Sometimes a simple repair may be all that is needed to extend the life of your roof. Before a more serious problem develops, there are usually early warning signs of aging. The best way to tell is to call a roofing professional for an evaluation, but you can look for some of them by yourself.

Condensation or mold in the attic, shingles that curl up, or missing shingles are sure signs that your roof is getting old. If you see any of these signs, it may be time to consider repair or replacement.

As soon as you begin to see the early signs of aging. Time of year is rarely an issue. In fact, the longer you wait, the more costly the renovation, since damage such as leaks can effect other parts of your house. If you’re concerned, book a professional evaluation right away.

Each roof is unique, so your price should reflect what you need. We provide our customers with a Free Satellite Estimate and give a detailed estimate of what we will provide for your new roof. A lot of people want to get estimates from three contractors and compare them “apples to apples” and we can fully understand that. However in practice this can choose to be difficult as some trades are difficult to contact or do not even show up. To help compare, and for your protection, insist that everything is presented in writing and in detail, including warranties and materials.

Best on Top Roofing knows where we fit in the market and as one of the islands ONLY MASTER ELITE CERTIFIED roofers we can can provide an unmatched warranty by any other company that is both registered and transferable. With both Seniors and Veteran discounts available Best on Top Roofing is sure to be your Best Value, Best Service, Best install and Best Price.

Poor ventilation in the attic will suffocate your roof, and the effects can be nasty. For example, on Vancouver Island, icy and wet winters can cause “ice dams” in your roof; you’ll find water breaching the roof’s underlayment as it melts and refreezes due to temperature differences in the attic. This can make your insulation ineffective, cause staining and leaks, and even trigger structural damage to trusses, ceilings and walls. To stop this cycle from starting, make sure your roofing contractor is experienced and knows how to fix and test for inadequate ventilation.

Aside from the look, your best choice depends on a few other factors, such as cost and warranty. The table below helps explain the basic differences in material.

Though it is possible, “recovering” is usually not a better investment and may not be covered by your insurance. Simply disguising leaks, mold, and old insulation doesn’t ensure your comfort, it actually protects the mold (that’s not good) and eventually means you will have to replace the roof anyway.

It is important to remember that there are two kinds of warranty. Manufacturer warranties depend on the type of material used. Expect a warranty between 20 and 50 years, depending on the material.

Labor can be warrantied by your roofing contractor. A warranty on work performed is your most important protection against poor workmanship and is separate from the manufacturer’s warranty. Most labor warranties are 5 years.

The Better Business Bureau warns that, in the case of homeowners, “the consumer has absolutely no protection against fly by night contractors.” Many homeowners also don’t know that, by law, they can be held responsible for compensation, damages, and other liabilities (for example, if a worker gets hurt on the job.

To protect yourself, always choose a company that is licensed, is covered by Workers Compensation, and has full liability insurance. You have the right to insist on that kind of coverage. It’s for your protection.

An independent review can quickly get you the truth about a contractor’s quality of work and integrity. Get at least 10 references and call them. The time you invest will be well worth it, and if you can’t get 3 references, consider another contractor.

For an unusual but effective approach, try this: contact your roofing contractor’s suppliers. Each city has only a few major roofing suppliers. If the roofing contractor you are considering has a good reputation, a supplier will know.

In our experience, installing a new roof is not only an important financial decision for most people; it means handing over a great deal of trust. If you’re looking for a way to reduce project stress, make sure the roofing contractor you choose is one you feel good about.