Page 22 - Real Estate Now-Mar/Apr 2022

Metal
Life expectancy: 40 to 70 years
Pricing: $6 – $20 per square foot
Pros: Metal roofs, whether aluminum, tin, copper, zinc
or steel, can offer unparalleled longevity. Unlike asphalt
shingles, metal roofs require little to no maintenance.
You may never have to repair or replace this type of roof,
providing it’s properly installed. Metal roofs are great in high
snowfall areas because the ice can easily slide off, reducing
risk of collapse.
Cons: Metal roofs, because of their premium quality, are
expensive. They cost slightly more than wood or cedar, and
can be 10 times the price of asphalt shingles. They’re also prone to being noisy during some extreme weather
conditions, especially if the installation, or your attic insulation, isn’t top notch. On the curb appeal front, metal is not
always favoured because it can be difficult to maintain colour consistency across the entire roof.
Adding solar panels to your roof

Certain provinces and municipalities offer incentives for energy
efficiency, which can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar
panels on your roof. The cost will ultimately vary depending on
the size of your system and equipment you use, but on average,
the price of solar power in Canada is $3.01 per Watt. Adding
solar panels can help reduce your monthly energy bills, not to
mention help lower your impact on the environment by using
a renewable source of energy. Curious to find out if adding solar
panels will affect your resale value? We’ve taken a look at whether
that’s the case, or you can reach out to a local REALTOR® for their
insight on what current trends are in your neighbourhood.

What upkeep is required to maximize a roof’s life expectancy?
Keep it clear
Make sure your roof is always free of debris, including leaves, sticks, branches, and other naturally occurring
particles that can, over time, contribute to the roof’s wear and tear. Make sure your roof is also mildew, mould,
and moss free.
Don’t ignore the landscaping

If you have trees near your roof or shrubs close to your gutters, make sure to keep up with the landscaping.
Falling branches and other parts can cause premature damage, while shrubs and bushes can block the gutters.
Also, trees can make it easy for rodents to access the roof and make it their home, so it is important to keep
branches trimmed.

Clean the gutters
Keep your gutters clog-free by getting them cleaned at least once a year. This will prevent water (from rain and
snow) from pooling on your roof and causing damages.

22 | REAL ESTATE NOW | LB@LoraleeBurns.com