of weather such as wind, snow, rain, and sun.  As the homeowner, you should ideally commit yourself to giving your roof a quick once over at least twice a year where you look for signs of damage, but you will also want to schedule regular professional roof inspections.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors you should consider when determining how often your roof should be inspected.

Roofing Components

The most common exterior component of your roof is likely a layer of shingles – generally these are made from asphalt or wood.  But, there are many other roofing materials including metal roofs, ceramic tiles, and more.  Additionally, your roof is composed of more than that external layer; and all these components require regular inspections and maintenance.  For example, a roof is held up by trusses that are then covered by a sheeting material to provide the main structural support for your roof.  Then of course there is an underlay upon which this exterior surface (i.e. singles) are installed.  Additionally, roofing features are surrounded by flashing and you will have gutters that need to be inspected as well.  So, while a homeowner may be well poised to identify superficial signs of damage or deterioration, only a qualified professional will have the skills to thoroughly inspect your roof.

Inspection Schedules

One of the most obvious times to schedule regular inspections is after the harshest season in your climate.  Many homeowners want to know how their roofs have held up to winter weather or stormy seasons.  And it’s true, scheduling inspections after severe weather can help prevent future damage and ensure your roof is in good condition.  Alternatively, some professionals recommend inspections just before you expect the worst weather – once again, this helps to ensure your roof is in good stead for the coming harsh weather.  However, these shoulder seasons also tend to be busier for roofers and inspections may cost more. 

Still, perhaps the main factor that influences how often your roof needs inspection is the materials used in its construction.  Depending on the type of material, you can expect different rates of deterioration.  More specifically, guidelines dictate that asphalt, composite, and wood shingle roofs should be professionally inspected every 1-3 years, depending on the age of the roof.  Older roofs should be inspected more frequently.  On the other hand, a ceramic tile roof may reliably protect your home with inspections scheduled every 3-5 years, again depending on the age of your roof.

As you can see, there are many factors that influence how often your roof should be inspected, but there’s no question that regular inspection can extend the lifespan of your roof and prevent leaks that cause damage to interior structures.  And one more point to note – if you are not confident managing your own twice-yearly checks, don’t hesitate to work with a professional. 

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Sometimes you don’t have the luxury of scheduling your roof replacement.  In the event of an emergency, you’re likely to find roofing repairs or replacement are considerably more expensive – not because roofers are cashing in at your time of need, but because emergency roofing work typically comes up during a roofer’s busiest season.  Of course, emergency roofing repairs are not always avoidable, but with regular maintenance and inspections you can ensure that your roof will survive seasonal weather challenges so that you can schedule repairs or replacement during the roofing off-season when rates tend to be lower.

So when is the best time to reroof?  Obviously, roofing contractors are available year-round to help homeowners with their roofing needs.  As a homeowner, you may think it is in your best interests to delay roofing replacement as long as possible, but it’s much more important to consider the quality of your roof when deciding when to schedule a replacement.  This is why regular maintenance and repairs are so important.  An annual roofing inspection will reveal minor problems that can be repaired before they become catastrophic damage.  Moreover, your roofing contractor will likely be able to predict when your roof will need to be replaced.

A good contractor will always try to coordinate roof replacement or major roofing repairs with their offseason.  Late summer and fall tend to be the busiest months of the year for roofing companies.  As we prepare for the harsh realities of winter weather, we want to be sure our roofs are in good condition, so it makes sense that roofers would be busiest leading up to the winter months.  Moreover, late summer weather tends to be more predictable and temperatures are cooler so it’s easier to schedule and conduct repairs.  However, being the busiest months for roofers also means it can be difficult to find available contractors.  Roofing supplies also tend to be more expensive during the late summer and early fall months, so homeowners will likely find the peak season for roofing to be the most expensive.

On the other hand, scheduling major roofing work during the winter months can be easier since roofers tend to be less busy at this time of year.  Asphalt shingles can be installed in any temperature without affecting their warranty, so if you live in a dry environment, winter might be a great time to schedule your roofing work.  Unfortunately, winter weather can be unpredictable in most climates making it challenging for roofers to complete a project in a timely manner.  Interruptions from weather can definitely impact the cost of your roofing replacement.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to conducting a roof replacement at any time of the year.  Ideally, you want to have the luxury of planning ahead whenever it comes to major roofing projects.  So what does that mean?  Ensure you schedule regular inspections and maintenance for your roof so that you can effectively plan major repairs or replacements.  

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Your roof and its associated systems are integral components of the structure and ultimately function of your home.  While you may be aware of the importance of roof maintenance, many homeowners overlook the importance of gutter cleaning and maintenance.  Nevertheless, the condition of your gutters can have a direct impact on the condition of your roof, and as such, they require regular attention.  So what do you need to know about gutter cleaning and maintenance?

First of all, the function of gutters is to collect and distribute water away from your home.  Ultimately, gutters are designed to protect your home’s foundation by channelling water away from the base of your home.  So, clean gutters are not only crucial when it comes to keeping your roof in good condition, but they also need regular cleaning to ensure the condition of your foundation.  Indeed, some of the consequences of clogged gutters include:

• Excess debris in gutters can weigh them down and potentially damage your gutter system preventing water from being channeled properly.
• Water from clogged gutters can back up and seep between your gutter and fascia.  This can cause wood around and behind the fascia to rot, while also leading to leaks in your home.  Roofing structures can easily be compromised.
• Clogged gutters often overflow and cascade over the gutter along the perimeter of your home.  This can not only damage gardens and structures around the base of your home, but can also lead to cracks and leaks in your foundation.
• Water seeping into your foundation will ultimately damage the foundation, especially in colder climates.  As water freezes and thaws, the integrity of your foundation is diminished.  Foundation repairs can cost thousands of dollars.
• Stagnant water in gutters can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects, while also allowing grass and moss to grow in your gutter.

Now, you may be wondering if clogged gutters are a common problem.  There’s no question that gutters become clogged as leaves and other debris collects, especially if you have trees overhanging you home.  So how do you maintain your gutter?  Ideally, you should aim to clean your gutters at least once a year, but most experts recommend spring and fall cleaning.  Though gutter cleaning can be a time consuming and messy task, it really must be done.

Various tools can make the task of cleaning your gutters much easier.  Shop vacuums can be equipped with gutter nozzles, and there are even gutter robots designed to automatically clean gutters.  Still, hands-on cleaning is always the best approach as you can ensure a thorough cleaning.  Unless you are very confident on a roof or ladder and have the proper safety equipment, you should always hire roofing professionals to clean your gutters.

More about residential roofing services here.

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An unfortunate reality of today’s day and age is that everybody is trying to make a quick buck and we can see it everywhere.  Most of the products we buy on a daily basis come from factories overseas where quality control is not of paramount concern.  We can also see it at home when under-qualified or dishonest tradesmen make wild promises but never deliver.  If you’re planning to install a new roof or undergo major roofing repairs on your home, you need to take the necessary precautions to avoid new roof scams.  So what can you do?

The Basics

There are a few basic steps you can take to protect your home and your family from roofing scams.  First and foremost, always interview a number of potential roofing contractors and choose a professional with a long-standing history of successful roofing projects in your community.  Seek referrals and ask for references that will give you an early picture of potential contractors’ skill and workmanship.

Screening possible roofers is the first step in avoiding scams, but you should also be sure to get all quotes in writing.  Your quote should include not only the costs of labour and materials, but also a clear definition of what work will be done and timelines for the project.  In addition, make sure you understand this quote as well as any contract you sign.  If you’re uncertain about particular terms, always ask for clarification.

With respect to invoices, estimates, and contracts, you also want to make sure that these documents include the full name, address, and phone number of the sales person and roofing contractor.  You should also take a moment to confirm with the sales person or roofing contractor that all staff are properly trained and that the roofing company carries appropriate insurance (including 3^rd party liability insurance).

Finally, always follow your gut instinct.  For the most part, common sense will help you avoid scams.  If a roofer offers you an “off the books, tax-free’ repair or replacement, this should be a red flag.  All work with any contractor should be properly documented and permitted, and tax-free deals are often a sign that your contractor is avoiding tax and other responsibilities.

Consumers Beware

Many municipalities offer a Consumers Beware List that can alert you to any dubious contractors in your area.  Similarly, you can check with your local Better Business Bureau to get more information about different roofing contractors in your area.  Ultimately, taking a bit of extra time in the early stages to vet several contractors and then choose the best roofer for your project is the best way to avoid roofing scams.   Then get everything in writing so that you have legal protection in case anything goes wrong.

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Though more typical for commercial structures, it is not uncommon for homes to feature flat roofs.  Still, homeowners tend to know very little about roofs in general, much less flat roofs.  In fact, when it comes to roofs, homeowners are typically only interested in one factor: aesthetic.  Pitched roofs are certainly the standard for residential structures, but flat roofs are actually less expensive to install and are therefore a common choice for homes in North America.  If you have a flat roof or you’ve chosen a flat roof for your new home, the obvious question is what is the best roofing material for flat roofs?

Essentially, there are three varieties of flat roof: felt, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), and fibreglass.  So, let’s take a closer look.

Felt (aka Torch On)

Sometimes known as a felt roof, polyester reinforced, or torch on flat roof have come a long way in the last couple of decades.  In the past, bitumen felt roofs were criticized for poor flexibility and durability, but these roofs have improved considerably in the past few years.  Usually applied with a 3 layer system, felt roofs feature a vapour control layer, 2mm of reinforced felt, and a final layer of 4mm felt cap sheet.  This final layer of torch on roofs may be plain black bitumen, solar reflective finish, or mineral fleck finish which is available in a range of colours.

Felt roofs are generally guaranteed for 10 years, but some contractors may offer guarantees of up to 20 years.  That being said, it’s not unheard of for a well-installed torch on roof to last up to 30 years if it is properly maintained.  Easily the cheapest option with respect to flat roofs, felt roofs are a great choice for the budget-conscious. 

EPDM

EPDM is a fancy way of saying rubber.  EPDM roofs have become increasingly popular since they were introduced in the UK a few years ago.  Often installed in one layer, EPDM roofs can eliminate the need for joins thereby reducing the risk of leaks.  These roofs are very light weight, flexible, and durable and make a great choice regardless of the climate in your region. 

In fact, EPDM roofs are very tough and guarantees can last up to 50 years, and their cost is not prohibitive.  Though, you should expect to pay about 20% more for an EPDM roof than a felt roof.

Fibreglass

Sometimes known as glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), fibreglass roofs are by no means new, but they definitely represent the most advanced technology in flat roofs.  With modern resins and proper installation, fibreglass flat roofs are highly resistant to damage and can be repaired very easily.  The main benefit of fibreglass roofing systems is their appearance, but they also tend to be the most expensive.  Guarantees on fibreglass roofs are usually for around 25 years, but can last much longer than 30 years when they are installed properly.

Ultimately, determining the best material for flat roofs depends on a number of factors, including your budget and aesthetic preferences.  Likely, EPDM roofs offer the best bang for your buck, but you should probably discuss your options with a qualified roofing professional.  

Related: 

Residential roofing: http://www.k2roofing.com/roofing-services/residential-roofing/ 

Commercial roofing: http://www.k2roofing.com/roofing-services/commercial-roofing/

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