Roof Repair or Replacement

Updated on Feb 8, 2020

We encourage the Edmonton homeowners to consider the following factors when determining if a roof to be replaced:

• The age and condition of your shingles
• The local climate
• Your budget
• Your plans for the house
• Your life stage

The Lifespan of Your Shingles

The laminated, self-sealing asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 15-20 plus years, with a warranty period varying from 30 to 50 years. If your last roof replacement happened more than 15 years ago, there is a good chance that you may need to replace it soon. 

Signs of Weathering and Damage to Your Shingles

Weathering leaves visible shingle damage such as curling, clawing, cracking, splitting, algae growth, and blistering. Sun exposure, high winds, hail, and humidity all contribute to weathering, causing the shingles to age prematurely. The most common problem is overexposure to harsh ultraviolet rays. Since prairies cities like Calgary and Edmonton receive over 2,300 hours of sunlight annually, this can cause significant damage to asphalt shingles.

On old roofs, the sides facing the sun typically have more notable damage than the shaded sides. This damage can manifest as many cracked and curled shingles, while more severe cases can reveal rot, shrinkage, and the loss of the protective outer shingle coating. If such a state is observed, a roof replacement is required.

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks can be caused by:  

• Missing shingles (shingle blow-offs)
• Improper installation (Including improper installation of flashings and vents)
• Pooling water and ice damming

Roof leaks do not necessarily mean a roof replacement; An inspection shall be done to gauge the extent of the damage.

To ensure the longevity of your house, it is important that you address roof leaks promptly. At Safe Roofing, our Haag qualified, and experienced roof inspectors will perform a thorough inspection. The inspection report will consist of the cause of your roof leak and a suggested course of action. A small repair is usually more economical and less time consuming than a full replacement. However, if your roof has prevalent problems and requires extensive work, we can prepare a cost comparison between repairing and replacing your roof to help you determine which option best fits your needs and budget.