Roof Replacement 101
Your Roofing Replacement
Guide
We find that most homeowners have plenty of questions about their roof. However, they don’t always know where to get the answers they need.
Below, you will find answers to some of the most common concerns homeowners have! Scroll the page or check out the other sections of the Learning Centre to find out what you need!
How Often Should A Roof Be Replaced?
Roof replacement timing varies based on several factors, including the type of roofing material, climate, and the roof’s exposure to harsh weather conditions. For instance, in areas like the Okanagan Valley, where many homeowners have shingle roofing systems, a high-quality roof installation typically lasts between 15 to 25 years before requiring a full replacement.
While storms and harsh weather may necessitate some repairs over time, a well-installed roof should remain effective as long as there aren’t any manufacturing defects in the materials. Factors such as the pitch of the roof, exposure to high winds, and direct sun can all impact the lifespan of your roof.
Regular maintenance and inspections will help extend the life of your roof, but eventually, if your shingles start showing signs of wear (like curling, missing shingles, or leaks), it may be time to consider a replacement. Keep in mind that roofs made from different materials—like metal, tile, or slate can last significantly longer than asphalt shingles, sometimes up to 40 years or more.
Asphalt Shingles
- Three Tab: 15 - 20 Years
- Architectural: 20 - 30 Years
- Designer: 30 - 50 Years
Metal Roofing
- Exposed Fastener (Corrugated Panel): 40 - 60 Years
- Hidden Fastener (Standing Seam): 50 - 70 Years
Speciality Systems
- Tile: 50 - 100 Years
- Slate: 50 - 100 Years
- Cedar Shake: 20 - 30 Years
Flat Roofing
- Modified Bitumen (Torch On): 20 - 30 Years
- EPDM: 25 - 30 Years
How Can I Tell My Roof Needs To Be Replaced?
There are several signs that indicate your roof may need to be replaced. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to have a professional roofing contractor assess your roof:
1. Age of the Roof
- Old Roof: Most asphalt shingle roofs last between 20 to 30 years, while metal roofs can last longer. If your roof is nearing or exceeding its expected lifespan, it’s worth considering a replacement, even if you don’t see other visible issues.
2. Missing or Damaged Shingles
- Missing Shingles: If you notice multiple missing shingles, your roof may no longer be protecting your home adequately. While a few missing shingles can often be replaced, widespread missing shingles might require a full replacement.
Broken, Cracked, or Curling Shingles: Shingles that are cracked, curled at the edges, broken or showing loss of lamination are signs of wear. These issues can lead to water infiltration and further damage to the roof.
3. Roof Leaks
- Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: If you notice brown stains on your ceiling or walls, this is usually a sign of a roof leak. Leaks can often indicate that the roof’s protective layers are compromised and may require replacement.
4. Granules in Gutters
- Excess Granules: If you find a significant amount of granules (the sand-like bits that coat shingles) in your gutters or around your downspouts, it means the shingles are deteriorating. Loss of granules can make shingles less effective at protecting your home from the elements.
5. Sagging Roof
- Structural Issues: A sagging roof is a major red flag. This indicates that the roof structure itself may be damaged, potentially due to water or ice buildup, or even structural failure. A sagging roof can lead to more serious issues if not addressed promptly.
6. Moss or Algae Growth
- Excessive Moss or Algae: While some moss and algae growth is normal, excessive growth can trap moisture and lead to the decay of roofing materials. It can also indicate that water is not draining properly, which can lead to damage over time.
7. Daylight Through the Roof Decking
- Visible Light in the Attic: If you can see daylight peeking through your roof boards in your attic, it indicates that there are holes or gaps in the roof. This is a sign that the roof’s integrity is compromised and replacement may be needed.
8. Buckling or Bowing Roof Deck
- Roof Deck Issues: If you notice the roof deck appears to be buckling or bowing, it could indicate problems with the structural components of the roof, possibly caused by water damage, rot, or poor installation. This can be a serious issue requiring full replacement.
9. Increased Energy Bills
- Poor Insulation and Ventilation: A roof that is no longer functioning properly can allow air to escape from your home, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. If your energy bills have increased significantly, a damaged roof might be the culprit, particularly if it’s affecting the home’s insulation or ventilation.
10. Worn-Out Flashing
- Damaged Flashing: Flashing is the metal or other material around chimneys, vents, and skylights that helps direct water away from these vulnerable areas. If the flashing is cracked or worn out, water can seep into the roof and cause significant damage, which might require a full roof replacement.
11. Persistent Roof Repairs
- Frequent Repairs: If you find yourself frequently having to repair your roof, this could be a sign that it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Continuously repairing small issues may be costlier and less effective than replacing the entire roof.
12. Interior Mold or Mildew
- Mold or Mildew in the Attic: Persistent mold or mildew growth in the attic or on ceilings could indicate that moisture is trapped under the roof, often due to leaks. If mold is present, it could cause health problems and signify a roof that needs replacement.
13. Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
- Water Damage Inside the Home: Peeling paint or wallpaper inside the house can be another indicator of roof leaks. Water entering through the roof can affect the interior of your home, causing the paint or wallpaper to peel and deteriorate.
What Time Of Year Can You Replace Your Roof?
For the most part the best time to replace your roof is when you need a new roof.
There are two major reasons why:
- Despite popular belief, our climate allows for year round installs
- Material prices have only gone up over the last 10 years (4% per quarter on average)
In the Okanagan Valley, the typical temperature and weather conditions are generally within the range recommended by manufacturers for roofing installations. Most manufacturers specify that shingles can be installed safely when temperatures are between 4 and 27 degrees celsius.
If temperatures fall outside this range, roofing projects may be delayed by a day or two. However, in the Okanagan region, temperature variations are unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall project timeline as specialized instructions are available from the manufacturer for installation outside of these temperature ranges.
The Major Components Involved in Roofing Installations
When planning a roofing project, it’s important to understand the various components that make up your roofing system. Knowing how each part works together not only gives you a clearer picture of the roofing process but also helps you recognize factors that can influence overall costs. Each element of your roof plays a crucial role in protecting your home, and when properly installed, they ensure your home stays secure and well-protected from the elements.
These components typically include the roofing material, underlayment, flashing, vents, and the structure beneath it all. While all of these parts are necessary for the integrity of the roof, it’s essential to remember that any one of them can fail if not installed with attention to detail and precision.
Understanding these components not only helps you make informed decisions but also allows you to better understand how each part contributes to your roof’s effectiveness. When all components are properly installed, your roof will function cohesively to safeguard your home. However, when even one part is overlooked or poorly installed, it can lead to premature wear and potentially costly repairs in the future.
Roof Decking
Roof Decking is the first layer of the roofing system and provides the structure for the rest of the components. It sits underneath the underlayment and roofing material on a roof. There are 3 common kinds of roof decking: dimensional lumber, OSB, and plywood material. The roof deck is what your roofing material is nailed to.
Drip Edge
Drip Edge is installed on the perimeter of your roof. Its job is to redirect or wick water away from the home to prevent water from rolling underneath your shingles. The reason this is so important is because water can damage the fascia and other parts of your home.
Underlayment
Underlayment provides the last layer of defence against the elements on your home residing underneath the shingles. While tar paper is still allowed by code in British Columbia, most roofing contractors recommend synthetic underlayment.
Ice & Water Shield
Ice & Water Shield is installed on the most vulnerable parts of a roof for added protection such as your eaves, valleys and around roof penetrations. This is a heat activated self adhesive material, so it adheres directly to the roof deck and when a nail is installed through this material, it will seal around each nail.
Metal Flashings
Metal flashing is typically installed along walls, in valleys and around skylights & chimneys to provide the needed protection for these areas.
Some types of metal flashing include: Step flashing, wall flashing, valley flashing & counter flashing.
Asphalt Shingles
Shingles are the first and most important layer of defence of your roofing system. There are 4 types of asphalt shingles: three-tab shingles, t-lock shingles, architectural shingles, and designer shingles. The most common shingle type in the Okanagan is architectural.
Ridge Cap Shingles
Ridge cap shingles are used on the hip and ridge lines of your roof to protect and redirect water from these areas they also help to aesthetically ease the transition from different slopes.
Penetration Flashings
Penetrations such as exhaust fans for bathrooms and kitchens as well as plumbing pipes are high risk areas for leaks and damage. Specialized flashings for these areas are therefore used to prevent water and moisture ingress.
Roof Ventilation
Roof Ventilation is a vitally important component of a high quality roofing system often being the difference between a roof prematurely failing and not. It is achieved typically by one of two systems: On Ridge & Off Ridge ventilation.
You can also make a choice between Static Ventilation which relies on the natural physics of hot air to rise or Electric Ventilation which uses a built in powered fan to draw air and moisture out of the attic space.
What Does The Roofing Installation Process Look Like?
1. Inspection & Assessment
- Assessment of the Roof’s Condition: A professional roofer will inspect the roof to determine its current condition. They’ll check for any damage, wear, or signs of leaks, and also assess the roof’s structure, flashing, and ventilation.
- Determine Roof Type: The roofer will identify what kind of roof you have (e.g., asphalt shingles, metal, tile) to ensure the correct materials are chosen for the replacement.
2. Choosing Materials
- Selecting New Roofing Materials: Based on the inspection and your preferences, you will choose the new roofing materials. Options include asphalt shingles, metal, tile, synthetic and for flat roofing modified bitumen torch on or other applicable systems.
Discussing Styles & Colors: You can choose the style, texture, and color of the shingles or roofing material to match your home’s aesthetic.
3. Getting An Estimate & Scheduling
Estimate and Contract: The roofing contractor will provide an estimate that outlines the cost of materials, labor, and any other potential fees (e.g., disposal of old materials). Once you agree on the details, you’ll sign a contract and your contractor will schedule the start date for the reroofing project.
4. Preparation
- Protecting the Home: Before starting, the contractor will take the measures for landscaping, outdoor furniture, and other areas near the home to protect them from debris. They may also set up a dumpster or other disposal containers for removing old roofing materials.
Removing Old Roof: The old shingles or roofing material are stripped off the roof. This step can be messy and noisy, but it’s necessary to inspect the roof deck for any underlying damage that may need repairs.
5. Roof Deck Inspection & Repairs
- Inspecting the Roof Deck: Once the old material is removed, the roofing team will inspect the roof deck (the wooden structure under the roofing material). If there’s any damage (such as rot or mold), it will need to be repaired before new materials are applied.
Installing Underlayment: A new underlayment (such as ice & water shield and synthetic material) will be installed to provide an additional layer of protection against water penetration.
6. Installation of New Roofing Material
- Installing New Shingles or Roofing Material: The new roofing material will be installed starting from the bottom edge of the roof and working upwards, ensuring proper overlap to prevent leaks.
Adding Flashing and Vents: Flashing will be installed around chimneys, valleys, walls and other areas where water can potentially seep in. Vents will also be installed to ensure proper air circulation in the attic.
Sealing Edges: The edges and joints of material like valley flashing will be properly sealed to prevent water from entering.
7. Final Inspections & Cleanup
- Inspections: Once the roofing material is in place, the contractor will perform a final inspection to ensure everything is secure and properly installed. They’ll check for any gaps, issues with flashing, or areas that need additional sealing.
Cleanup: After the job is done, the crew will clean up any debris from the site, including nails, roofing material scraps, and any protective coverings. They’ll make sure your yard and driveway are clear.
8. Final Walkthrough
- Homeowner Walkthrough: The contractor will walk you through the completed job, pointing out key features, and answering any questions you might have. They’ll also provide maintenance tips for your new roof and inform you about any warranties.
Review of Work & Payment: Once everything is confirmed to your satisfaction, you’ll settle the final payment as agreed upon with your contractor.
9. Aftercare
- Ongoing Maintenance: After reroofing, it’s essential to monitor the roof’s condition periodically, such as after summer and after winter, then maintain it by clearing gutters, checking for damage after storms, and addressing any issues promptly.
The whole reroofing process typically takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the house, the complexity of the roof, new system chosen and weather conditions.