Commercial
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Do I Need a New Roof?
There are some signs that you can look for to determine whether you may need a need a new roof. A professional roofing expert can confirm your suspicions.
Ideally, inspect your roof at least twice a year, preferably in the fall and then again in the springtime.
What to look for inside your home:
Get started by looking at the inside of your home, specifically in your attic. Look for these signs:
- Areas where the roof deck is sagging.
- Water damage or any leaking. If your roof is leaking, chances are your roof needs work. Contact a roofing contractor immediately.
- Dark spots.
- Light showing from the outside.
What to look for on the outside:
Now it's time to look at the exterior of your home -- your roof from the outside. Watch out for any of these issues:
- Scan for any damaged, cracked, or torn shingles.
- Are there any missing shingles? What about any shingles on the ground?
- Loose material or wear around areas such as chimneys, pipes, or vents may indicate a problem.
- Shingle granules that look like pebbles or large grains of sand might have collected in the gutters and eave troughs. This is a sign of aging. Consult with a roofing professional to see what needs to be done.
- Watch out for any signs of moisture, mold or rot. Any moisture related problems may not be seen directly under the shingle at fault as water travels downwards. A water-related problem needs to be dealt with quickly as mold and fungi grow rapidly.
- Inspect the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are attached securely and debris-free. Drains should be open.
- All vents, such as those from your kitchen, dryer and bathroom should go entirely outside of your home, not stop in the attic.
Don't be deceived by roofing "experts" who tell you that a new roof is in order for your home. On the other hand, don't ignore obvious roofing issues. And don't wait too long to get a new roof if your house needs a replacement.
Make sure you get a trusted professional - or several - to explain what needs to be replaced.
Learn more about average lifespans for different roofs here.
Residential
Are you looking for residential installations or repairs? Click here.
What’s the Lifespan of My Roof?
There are several factors that contribute to your roof's lifespan.
Climate
Variables such as climate and weather conditions can affect how long a roof can last. In some parts of the country, roofs will last much longer than in other parts. Excessive moisture, prolonged heat or heavy snow loads all affect your roof. In North Vancouver, of course, lots of moisture and wetness is a big factor to take into account.
Design
Roof and building design also play a part in the overall lifespan of your roof. High quality design can aid in a higher lifespan for the actual roof.
Materials
In addition, the quality and suitability of the material used for your roof affects the life expectancy of the roof. Higher quality material leads to a longer life expectancy of your roof. The suitability of the roof to your particular building and climate also play a part. Learn more about roofing materials here.
Maintenance
Lastly, diligent roof maintenance will also prolong the life of your roof.
Rules of Thumb on Roofing Materials:
Cedar roofs are beautiful to look at. However, in very dry climates, cedar can split and fall apart. Fortunately, in North Vancouver, we do not have to worry about this issue. However, in moist climates such as ours, cedar can get mossy. Those homeowners with wooden shakes also need to be vigilant about pest damage, such as that from termites or carpenter ants. In general, the average lifespan of a cedar roof is approximately 20 to 30 years or so.
Asphalt roofs are the most common type of roofing material in North America. Versatile, affordable and relatively hardy, these kinds of roofs can have several different looks. However, as with cedar shakes they are also susceptible to moss and damage from moisture and will need maintenance. Average lifespans will vary according to the type of shingle used, but can be up to 20 years or so.
Tile roofs are extremely hardy as they can last up to 100 years, but will need regular maintenance and repairs. Broken or cracked tiles need to be replaced by a professional. Individual tiles can break when walking on the roof so caution and care must be taken.
Metal roofing is an attractive option for some building owners as it is very hardy, very low on maintenance and can have a long lifespan if the proper material and installation is chosen. However, it can be costly and has a unique look.
Lastly, concrete is a strong and durable material and should not need replacing. However, many building structures cannot support these kinds of roofs.
A more in depth look at roofing materials can be found in our article: http://www.northvancouverroofing.org/roofing-materials/
One thing to keep in mind is that evolving technology brings forth better durability and increased efficiency to roofing materials, as briefly discussed in this industry paper by the Canadian Roofing Contractors' Association.
Warranties:
Manufacturers of roofing products provide a number of warranties on their products. If your roof fails to meet its expected expiration date, check to see what the details of these consist of. What responsibilities or financial obligations must manufacturers assume in the case of various events? Make sure to keep all this in mind.