Page 21 - Real Estate Now-Mar/Apr 2022

Over Your Head: What to Know About Roofs

courtesy REALTOR.ca Team
s the roof of your home in good condition? Don’t feel bad if you don’t know the answer—many homeowners are
often unaware of the state of their roof. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Unless there are obvious damages, such as
Icracks or leaks, it’s easy to forget about this exterior part of your home.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or you’re a homeowner who simply wants to know how to keep your roof in good
shape, you’ve come to the right place. Here are three of the most asked questions about roofs.

What are the different types of roofs?
Roof materials come in different forms : metal/tin, asphalt, wood, cedar, slate, and clay are the most common types.
With a plethora of options, it gets tricky when trying to choose the best option for your home and wallet. The type of
roof installed on your home depends on a variety of factors such as location, environment, style, budget, building
codes, and maintenance requirements. In Canada, asphalt, wood/cedar, and metal roofs are among the most popular.
Asphalt shingles

Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years (or more)
Pricing: $2 to $6 per square foot
Pros: There are a few types of asphalt shingles, but the two
main varieties are basic or architectural, with architectural
being the more durable of the two. Asphalt roofs are the
most popular type of roof in Canada because of the material’s
ability to withstand the damp and snowy weather. This type
of roof is typically the most affordable of all the options.
Additionally, asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install
and repair, and they’re fire resistant. Asphalt shingles come
in a variety of colours and styles (for example, fibreglass and
organic asphalt), so it can be customized to fit any home’s
exterior aesthetics.

Cons: Harsh Canadian winters can cause chips and cracks on the asphalt. The material is also prone to mildew and can
incur granule loss if not properly maintained. Be prepared for repairs before the 15 years are up.

Wood or cedar shakes

Life expectancy: 35 to 50 years
Pricing: $8 to $15 per square foot
Pros: Wood or cedar shakes are extremely durable, not to mention resistant to harsh weather and insects. For these
benefits and more, this type of roof can include a warranty of up to 50 years—depending, of course, on who you buy
from. For homes in colder climate and heavy rainfall areas, wood or cedar shakes are an excellent choice because they
prevent moisture buildup and they’re naturally insulating.
Cons: In addition to high upfront costs, the material is not fire resistant (Class C rating), so you’ll need to apply additional
treatment to get a Class A rating. Moss buildup can also occur on wood or cedar shakes if they’re not cleaned on
schedule (usually every two to three years). Another con for wood or cedar shakes can be their appearance, as many
people don’t find them as visually appealing as other materials.

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