You may not think about your roof that much, but as soon as it needs repair it will be impossible to ignore. Even just one leak can cause significant damage to the rest of your home. By properly maintaining your roof and replacing it at the end of its lifespan, you will ensure it does its job of protecting all that lies underneath it. Plus, replacing your roof will increase your property’s value, since potential buyers will have the peace of mind knowing that they’re not going to need to take this project on themselves.
In this guide, we’ll explain all of the roof repair options available to you, including how much you can expect to pay. For a more accurate cost estimate, click here get a quote from a local roofer today!
Choosing a Roofing Material
There are several roofing materials to choose from, which will significantly impact how much your roof will cost. The following three factors will be the main influences on which material is right for you:
Budget
Longevity
Style
As a general rule of thumb, the more you spend upfront, the longer your roof will last. Depending on your current budget and the amount of time you intend on staying in your home will naturally sway you towards favouring budget or longevity. If you have a particular look in mind, this will sway you more towards style being an important consideration.
Ultimately, it’s your home and up to you which roof to go with. Use this guide to explore all the options available and decide which makes the most sense for your home.
Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing solutions available, which is why they are so popular among homeowners. Installation prices will vary depending on your roof size and the type of asphalt you choose, ranging from approximately $2,000 – $11,000. The average cost of installation in Canada is around $4,750.
Durability
Asphalt shingles will typically last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Mileage will vary depending on many factors, including weather (the warmer the climate, the sooner they’ll need to be replaced) and pests. Depending on the last time the roof was replaced and how long you plan on staying in your home, if your home has asphalt shingles then it is most likely that you will need to replace them at some point.
Advantages of Asphalt Roofs
Perhaps the biggest advantages is that asphalt has lower shingle prices, which is why so many homeowners opt for this roofing material. Asphalt shingles are also highly versatile in their appearance and can be made to look like other materials like slate, wood or tile, and also come in a wide variety of colours, giving your home many customization options.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Roofs
If you’re looking for a long-term roofing solution, asphalt shingles have several drawbacks. They are more prone to aesthetic damages like colour loss and physical damage like cracks or even falling off. This will increase the cost of repairs, and you will need to replace them altogether sooner than other roofing materials.
Asphalt shingles are also not very environmentally friendly. The material is petroleum-based and also need a lot of energy during the manufacturing process. When removed from your roof, they are difficult to recycle and typically are sent to landfills, where they will emit methane gas while decomposing.
Types of Asphalt Roofs
There are a few varieties to consider when buying asphalt shingles for your roof.
Fiberglass Shingles
Fiberglass shingles are the most commonly-used type of asphalt shingles for roof installation. They are composed of a woven fiberglass mat covered with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules (to prevent damage from UV rays). Thin and lightweight, they are easier to install and less likely to require additional work to your rafters and trusses to support more weight like heavier shingles would. They will also come with a longer warranty and higher fire rating.
Organic Shingles
Despite their name, organic shingles contain more asphalt than fiberglass shingles, making them less environmentally friendly. They start with a layer of recycled felt paper, which is saturated in asphalt and then covered with adhesive asphalt containing ceramic granules. All this additional asphalt makes them thicker, heavier and more costly than fiberglass. Their materials absorb more and so can also warp over time, requiring more repairs along the way.
Styles
No matter which asphalt shingle materials you use, there are two main styles to choose from.
Three-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles have tabs along their lower edge, making each square look like three distinct pieces. They are the most affordable of the two options, making them the most commonly-chosen.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles have no cutouts, instead being laminated with more asphalt to give them a more distinct shape. This gives the shingles a more premium look, and also allows for more unique shapes rather than squares which three-tab shingles will typically limit you to.
Metal Roofs
Although metal roof costs are higher than asphalt and they are less popular, they have significant benefits that you will want to consider when updating your roof.
As a general rule of thumb, the more you spend upfront, the longer your roof will last. Depending on your current budget and the amount of time you intend on staying in your home will naturally sway you towards favouring budget or longevity. If you have a particular look in mind, this will sway you more towards style being an important consideration.
Ultimately, it’s your home and up to you which roof to go with. Use this guide to explore all the options available and decide which makes the most sense for your home.
Durability
If you’re looking for a roof that will last, then look no further. A metal roof will last at least 4 times longer than asphalt, meaning that you may never need to replace your roof again when choosing this material.
Advantages of Metal Roofs
There are many reasons to consider choosing a metal roof for your home.
- Energy efficiency. Metal roofs can better manage the elements, saving you up to 40% off energy bill. Plus, they are composed of greener materials than asphalt, potentially making you eligible for tax credits.
- Low maintenance.These shingles can withstand nearly anything the elements throw at it and are less susceptible to peeling.
- Long lasting. Metal lasts 4 times longer than asphalt — up to 60 years!
- Easy installation. In some cases, metal shingles can be installed over your existing asphalt roof.
- Lighter. Weighing almost half as much as asphalt, metal will cause less stress on your rafters or trusses.
- Resale value. With a longer life, less maintenance and energy efficiency, a metal roof is something potential buyers are willing to pay a premium for.
Disadvantages of Metal Roofs
Despite having many advantages, there are some important reasons why you may want to use another roofing material.
- Expensive. Although they will save you money in the long run because they last longer, metal roofs have a significantly higher upfront cost than asphalt shingle prices.
- Noise insulation. Without proper noise insulation, rainfall will sound like there’s a drummer on your roof.
- Difficulty expanding and contracting. Without a proper fastener, metal will not be able to properly expand and contract as the weather changes.
- Difficult to match. If a small section of your roof needs repair, it is harder to match the exact style of the surrounding area as it has changed over time from the weather.
- Hard to break through in emergencies. If there’s a fire, firefighters will have a difficult time cutting through your roof to combat flames inside your home.
Types of Metal Roofs
There are several types of metal that you can choose for your roof, each of which will bring added benefits to your home.
Aluminum
Aluminum is easily pliable, making it great for bending into various shapes for a truly unique look. They are also better for the environment, as they are easy to recycle and also reflect light, which will means your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard.
Copper
Copper is one of the longest-lasting metals available, and is less likely to be corroded over time.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most commonly-used metals in general, as it is highly resistant to corrosion and rust.
Tin
Tin is one of the least expensive metals, but is still a great option due to its corrosion resistance and ability to be shaped easily.
Zinc
Zinc is a unique metal due to its self-healing properties, forming a coating as it weathers and reseals itself when scratches form.
Fiberglass Shingles
Fiberglass shingles are the most commonly-used type of asphalt shingles for roof installation. They are composed of a woven fiberglass mat covered with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules (to prevent damage from UV rays). Thin and lightweight, they are easier to install and less likely to require additional work to your rafters and trusses to support more weight like heavier shingles would. They will also come with a longer warranty and higher fire rating.
Styles
No matter which asphalt shingle materials you use, there are two main styles to choose from.
Three-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles have tabs along their lower edge, making each square look like three distinct pieces. They are the most affordable of the two options, making them the most commonly-chosen.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles have no cutouts, instead being laminated with more asphalt to give them a more distinct shape. This gives the shingles a more premium look, and also allows for more unique shapes rather than squares which three-tab shingles will typically limit you to.
Additional Costs
Depending on the condition of your roof, there are many additional factors in the installation process that can add costs to your project.
Removing the Old Roof
If your roof deck is still in good condition, new asphalt shingles may be able to be placed on top of your old ones. If your roof deck in poor condition, you have shake shingles or you have two or more layers, you will need to remove your current roofing before installing your new asphalt shingles. For metal roofs, you will in all likelihood need to remove your current roof first.
To avoid surprises, ask your roofing specialist to the cost of roof removal, as this can be an unexpected but costly addition to your project, anywhere from $550 to $1,500 for a ranch-style home, varying based on location and difficulty.
Rafters or Trusses
A roof needs strong rafters or trusses for support. If they are damaged or can’t support the weight of your new roofing materials, you will need to install new ones or risk having your brand new roof come crashing down. Depending on the level damage or if they need reinforcement, costs can widely vary anywhere from $1,000 to $13,000.
Algae and Fungus
If your location experiences significant rainfall (such as Vancouver) or there is high humidity, you may want to consider algae-resistant shingles. These have a roof coating of leachable copper to resist damage and discolouration, giving your roof a longer lifespan. If you opt for algae and fungus resistance, expect to add 10 to 15% to your total cost.
Pitch
Safety is always the top priority. If your home has an exceptionally steep pitch, then more precautions will need to be taken to ensure that the installers are as secure as possible. This will add more steps and time to your project, potentially increasing the cost as well. A steep pitch may also require an underlayment to earn a Class A fire rating, which will also increase the costs.
Weight
Thicker shingles will last longer and as a result cost more at the beginning, but will better withstand the elements. The added weight may also require more support from your rafters or trusses, which will also drive up costs. In the long run, however, they may save you money by prolonging your roof’s life and needing replacement or repairs less often.