When it’s time for a new roof, you may be left with some questions.
Wondering what your options are, how to be sure you’re hiring the right company, or what you can expect. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed before you’ve even begun!
Replacing your roof doesn’t have to be stressful, and being prepared and knowledgeable is the best way to combat your roofing anxiety.
We’re here to make this process as easy and stress-free as possible, so we’re answering the ten most frequently asked roofing questions, so you can feel confident as you plan your roof replacement.
Top 10 FAQs About Roofing
Replacing your roof is an investment that will better your home, maintaining its value and quality for years to come.
Knowing what to expect is essential in any decision you make, especially when it comes to your home.
We’ve been in the business of roofing for a long time, and we’re often asked the same questions by our clients as they begin planning for their roof replacements. Here are the ten most common roofing questions we answer each year.
1. How Do You Know if You Need a New Roof?
It can be difficult to know when it’s time for a new roof if you don’t know what to look for, and it’s important that any homeowner be aware of the signs of a failing or old roof. We recommend doing a visual inspection of your roof regularly, such as once a month and after any big storm.
During your inspection, you should be looking for any of these signs that your roof is damaged, wearing down, or in need of an emergency repair.
- Missing shingles
- Curled edges or cracks
- A wavy appearance
- Bare spots or missing granules on your shingles
- Moss or mold
- Leaks
If you find any of these signs, you should get in touch with a reputable roofing company right away to have an inspection done or an emergency repair made.
2. Do You Have to Replace Your Whole Roof?
How much work needs to be done on your roof will depend on a few factors, such as how old your roof is, the extent of the damage, and what’s best to keep your house in optimal condition.
Generally, if you need more than just a repair, it’s best to replace the entire roof.
We don’t recommend replacing portions of your roof, as this can often lead to an unappealing look, a voided warranty, additional damage, poor ventilation, or higher expenses in the long run.
Your roof is an integral part of your home, and taking proper care of it is paramount.
If you’re unsure if a replacement or repair is your best option, schedule an appointment to have it inspected. This will help you get the best information possible and make a fully informed decision going forward.
3. How Long Does a Roofing Replacement Take?
Roofing replacements can take anywhere from two to three days all the way to a couple of weeks to complete.
The timeline of your roof replacement will be influenced by a variety of factors, including the:
- Weather
- Size of your home
- Style of roof
- Complexity of the job
Ultimately, you should have a solid timeline provided by your roofing company before work begins.
4. What Time of Year is Best to Replace a Roof?
While roofers can work year-round, weather can have a significant impact on timelines.
Ultimately, the most popular time to have your roof replaced is during summer and fall. This is largely due to their warmer weather and lower amounts of rainfall.
If you’re looking for the quickest replacement time, those are the best months. However, demand is much higher, so you may have a longer wait time.
If you want to beat the line, consider scheduling your roof replacement in the spring before the busy season begins.
5. How Long Does a Roof Last?
The lifespan of your roof will depend on what kind you have.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing options throughout Canada due to their affordability and durability. These shingles have a lifespan of 15-25 years.
For a better understanding of what influences the lifespan of your roof, check out our article about how long your roof can last.
6. What is The Cheapest Roofing Material?
One of the most cost-effective roofing materials is asphalt shingles. However, they come in three distinct styles, and which one you choose will greatly influence the price.
The three main styles of asphalt shingles include:
- 3-Tab or Strip Shingles
- Dimensional Shingles
- Luxury shingles
3-tab shingles are the least expensive of the three and are the most basic option.
Dimensional shingles are the most commonly used style today and are thicker than 3-tab shingles, offering better durability and a heavier solution.
Luxury shingles are the most expensive asphalt shingle option and are exactly as they sound; luxurious. They’re the highest quality and offer more aesthetically pleasing options with a wider range of colours.
7. Can You Finance a Roof Replacement?
YES!
Your roof is essential to the integrity of your home, and ensuring it’s well cared for and maintained shouldn’t be a luxury.
That’s why we’ve ensured every client can maintain their home without the stress of big, upfront payments. We’ve partnered with SNAP Home Finance, giving our clients peace of mind and making home repairs as easy as possible.
8. Should You Replace Your Roof Before Listing Your Home For Sale?
With homes hitting the market at unprecedented rates, this is a common question by many across Ontario.
Replacing your roof before listing your home can make it more appealing and can improve its value before listing.
If your roof is in poor condition and will need to be replaced soon, it’s best to replace it before listing, making it more appealing to potential buyers and helping you maximize the sale price.
9. Can You Replace Your Roof Yourself?
While there are some people who will attempt a DIY roof replacement, we don’t recommend it.
Your roof is a vital aspect of your home, and if it’s replaced improperly or poorly, it can leave you with expensive repairs later on.
Many things can go wrong if your roof is poorly installed, and protecting your home is of the utmost importance. A faulty roof can leave you with widespread damage that isn’t always easy to spot until problems begin arising, costing you greatly!
We recommend always hiring a professional and certified roofing company to ensure the value of your home is maintained and your roof is protected with an extended warranty.
10. What Should You Look For When Hiring a Roofing Company?
Unfortunately, the roofing industry in Ontario is unregulated, meaning not every contractor is offering quality work or maintaining the best practices.
This might leave you wondering how to choose a roofing company that is reliable and trustworthy and what red flags you should be looking for before hiring one. After all, you want to ensure your roof is in the best hands possible!
Here are some surefire signs a roofing company is a high-quality business that you can rely on.
- They are insured
- They are an accredited business
- They offer a workmanship warranty
- They are certified by a shingle manufacturer (like CertainTeed or IKO)
- They have plenty of positive reviews from past clients
A High-Quality Roofing Company Near You
Serving over 15 communities throughout Aurora and the Greater Toronto Area, 123 Roofing is challenging the status quo of the roofing industry, ensuring your community is receiving quality roofing services without breaking the bank. If your roof needs to be replaced or you need emergency repairs, contact us or get a free quote. Our team of highly trained technicians is happy to help you with all your roofing needs.
