Roofing

March 2022

January 2022

A roof is one of the most fundamental parts of all buildings. In order to make sure your structure is safe from damage, it’s important to have a good roof constructed by a reputable roofing contractor. Yet, forces of natural and other issues can cause a roof to become damaged over time. This may have you wondering if it’s time to repair or replace your roof.

When Should You Replace Your Roof?

Making sure your roof is in good condition is vital. If you notice signs of damage, it’s important to get the issues fixed right away so it doesn’t become worse and cost more in the long run. However, if you don’t have experience working with roofing materials, it’s best to hire a roofing company to ensure the job is done safe and correct.

Let’s start off big. Replacing a roof is a much bigger (and more costly) than repairing it. For this reason, you don’t want to hire a roofing crew to fully replace your roof if you only need to have a section or two repaired. Replacing a roof is a big job, it requires the contractor to remove old roofing materials and shingles, then install all new materials.

Even though it may seem like your roof needs replacement, it’s not always necessary. Take a look at some of the examples below to get an idea if your roof needs roof repairs, or to be replaced.

The Roof Is Old And Looks Terrible

How old is the roof on your property? Most roofs are built to last an average of 25 to 30 years, but some can hold up longer if the roofing company used reliable, quality materials. That being said, if your roof is over 30 years old and is looking rough, this is usually the first sign of a roof that needs to be replaced. It’s good to be proactive when dealing with a roof, than to wait for issues to occur.

My Roof Has Water Damage

Are there areas on your roof with damaged shingles that are leaking? This can expose the roof deck to moisture which will eventually lead to a lot of damage. Water damage is more severe, as it can lead to rot and mold. Depending on how bad the leak is, in most cases a new roof can actually be cheaper over continually dealing with leaks and future repair bills.

My Roof Looks Droopy

If the roof appears droopy or as though it’s sagging, it needs to be replaced. A droopy roof is a sign of structural damage. There are many factors that can cause this, such as heavy snowbanks sitting on the roof or moisture damage. When too much weight is sitting on the roof, it can put pressure on the joists and rafters. This can be dangerous if it doesn’t get repaired.

When Should You Replace Your Roof?

If you notice a problem with your roof, but it’s not as extreme as the three examples we mentioned above, you likely only need to have it repaired. Forces of nature can cause minor damage to a roof over time. However, if you are quick to get these repairs fixed, your roof should stay in good condition for longer.

Here are some signs of roof damage that can often be fixed with general repair.

Damage to a Specific Area

When a wild storm hits your region, there is a chance that a few of shingles may damage or come loose. If the rest of your roof is still in good condition and there is minor damage to certain parts of it, there’s no need to have the entire thing replaced and a roofing company should have no problem providing the repair.

Isolated Leaks

If there is a small leak in your roof, it’s advised to always have a professional look at it right away. This is because water damage can often be more severe than it appears and can lead to several health risks and structural concerns. 

A small isolated leak can be a different story. If the leak is new, it usually can be repaired so it doesn’t cause further damage leading to a full roof replacement. As long as the leak is caught before it causes any damage to the internal parts of the roof, it can likely be fixed.

Tight Budget

Let’s go back to the first point we made about when to replace your roof, it’s age. In some situations, you may be able to get away with repairs on older roofs, but this option is only best if you have budget concerns and can’t afford to have your roof replaced.

Most qualified roofing contractors will offer their clients a form of financing a new roof. Residential customers select financing as an option due to the lower monthly cost instead of one large bill.

The Costs of Repairing a Residential Roof

For many homeowners, cost plays a big role in what they decide to do when it comes to a new roof. When comparing the cost of repairing a roof vs replacing it, the pricing will range between a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Yet, if you live in an older home, you may be looking at replacing the roof at some point in the future. In this section we’re going to break down some estimated costs of how much it will cost to replace a roof. Keep in mind, there are several factors that go into the budget and these factors will vary depending on: 

• Where You Live
• Size of the Roof
• Materials Used
• Labor Costs
• Time of Year
• Company Hired
• Financing Selected

The average homeowner in Canada is likely to spend between $6,000 and $11,000 to have their roof replaced. This price could be more if you live in a larger home or have special material requirements. 

When you decide to have your roof replaced, there will be several options to choose from when it comes to materials. Each one will have a different cost range. Let’s take a look at some of the different materials you can choose from and the average costs.

Cost of Asphalt Roof

The top choice roofing material that most homeowners go for is asphalt. This is because the material is durable, easy to install, and relatively affordable. The price will vary depending on the brand of shingles you choose to go with. Being the most affordable roofing option, many homeowners spend roughly $5,000 to $9,000 on a new asphalt roof.

Here is the national average per square foot:

• 3-Tab Shingles: Average $2 to $4
• Architectural Shingles: Average $3 to $5
• Premium Designer Shingles: Average $3 to $5

Cost of Metal Roof

A metal roof is one of the more expensive options, but they can be worth the higher price. When you pay for a metal roof, you’re getting a strong roof that will last a lifetime. Most metal roofs are made to last anywhere from 40 to 200 years. There are several materials you can choose to use, such as steel, aluminum, or copper.

The average rate for a metal roof in Canada can often exceed $30,000.

Steel: Average $4 to $5

Aluminum: Average $5 to $7

Copper: Average $7 to $13

Standing Seam: Average $7 to $13

Cost of Tile Roofing

Tile roofs are another big investment due to pricing. However, if you live in a warm climate, they are worth the extra costs. One of the reasons people prefer tile roofs is that they are able to reflect solar heat. This energy-efficient roof style is also built to last for up to 100 years.

Similar to metal roofs, the average cost of a tile roof in Canada can exceed $30,000. To give you a better idea of how much it will cost for your property, here is the average cost per square foot:

Concrete Tiles: Average $5 to $8

Clay Tiles: Average $8 to $12

Cost of Wood Shakes Roofing

A lot of homeowners choose wood shakes because of the characteristics it brings to the properties. These types of roofs can make any home look unique and beautiful. If you want to add more curb appeal to your property, wood shakes will do the job. What does the average Canadian homeowner spend on wood shakes? This will typically cost between $9,000 to $16,000.

This is how much wood shakes typically cost per square foot:

Wood Shingles: average $4 to $9

Wood Shakes: average $5 to $9

Cost of Slate Roofing

One of the most expensive roofing options is slate, as it costs an average of $35,000 to $45,000. However, most homeowners who have invested in this roof believe it’s worth the money because of how long they can last. They are built to stay strong for over 150 years. That being said, the average cost per square foot is $9 to $30.

Other Roofing Costs To Prepare For

Unless you have experience installing and repairing roofs, you will have to pay for labor. The quality of labor you choose will reflect the company hired. For most roof replacements and repairs, the labor takes up approximately 60 percent of the budget.

Depending on where you are located, labor costs for qualified roofers can be anywhere from $30 to $110 per hour.

If having minor roofing repairs done, you can expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $1,500 on average. This will depend on the damage done, materials, and company hired.

What is Better: Tear Off or Overlay?

This section is for property owners that have an asphalt roof. When it’s time to get a roof replacement, you have a big decision to make. Should the roofers tear off the existing shingles or place new ones on top of the existing shingles?

Let’s take a look at the differences to help better understand the options available.

Tear Off

When choosing to tear off old shingles, the roofing company is basically building a new roof from scratch. This will take more time and cost more money. Is it worth it? YES! This investment will pay for itself over time because the new roof will last longer and improve the resell value of the property.

Overlay

An overlay is a suitable option if you weren’t planning on replacing your roof for another 10 years or so. This will temporarily fix a roof problem you are dealing with until ready to fully fully replace the roof. It’s much faster and easier than tearing off the whole roof, and at the end of the day it’s more affordable.

However, it’s not a great long-term option because it adds more weight to the roof.

Final Thoughts, To Repair or Replace a Roof?

Always inspect the current condition of your roof before deciding whether or not you need to repair or replace it. Some homeowners in Canada are under the impression they need to have a roof fully replaced when it’s just a minor repair. Since most roofing materials are strong and durable, a reputable contracting company should be able to guide you in the right direction, providing professional advice.

One piece of advice we want to leave our readers is to always compare companies, services, pricing, and reviews. It’s important that you are investing in a reputable team of professional contractors with a track record of history. This will save you from the headache of dealing with a fly-by-night operation.

While a repair is much easier on the wallet, there can be times when you have no choice but to have the old roof replaced. If you are in need of anything roof related, Contact Kymand Roofing today!