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Roofing 101

There are 3 major reasons to replace a roof, rather than repair it.

• It is near the end of its intended service life
• There is extensive leaking
• To enhance the curb appeal of your home

Here are some things to look out for to assess the health of your roof. If any of these issues are present, it could be time to look into roof replacement:

 

Buckling and Curling Shingles


Shingles that are buckled or warped and have loose granules are nearing or have passed their life expectancy. Sometimes this can be a sign of a defective roof, which may qualify you for reimbursement if it is under a manufacturer’s warranty.

 


Your Roof is Old


You should expect to replace your roof about every 20 years. The type of shingles and proper ventilation are key factors that contribute to the lifetime of your roof. 


Properly functioning roof vents and overhang allow air flow and prevent moisture pockets from gathering throughout your attic, ceilings, and other spots. When these are damaged or not installed correctly mold and mildew can grow quickly. Cracked gaskets, missing nails, or any damage to the vents on your roof should be replaced quickly. Temporary fixes with caulk or duct tape are not sufficient when it comes to ventilation issues.

 


Roof Valleys

 

The valleys on your roof ensure the proper draining of rain and melting snow. Leaks occur when these valleys are damaged. Roof valleys should be examined for signs of deterioration including damaged or missing shingles.

Water damage, black stains, or mold spots on your walls, in your attic, or in other spots on the house are signs that there may be a problem with your roof that needs attention immediately.

 

Missing Shingles


Strong winds and other weather events can lead to shingles becoming detached from your roof. Many missing or detached shingles may indicate that your roof is failing. Contact your insurance company for an evaluation if you notice roof damage after a windstorm.

 

Bad gutters


Blocked gutters that are backed up with water or debris can build up onto your roof and hold in excess moisture. Over time, this can lead to damage to the shingles and the underlying material.

 

How much does a roof replacement cost?


The cost of roof replacement and installation averages $10,000 – $20,000. Several factors will influence the final cost including:

• Roof line and size
• Pitch (steep roofs require additional effort and labour)
• Type of application (how roofing material is applied to your roof)
• Materials required
• Layers of material
Code requirements
Location (Charges may apply if labour/materials are hard to transport onsite)
Roof customizations (multiple chimneys, skylights, or obstacles to work around)


It is advisable to seek multiple quotes from reputable roofing companies when doing your research. Large differences in price quotes between licensed roofing companies is rare. Low prices offered by unlicensed contractors are often indicative of the quality of work, materials and service they provide.

 

 

Other things to consider before replacing your roof


We know that replacing your roof is a big investment and you expect your new roof to last. While several factors can contribute to the longevity of your new roof, there are some decisions that you can make now to improve the odds of extending your investment.

 

 

Don’t Wait for Problems to Emerge

Most asphalt and shingle roofs last about 20 years with metal and slate roofs lasting 50 years or more. Maintenance and monitoring are your best tools to identify problems before they emerge and avoid the expense and stress of damage to your home. As your roof reaches the end of its expected lifetime, it’s a good idea to start looking at replacement options. The longer you wait to get it repaired or replaced, the greater potential for extensive damage to occur.

 

 

Does It Really Need Replacing?

An alternative to a complete roof replacement, in some situations, is the installation of a second layer of asphalt shingles over the original layer. This cost saving option may be available depending on the health of your roof. However, with this method, inspection of the decking and flash underneath is not possible and you could also miss an opportunity to install an ice and water shield - useful additions for wet or icy climates.

 

 

Consider off-Season Roofing Work

The roofing season generally runs from late spring to early fall however, Tymey Roofing’s skilled roofers are able to extend the work season. Hiring a skilled crew to roof your home during the less busy off-season is a great option as teams have more time to dedicate to your project.

 

 

Choosing the Right Materials

There are many options for roofing materials in addition to standard composite or asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are gaining popularity for their durability and versatility. You can also choose from wood shakes, rubber for a faux slate look, copper, and real slate.

 

The experienced staff at Tymey Roofing can answer your questions, highlight the pros & cons and pricing for specific materials, and provide recommendations based on your property to help you make an informed decision. 

 

Environmental Conditions

Location and weather conditions are a significant consideration when choosing the right material for your roof. If your roof receives a lot of sun exposure the best roofing material is one that can resist deterioration from UV rays. Areas that get a lot of snow and ice will benefit from gutter and downspout systems that are designed to handle extreme cold conditions.

 

 

Ventilation and Insulation

Proper ventilation and insulation reduce the risk of water and mold damage to your home. Our professional installation team is experienced and can advise whether the attic insulation is adequate and also ensure that soffits, ridge vents, and louvers are not blocked.

 

 

Check Documentation

Reputable and licensed companies should provide proof of insurance, licensing and required building permits (if applicable). Professional certifications also indicate higher levels of expertise and training. Proper coverage protects you and your contractor and is key to ensuring a positive experience. 

 

 

References 

Replacing your roof is a big project and it can be expensive and stressful if you are not confident in your contractor. Tymey Roofing has many years of experience working on all types of roofing projects in the Lower Mainland. We are listed with the Better Business Bureau and are happy to provide references. 

 

 


Get it in Writing

For your protection and peace of mind, avoid contractors who do not provide detailed estimates or warranties in writing. Documenting details up front are important to ensuring mutual understanding of what is being agreed to by both parties. Always read paperwork provided to you by your contractor, including the service contract and the warranties. 

 

It’s important to not base your decision strictly on price. You want reliability and not just affordability. A few dollars saved up front could end up costing you more down the road.

 

 

Roof Replacement is not a DIY Project

Roof replacement should always be completed by an experienced roofing professional. Roofing work poses many risks that can cause serious injury or death. Furthermore, improper roof repair or replacement can result in leaks and expensive water damage – not only to the underlayer of the roof but to the inside of your home as well.

 

If you need to repair or replace your roof, our experienced team is happy to take a look and provide you with an estimate.


Do you know why your roof is so important?

There's a bit more to consider when it comes to the function of your roof!

  • Protecting your home from the elements
    Whether it's the snow, rain, ice or sweltering heat, the first line of defence in the protection of your home is the roof and how well it holds up. Over the years the material will slowly succumb to wear and tear as each new season passes. Ensuring you have the correct materials, proper installation and ongoing maintenance will extend your roof's life expectancy.
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  • Saving Energy
    A roof that has been well maintained will ease the burden of heating and cooling of your home throughout the different seasons and the temperatures they bring, ultimately reducing the cost of keeping your warm and cool.
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  • Health Hazards
    The presence of mold and mildew in your home doesn't just present the obvious health risk, but can be unsightly and potentially damaging to your home if left untreated. The leading cause of mold and mildew is almost always the presence of moisture which is frequently caused by a leaky roof.
    .
  • Aesthetics
    Having a new roof is always more appealing, but with regular annual maintenance, your home's curb appeal can be just as stunning. But more importantly with a properly maintained roof, the potential for issues during building inspections will likely be mitigated when reselling your home.
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What Our Client Says

Message from Owner

We are a roofing company with a customer centric model

Our priority is ensuring you, our customer, is satisfied with the work we do, but more importantly, the service we provide. We take pride in the level of service we provide and the positive feedback for the work we do. It is also with great pride that we thank our past customers for their business and the ongoing relationships we have established.

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