Your roof is showing signs of aging and are you wondering what material to choose to replace it? After having supported dozens of customers in this decision over the years, we know that this choice will have a direct impact on your comfort, your budget and the resale value of your property.
Key points to remember
- Les asphalt shingles remain the most affordable option in the short term
- Les metal roofs offer superior durability with minimal maintenance
- The slope of the roof determines the compatible materials with your property
- A licensed roofer An RBQ license guarantees installation in accordance with standards
- The total cost must include purchase, installation, maintenance, and possible replacement
What influences the choice of material?
The Quebec climate imposes significant constraints. Temperature differences between winter and summer, snow accumulations, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles put a strain on materials. Roofs regularly age prematurely due to a poor match between the material chosen and the local conditions — especially in regions where snow loads are higher.
The roof slope also limits the options. A minimum slope of 4:12 (i.e. a height of 4 inches for every 12 inches in length) is required for asphalt shingles. If you want to install shingles on a lower slope, additional measurements are required. The membranes, they, are suitable for flat roofs.
The budget and your long-term goals also come into play. Material that is cheaper to buy can end up costing more if you have to replace it multiple times — this is called the overall lifetime cost.
What are the main materials?
Asphalt shingles — The majority of single-family homes in Quebec are covered with it. Affordable and available in several colors, they are suitable for tight budgets. On the other hand, the lifespan of shingles oscillates around a Twenties. According to ACQC, you'll see projected lifespans of up to 50 years on packaging from some manufacturers, but pay close attention to the fine print, as there's a long list of exclusions and conditions in guarantees offered.
Metallic roof — More expensive to buy, but a lot more sustainable. The snow slides naturally over the surface and the Material can be completely recycled at the end of life. These coatings are infinitely recyclable and, well maintained, can last 50 years and over. This option is often recommended for customers who plan to stay in their property for a long time.
Elastomeric membrane — Suitable for flat roofs. The elastomer is petroleum-based (but it is recyclable) and comes in the form of a durable bilayer membrane. According to the ACQC, if properly placed on a ventilated roof, it can hold 30 years with low maintenance.
Slate and tiles — The materials the most durable. Depending on its quality, slate can last for 75 to 150 years. However, their weight requires a reinforced structure, and their cost is significantly higher. They are mostly seen on heritage or high-end properties.
When should you be worried?
Shingles that lift or crack. Of humidity stains on the ceiling. Molds in the attic. These signs indicate a problem.
When the Shingles lift, they are less resistant to weather conditions. It is recommended To check as a matter of priority south-facing slopes and those whose faces are subject to the dominant winds.
For an asphalt shingle roof that ages, an annual inspection or every two years from the roof and the attic helps identify problems before they get worse. In our practice, we find that most major damages could have been avoided with early detection.
Common mistakes to avoid
Choose only according to the purchase price. A shingle replaced several times is often more expensive than a metal roof that is installed only once. The SCHL It is also recommended to plan replacements taking into account the overall cost over the useful life.
Neglect attic ventilation. One poor ventilation accelerates the degradation of all materials. It is one of most common causes premature aging that is observed in the field.
What material according to your situation?
What are the next steps?
Start with a visual inspection of the roof and the attic. The regulations that apply to residential buildings are the responsibility of municipalities. Since each municipality can adopt the edition of the Building chapter of the Construction Code that it deems necessary, it is possible that the standards differ from one city to another. So check with your department of local urbanism if a permit is required.
Good maintenance practices
When properly installed, an asphalt shingle roof easy to maintain. One inspection annually or every two years of the roof and the attic, the washing of organic deposits (mosses, mushrooms, algae, etc.) and the replacing damaged shingles will suffice to slow down the deterioration and postpone the premature repair of the entire roof.
For the metal roofs, an Occasional washing with clear water or with a solution based on laundry soap and water is sufficient to remove dirt.
What to remember
Choosing a material is based on the balance between budget, sustainability and the constraints of your property. A qualified professional and regular maintenance will protect your investment.
Are you still hesitating between two options? Our team can assess your situation and guide you to the solution that best suits your needs and your budget.
Contact us for a free estimate.
FAQ
Sources
- Consumers' Association for Quality in Construction (ACQC) — Roof Coatings
- Régie du Bâtiment du Québec — Standards to be respected in construction and renovation
