When determining if a roof should be repaired or replaced, several important factors should be considered. With Calgary’s unpredictable weather, a strong roof is a necessity.
Take into account the age of your roof, the amount of damage, and what your long-term goals are for the building. For minor problems, it’s faster and more economical to make repairs.
Long-term, replacement is the better option, particularly if the roof is nearing the end of its life span or is otherwise structurally compromised. Whether you’re a residential or commercial property owner, being educated on these key elements allows you to make a more informed decision.
Trust Superior Roofing to provide you with sound advice based on the conditions provided by Calgary’s unpredictable climate.
Roof Repair or Replacement
When it comes to roof repair or replacement, timing is everything. Knowing when to fix or replace your roof can save you time and money. If your roof is getting close to the 20 to 25-year mark, think about what a standard roof lasts. It’s just cheaper to start budgeting for a replacement than to constantly patch to avoid replacing it.
If your home has a synthetic slate roof, which can last 30 to 50 years, or natural slate, which is famous for easily lasting more than 100 years, then you should consider repair. This is the case, particularly if you’re keeping up with maintenance.
The return on investment must be considered when thinking about replacing shingles prematurely. Shingles typically last about 20 years, though Calgary’s extreme climate can shorten that span. Sometimes replacing them when it’s not quite time could cost more.
To maximize ROI, homeowners would be better off spending their money on routine upkeep and avoiding deferred or delayed maintenance. This strategy can significantly prolong your roof’s lifespan and push back the need for a costly replacement.
Keeping a close watch for signs of wear is key to preventing expensive repairs from ignoring the need to act sooner. Pay attention to missing or damaged shingles, which can cause leaks and other extensive damage.
These concerns can usually be traced back to lack of sealing, nail placement, or damage from the elements. Catching these indicators the moment they appear avoids the risk of developing bigger issues and extends the lifespan of the roofing system.
If your roof is more than 20 years old and clearly nearing the end of its life, plan for a replacement. This prevents you from being left with the liability of future repair expenses. New roofs will need to be replaced eventually due to age, weather, and material considerations.
You can sometimes keep an old roof in good condition. Once it’s 50 years old or older, replacement is usually the safer choice. Calgary’s climate, with its cold winters and rapidly changing weather patterns, provides a perfect storm that can age even the best roofing materials quickly.
Knowing this will allow you to prepare and save for a replacement, keeping your house better guarded for years to come.
Assessing Roof Condition
Having a professional conduct annual inspections of your roof should be your first line of defense in keeping your roof intact and increasing its longevity. Calgary’s weather is notoriously hard on roofs. Roof damage can worsen quickly and lead to expensive repairs if early signs of damage aren’t noticed.
For example, if you see signs like missing shingles or damaged flashing, these can be signs of wear that require immediate repair. All roofing products are designed with a 20 to 25 year service life in mind. Preventative care and routine inspections will help prolong the life of your roof and prevent costly surprises down the road.
One actionable suggestion is to keep an annual photographic record of your roof. Having this photographic record provides a baseline to compare against in the future and spot new damage more readily. Taking photos at the same time of year and in the same weather conditions each year gives you a solid foundation to compare to.
From this thoughtful perspective, you’re able to make better judgments. It also provides you with a good baseline to go to a professional if necessary.
Though exterior inspections are extremely important, make sure you’re also looking out for interior warnings of roof damage. Brown water stains on your ceilings or walls usually indicate a much larger leak within your home. Often, these leaks are not apparent from an exterior perspective.
Take action on these warning signs immediately. Even minor leaks can wreak havoc and can cost you potentially 10% of your home’s value if left unaddressed.
Calgary’s climate presents its own challenges, with its dramatic daily temperature swings and unexpected and often destructive weather events such as hailstorms. In the wake of such events, a complete inspection should be conducted because damage may not be visible at first.
For example, hail might dent shingles or loosen flashing, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks until they are fixed. Remain wary in these situations to avoid spending thousands of dollars on unnecessary future repairs.
Regular roof inspections are essential for increasing the longevity of your roof. If your roof is over 20 years old and showing signs of failure, it may be time to consider replacement rather than repair.
Older roofs are more susceptible to damage. Patchwork solutions might not be sufficient. Hiring a qualified and experienced roofing contractor can provide you with an expert assessment.
This ensures you choose the best course of action for your roof’s longevity and your peace of mind.
Roofing Materials in Calgary
Choosing the right roofing material in Calgary involves considering several factors, each playing a critical role in the performance and longevity of your roof.
First, let’s take a peek at the fire resistance of different materials, which can play a huge role in both keeping you safe and lowering insurance premiums. Metal roofs also sparkle when you scrutinize their incredible fire resistance. This feature is particularly critical given the hot, dry wind conditions that are not uncommon in Calgary.
Asphalt shingles provide only good fire resistance, but wood shakes can be more susceptible. Slate also offers excellent fire protection, but it’s important to balance this benefit with its heft and expense.
Extreme Calgary weather, including blizzards, hailstorms, and rapid temperature fluctuations, can also play a role in roofing material longevity. Neglect building and you’ll pay for it. Most materials are very durable, lasting 20 to 25 years or more if they’re properly looked after.
Yet in the face of harsh conditions, that lifespan can be cut drastically short. Metal roofs, for instance, don’t just excel at hail and snow resistance. They reflect the sun’s rays in the summer and can withstand severe, windy weather.
Asphalt shingles are prone to cracking or breaking from duress. Slate provides unmatched longevity and is the most steadfast material to withstand Calgary’s harsh environment.
Depending on the types of roofing you’re considering, the structural integrity of your home will be an important factor to keep in mind. For heavier materials such as slate, you also need to ensure the structure beneath it can support the added load.
This may require even more reinforcement. Products that are lighter, such as asphalt shingles and metal, ensure quick and easy installation. They’re easier on your home’s structural integrity as well. A good grasp of your home’s current framework will help you decide on materials that will offer durability without sacrificing safety.
Your future property plans can help inform your roofing choices, too. If selling or renting in the near future, look for products that will attract prospective buyers or renters.
Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive and easy to fix. They dominate the roofing market. Metal roofs have a higher upfront cost and lure in buyers looking for something that will last and require little upkeep.
Slate lends an opulent, high-value look to your property. It’s important to figure out if this investment is aligned with your goals.
Documenting your roof’s condition annually helps track changes over time and enables proactive maintenance. By taking pictures and notes from the same location every year, many visible signs of wear and tear are easy to document.
After a storm, inspecting your roof for damage is vital because immediate repairs can prevent further issues. Keep in mind that 80% of roof failures are due to installation mistakes, not material defects.
This highlights the need for professional installation.
Cost of Roofing Services
When determining if you should repair or replace your roof in Calgary, knowing the cost is key. To help you decide, here’s a look at repair versus replacement costs.
The best way to see and visualize these costs side by side is to create a table. Repair costs vary between $400 and $4,000 per roofing square based on type and the size of the roof. Complete roof replacements cost anywhere between $15,000 and $70,000.
The decision to repair or replace is usually based on the amount of damage and your financial situation.
| Service Type | Cost Range |
| Roof Repair | $400 – $4,000 per square |
| Full Replacement | $15,000 – $70,000 |
Asphalt shingles are the most economical choice in materials, at a price between $2.75 and $5.75 per square foot. Aluminum roofing is the most cost-effective option, having replaced roofs in a price range from $14,000 to $30,000.
Slate, an upscale option, runs $23 to $38 per square foot. On average, a roof replacement is $7 per square foot. The range can be anywhere from $4 to $40.
Repair costs depend heavily on how much damage there is. Small issues may leave repair costs on the low end. Serious damage may bring repair costs up to replacement costs.
Routine maintenance can help add more than 70% to a roof’s lifespan. It prevents the need for constant patch jobs.
Insurance is one of the key ways we help people afford what they need to pay for. Many policies also provide coverage for loss of use and help reduce the financial impact of expensive repairs.
It’s a good idea to confirm with your provider what is included because this could affect your choice.
In the end, whether you decide to repair or replace your roof depends on the amount of damage and your financial situation. Routine service is never a waste of time or money. Regular roof maintenance can add five to 15 years to your roof’s lifespan. As always, work with qualified roofing and financial professionals to ensure that you’re making the best decision for your unique circumstances and roofing project.
