Securing cover
Tips for choosing a new asphalt roof
"IF YOU ARE NOTICING RED FLAGS WITH YOUR ASPHALT ROOF, SUCH AS SHINGLES CURLING, BARE SPOTS AND INCORRECTLY INSTALLED SHINGLES, IT IS TIME TO BRING IN A PROFESSIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR. — MIKE HOLMES
Your roof has an impact on the curb appeal of your home. Taking care of your landscaping and installing lights on the exterior is great, but also pay attention to the condition of your roof.
If you are noticing red flags with your asphalt roof, such as shingles curling, bare spots and incorrectly installed shingles, it is time to bring in a professional roofing contractor. You can also hire a qualified home inspector to come and assess the condition of your roof if you are unsure. They will have the right safety equipment to safely do an inspection of your roof.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for roofs in Canada. They are also a cost-effective material if you are working with a modest budget. On my own house and garage, I installed a metal roof because I wanted it to last a very long time.
HIRE THE RIGHT ROOFING COMPANY
Your home’s roofing system is only as good as the installation and the materials used. That’s why I will never recommend roofing as a DIY project. It’s important to use a professional contractor when repairing or installing a new roof. Interview a few different companies before you hire one. A written contract protects you as the homeowner. If a contractor doesn’t want to provide a formal contract, time for you to find someone else.
When replacing shingles and sheathing a permit is usually not required, however when altering or manipulating the roof trusses you will require an engineer and a permit.
You want a roofing contractor who will rip out the old material and make an assessment (and possible repairs), of the condition of the sheathing underneath. I have seen people cover old shingles with new shingles. That is not something I recommend. Ask your contractor about the warranty they offer.
EDUCATE YOURSELF
I encourage homeowners to educate themselves on any renovation being done in their house. When it comes to your roof, your decision should not be based on price alone. If you need to get your roof repaired or replaced, it is worth going above minimum code in my opinion.
OPTIONS FOR ASPHALT SHINGLES
Do your own research on the shingle options available. Your contractor should present you with some options, but I always recommend doing your own research. The colour of your roof is important, but do you want architectural shingles or laminated shingles? Three-tab shingles have been around for a long time, but architectural shingles give you the look of wooden shingles. That might be a good option for you if your home also has historic look to it.
WARRANTIES
It is also very important to look into what the manufacturer’s warranty will cover, but also remember there is the roofer’s warranty. Chances are the roofer’s warranty will be less than the products used. For example, most asphalt shingles have a 25-year warranty, and architectural shingles can have warranties of 30-50 years, but most roofer’s warranties are less than that, so make sure you understand the different warranties. On my projects, I have been installing shingles that have integrated special copper-containing granules to protect against black streaks.
PERFORMANCE RATINGS
Also consider the wind rating and impact resistance of your shingles. How will the new shingles perform when subjected to high winds and extreme weather? Our weather is changing and becoming more unpredictable. If you live in an area with strong winds, you want shingles to stand up to storms. The asphalt shingle brand that I install on my jobsites protects the home against winds up to 150 mph (241 kmh). What about hail and what is the impact rating of your shingles? Also, let your insurance agent know if you have wind resistant
shingles. You may be eligible for a discount.
Another important level of protection for your roof is using a high-quality ice and water protective membrane. This membrane adheres to the bare roof sheathing and seals around any nails and protects the wood substrate and your roof from ice damming and leaks. The membrane should be a minimum of 6 feet from the edge of your roof eaves. This requirement may vary depending on your local building code specifications and the balance of the roof should be covered with a felt underlayment that helps protect the
sheathing from wind, rain, and is fire resistant.
There’s a lot to consider when getting a new roof, make sure you do your research, understand the warranties of both your shingles and the installation, and find a good roofing contractor that will help you make the best decision for your home. A new roof is not cheap and it shouldn’t be — your roof is a big part of keeping you and your home safe and protected, so choose wisely.