Last modified: 2020-05-19 | Approximate reading time 
9 mins
As one of the main structural elements of your home, you must take proper and deliberate care of your roof. Unfortunately if left alone, you may need to complete small repairs every year. Of course, even with the best maintenance practices, there eventually comes a time when you’ll need to fix your roof. But how can you approach this large-scale project?
If it’s time to fix your roof, then there are a few things that you should know about their inner workings, including materials as well as the more important aspects to check before you hire a contractor. Remember, a proper inspection will lead towards a healthy roof.
Here’s our renovation guide for fixing your roof!
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
To make sure your roof stays in prime condition, you should complete a yearly inspection where you'll be able to look for and deal with any looming damage. You should complete this when weather conditions allow, and thus you should try and avoid the winter months. Once winter is over and it’s beginning to feel like spring, climb on the roof to get a better view of the entire surface. Since the cold season tends to leave traces, it's better to wait until the snow and ice have melted.
This inspection will allow you the chance to monitor the surface and make sure there aren’t any major looming issues. As you climb up on the roof, try to see if you find any noticeable cracks. If such is the case, said cracks will have to be filled as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If you do indeed notice something and need the help of a contractor, you'll be able to see if they find the same problems as you. If certain problems seem to repeat themselves, you'll have to determine whether something else needs to be done, such as fixing the ventilation system or the insulation in the attic, which are two common roof-related problems.
Another point worth noting is if your house is located close to a lot of trees, it may be necessary to do one or two extra inspections over the year. This is because debris from foliage can leave scratches or tears on the surface, and over time these can grow into bigger problems.
Drain and plumbing stack
Now, don't forget to check the current state of the drain and plumbing stack, as recommended by André Gagné and Luc Paré, rooftop specialists cited in a report by Quebec TV show Légitime Dépense. For a complete inspection of the plumbing stack, you will need to hire a plumber who’ll be able to see if everything is in good condition.
Roofing materials: how to choose?
source: unsplash
Unfortunately, as with most things in life, materials have a limited lifetime. For you to know when it may be time to change the surface, you'll have to obtain precise information about your rooftop material and the last time it was fixed or redone. The information about the condition of your current rooftop will likely be found in your pre-purchase inspection report.
Depending on the material used, replacing a roof will cost at least $5000 and can easily make its way up to $50 000 (and more). Not only dependant on the price is the material, but also the size of your home. Yes, this is a significant amount of money but since the roof is such an important part of the house, it’s a worthy investment. Also worth noting is that since a roof will not need to be renovated every year, you should be sure to choose a material that is known for its durability. However, the materials that you end up choosing will depend on the type of roof (slanted, flat), its size and most of all, the budget you have set aside for the job.
If there’s a specific roofing material you’re interested in or heard about, consider it for your current renovation project as the next time you take this one will likely be in the far future. For more information on roofing material options, check out our article on the subject!
What criteria should you look for in a roofer?
Finding the right contractor to work on your roof is a key step in the renovation process. You'll need someone that is both competent and qualified for this difficult job. Before starting to make sure to check that they have the right permits as well as valid insurance policies. Consider choosing someone local, as a roofer who works in your municipality will be familiar with the local building codes and thus, will be considered reliable. Also, local contractors are more likely to be available if you need advice or a repair in contrast to a contractor with a wide-ranging network.
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As should be common knowledge, it’s important to avoid signing a contract with a contractor who hasn't been up on the roof to assess its current state. An honest contractor will go up to see what needs to be done and offer an estimate of the costs involved. Make sure that if the price is fair, the number is agreed upon on the day the estimate is given.
Although almost every renovation project may need a little bit of legroom in the budget, this will help you approach the job with an idea of the amount you’ll be spending. Lastly, when signing the contract, make sure they write in detailed information about the work involved, including an estimation of how long it may take. See if there is a warranty attached to the work and/or the materials being used. If a problem occurs, this could prove exceptionally useful.
If needed, check our guide: Choosing the right contractor for your renovation project here
If each one of the contractors that you meet quote approximately the same price, chances are that the price is honest. However, if you’re noticing large differences between the amounts, you could always hire a building inspector or an independent roofing consultant. They’ll need to have the proper credentials to evaluate your house. This outside perspective could bring extra information about your roof. However, do make sure to budget a few extra hundred dollars for the price of this advice.
Lastly, we recommend that the work is completed in the spring or, even better, during the summer. The heat emanating from the sun will help ensure that the materials will stick to the surface and your roof will be ready and done for fall...
Most common rooftop materials and their characteristics
| Material | Properties | Pros and Cons | Expected duration | Cost (including installation) * |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-layer asphalt |
| Pros
Cons
| Between 20 and 25 years (less if not well taken care of) | Starting at $6 per sq.ft. (Price may vary according to current oil prices) |
| Bilayer elastomer membrane |
| Pros
Cons
| Between 25 and 40 years | Between $8 and $12 per sq.ft. |
| Asphalt shingles |
| Pros
Cons
| Between 15 and 30 years | Between$3.50 and $9 per sq.ft. |
| Wood shingles |
| Pros
| 30 years+ | Between $9 and $25 per sq.ft. |
| TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) | Pros
Cons
| Between 15 and 30 years | Between $6 and $10 per sq.ft. | |
| Green roof (with or without a garden) |
| Pros
Cons
| It all depends on the amount of maintenance. | Between $10 and $25 per sq.ft. but you must also think about adding the price of another material for the undercoat (approx. $8 to $12 per sq.ft.) Total: between $18 to $37 per sq. ft. |
| Metal roof (aluminum, copper, etc.) |
| Pros
Cons
| On average, approximately 50 years. | Aluminum: $8 to $12 per square foot Galvanized steel: $8 to $22 per square foot Copper: $20 to $30 per square foot |
* Please note that prices are subject to change. The same goes for the expected lifetime of the product. Good maintenance, along with a yearly inspection, is necessary.
Sources : (all in french) Légitime Dépense (Télé-Québec): Les revêtements de toiture Légitime Dépense (Télé-Québec): Réfection de toiture Protégez-vous: Refaire votre toiture: nos conseils Protégez-vous: La toiture: les matériaux Le Guide Perrier
To find out about the average prices of different home renovation projects, check out our Home renovation price guide.
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