The roof is one of the key elements of your house. It not only protects your family and possessions from the elements, it can also impact the building’s energy efficiency. Over time, a roof can be damaged by weather and UV rays and will eventually need to be replaced or repaired.

If you wait too long to renovate your roof, existing damage could become more extensive, leading to increased repair or replacement costs. What is the right moment to replace your roof? And what is the best season for getting the job done?

Our Montreal roofers help you answer these questions. Learn to recognize signs that it’s time to renovate your roof, and find out what your re-roofing options are.

4 signs that you need a new roof

The first step is being able to recognize the signs that your roof has reached the end of its useful life.

Contact a roofing contractor as soon as you notice any of the following clues, to avoid problems and preserve the value of your property.

Your roof is old or poorly maintained

Generally speaking, professional roofers estimate the lifespan of a flat roof to be between 15 and 25 years. Although it is highly recommended to inspect your roof annually, if yours is more than 15 years old, you should probably have it inspected by a professional.

Of course, if you’ve always taken good care of your roof, it could still be in excellent condition and may only need some minor work. On the other hand, if you’ve never really noticed the condition of your roof, it may already be in need of replacement even though it may still be relatively new.

Missing or damaged tiles or shingles

Damaged roofing materials can show several signs that they are no longer performing as they should be.

If you notice missing tiles or shingles, or your roof membranes appear damaged, your roof needs to be replaced. Damaged tiles, shingles, and membranes make your roof more vulnerable to the weather, which can lead to further damage to the building.

Water leaking through the roof

If you notice wet spots or water leaks in your home, it may indicate a roofing problem. Water leaks can be caused by holes or cracks in a roof, missing sealant, or even faulty insulation.

The first signs of water leaking through a roof are often brownish stains on the ceilings. If water has made its way to the ceiling, chances are that your roofing materials and other structural components are also wet.

In this case, you may need to do more extensive work including roof insulationstructural and decking work and replacement of your roof sealing system.

Damp or moldy insulation

If you notice wet or moldy insulation in your attic, this could indicate that your roof is damaged. Mold can grow on wet insulation, which can cause health problems for occupants.

You may also notice that moss, algae and even fungus has taken root on your roof. These will not only affect how your roof looks, but also accelerate its aging. They can also be the symptom of a moisture problem due to a ventilation or insulation flaw, which will require more than a roof cleaning.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional to assess the condition of your roof and help you decide if it is time to replace or repair it. Regular monitoring of your roof can always help you detect potential problems before they become more serious.

How often should you replace your roof?

Any roofer will tell you not to procrastinate on roofing work. As soon as signs of wear and tear appear, or you suspect that your roof is not performing as it should be, contact an expert.

Professional roofers can inspect your house thoroughly and verify whether any deeper or sometimes unnoticeable damage has occurred. They can also recommend the best course of action and appropriate materials for your roofing project, in addition to letting you know how soon your roof should be repaired.

What is the best season to replace your roof?

Choosing the right season for roof repairs can impact the duration and cost of the work as well as the quality of the result. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each season so that you can choose the best time to re-roof.

Autumn

Fall is a great time to replace your roof. Various factors make it easier for roofing crews to work during the transition between summer and winter.

Low humidity levels and milder temperatures are real advantages for roofing crews. Quebec roofers appreciate the cooler temperatures of fall, which offer far greater comfort while they work on exposed rooftops.

Summer

Early summer is the busiest time of year for roof repair and installation work. June, July and August offer the advantage of long, sunny days – pleasant weather and warm temperatures help the adhesive strips embedded in asphalt shingles to bond correctly.

However, while the heat can help roof coating to stick, the extreme temperatures of summer can pose a challenge for roofers. In fact, roofing on a hot day can be difficult and potentially dangerous, even for experienced professionals.

Don’t worry – Duro-Toit makes occupational health and safety a priority and will take these factors into account to ensure a safe and quality job!

Spring

Spring is also a good time to renovate your roof. Outdoor temperatures increase and humidity levels are generally lower than during the summer. Also, roofing contractors are often less in demand at this time of year, so it’s easier to find a roofer more quickly than in summer or fall.

Winter

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to repair a roof in winter. Modern technology allows building sites to function in a variety of conditions.

Despite this, you still need to consider the accessibility of the work site, especially road conditions. In a typical Quebec winter, you will need to guarantee snow removal before certain crucial stages of construction. This task is responsibility of the building owner or the roofing professional running the project. Learn what snow removal on a pitched roof or a flat roof involves.

You will need to anticipate additional costs associated with preparing surfaces and materials for winter conditions. Projects carried out in winter cost roughly 20% more than those completed during the summer.

What are the benefits of re-roofing?

Re-roofing can bring many benefits to your building, including:

  • Improved safety: A roof in poor condition can be dangerous for the occupants of your building. Water leaks can cause damage to the structure, insulation and vapour barriers and eventually lead to a collapse. By replacing your roof, you improve the safety of your building and protect its occupants and your property.
  • Reduced heating and cooling costs: A functional roofing system helps maintain the temperature of your building. It can retain heat in the winter and keep your home cool in the summer, which can reduce heating and cooling costs.
  • Increased property value: A new and professionally installed roof can improve the appearance of your building, attract potential buyers and increase the resale value of your property.
  • Reduced renovation costs: If your roof is in good condition, it can save you the trouble of having to replace other elements of the building that could be damaged by poor roofing. A healthy roof means a healthy building!

Re-roofing your building can offer many short- and long-term benefits. Working with a professional roofer is the best way to ensure that your new roof is installed correctly and meets your needs.

The cost of a roof renovation

The cost of a roof renovation can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the size of your roof, the type of roofing material, the complexity of the installation, the number of accessories, elements of the waterproofing system and the region where you live. Here are a few guidelines to give you a general idea:

  • The size of the roof: The cost of your roof renovation will be influenced in large part by the size of your roof. The larger the roof, the longer the job will take and the more materials will be required.
  • The type of roofing material: The materials you choose will affect the price. Asphalt shingles are generally less expensive than metal or tile roofing materials, but the latter have a longer life span and may be more resistant to weather.
  • Roof system components: Some roofs require vapour barriers, support panels, rigid insulation and even sloped insulation. These components can be expensive and require extra effort during installation, leading to additional labour costs.
  • The number of accessories: The more accessories, the longer the work will take and the more it will cost. The cost of the accessories themselves will also have to be factored in.
  • The complexity of the installation: If your roof has complex shapes or steep slopes, the work will be more difficult and will therefore cost more.
  • Where you live: Costs can be higher in larger cities or remote areas where materials have to be transported over greater distances. The cost of transporting materials and workers is a separate expense added to the total contract. In urban areas, road permits may be required to complete the work, which can be expensive!

The cost of roof repair

Typically, the cost of a roof renovation ranges from $5,000 to $35,000, depending on the factors mentioned above. We recommend asking for quotes from several contractors to get a realistic idea of what your roof renovation will cost.

Schedule your roof repairs with Les Couvreurs Duro-Toit

In conclusion, the best answer to the question of when to replace your roof is: as soon as maintenance and repairs aren’t enough! Re-roofing will limit the extent of any problem and prevent damage to other parts of your property.

When it comes to choosing the best time of year to plan a roofing job, there are many factors to consider. But remember, since roofing can now be done in the winter, you shouldn’t wait for the snow to melt if your roof is failing in the middle of January.

Have you decided that it’s time to replace your roof or at least have it inspected? Contact our team today!

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