Vancouver Roofing Contractors – 5 Questions to Ponder

by Roofing Vancouver

Roofing Vancouver - Frequently Asked Questions


1. Repair or Replace?

  • There’s no opinion like an expert opinion.  Most contractors will provide you with a free estimate.  Get a list of a couple trusted contractors and contact them well in advance of when you want to get your roof fixed so you can compare costs and opinions.   

2. Beauty versus Practicality?

  • Discuss this with your spouse or partner. (The kids could care less…at least the young ones.) Truth is, nobody wants an ugly roof just like nobody wants  to be seen with bed hair.  If you’ve got a good quality roof and you simply need to repair it, it’s worth it to pay the cost of the original shingle rather than doing patchwork.  A roof replacement doesn’t happen very often (we hope!) and so make a choice that suits you and your family well or it’ll stick out like a sore thumb everyday you go home.

3. Should I replace the roof so I can sell the house for more?

  • Think about this very carefully before making a decision. Depending on the roofing material you choose, a new roof can last anywhere from twenty, fifty, to one-hundred years!  This means you need to check the year of the roof that’s currently over your head first.  Are you at year 18 of a 20-year warranted roof or year 30 of a 50-year warranted roof? Obviously, the quality is what makes the roof last longer, but if you’re not planning to stay in your current home for the rest of your life, the higher expense may not be worth your investment.  Although a new roof can improve the value of your selling price, the increase may not be enough to cover your investment and that’s definitely going to hurt your wallet.

4. Is it a good idea for me to repair the roof myself?

  • Sure it is. But before you do, consult a specialist first.  You can do it yourself, but you shouldn’t be a complete ‘lone ranger.’ Depending on the extent of your repair, you may or may not change your mind.  Either way, it helps to get a professional eye on the problem first and perhaps even a free quote so you can do the math later and see if it’s truly worth your time, sweat, and money to be mister or miss fix-it.

5. When is a good time to get the roof replaced?

  • Weather can cause delays from days to weeks.  Most people plan ahead to have their roof replaced in the summer when they know someone will be home during the day for a solid two weeks.  Once you have this period in mind, make a call to a trusted contractor months in advance to get a quote.  Some companies get booked up fast and chances are, they’re the most reputable. Planning ahead of the summer also gives you time to ask around more and compare costs…especially if you need to have the roof done by a specified date.

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Roofing Vancouver – How to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

by Roofing Vancouver

The Search for Vancouver’s Best Roofing Company

Today, the cost of replacing a roof can cost anywhere from $2000 to $12,000 depending on the size of your roof, the quality of the workmanship and the materials you’re willing to pay for. The money you’ve saved won’t stretch nearly as far as you’d like it to unless you begin to understand where your dollars are going in this major home renovation project. While discounts and low prices are great, finding a great roofing company is more about working with people that make the most of your dollar keeping in mind what your priorities and wants are.

Cheaper may not be best and expensive does not necessarily mean quality. It is our hope that this report will help you identify what the best way to replace to repair your roof will be. We wish you all the best in your endeavour! Happy Roofing!

The Price is Right. Know what you’re paying for and avoid the shock of ‘hidden costs’

When your contractor gives you a quote, it’s based on:
-square footage: the greater, the more expensive
-pitch (or slope) of the roof: the greater the slope, the more challenging the accessibility
-accessibility: if accessibility is low, workers have a harder time to finish the job, which may extend the roofing period or heighten the workmanship costs (most likely both)
-removal of old roof (if applicable): you might be able to save on this cost
-roof permit & city licence: if you so desire, you can do this part yourself
-one or two storey home: the more stories, the more material
-material(s) needed: there’re more out there than asphalt, keep reading below

Working Within Your Budget – Know the pros and cons of your selections
Here’s a breakdown of the material cost so you’ve got some expertise before you speak with the contractor of your choice. Verify these estimated costs at your local home renovation store prior to calling the contractor so if you’re (unpleasantly) shocked by the quote you’re given, you’ve got a strong case to lower the price quote and stay on budget!
- Asphalt: $50 to $150 or more per square than other choices
- Metal roofing and concrete tiles may start at $100 per square
- coated steels and copper may cost as high as $600 per square
- Ceramic tile and slate are always high-priced.
- Clay tiles can cost $300 to $500 installed per square.
- Slate, with its need for skilled and experienced craftsmen, could cost up to $1000 a square.
Note: Tearing off the existing shingles, which is highly recommended, will add another $30 to $50 per square.

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