Self-Service Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes the answer isn’t always obvious when it comes to your roof. See below for some of the most common questions we get asked by our customers.
Q: How can I tell if my roof needs repair or maintenance?
A: Generally, roofs should be maintained consistently over time but often, homeowners neglect their roofing systems until it starts to leak, or other serious damage occurs. Things such as cracked, warped or missing shingles, large amounts of granules in the gutter or loose seams, broken flashing signify that it’s time to call a roofing contractor.
Q: How will I know when it’s time to replace my roof?
A: Roofs generally last 20 years or more. Localized issues can often be repaired if the rest of the roof has life remaining but when universal issues become evident a full replacement may be more practical. When your roof approaches the end of its useful like is important to watch, and periodically inspect the attic for signs of failure. Water ingress can damage rafters, plywood sheathing, ceilings, walls and more causing extensive structural damage. Its always best to replace your roof before these issues begin so proactively replacing your roof near the end of its life-cycle is recommended… rather than waiting for ingress to occur.
Q: Do I have to replace my entire roof if it leaks?
A: It really depends. If the leak is caused by a faulty material in a small section of the roof, then you most likely only need to repair the source of the leak. If, however, the entire roofing system was improperly installed or is built from faulty materials, then a new roof may be necessary.
Q: How long will my roof last?
A: Most roof systems will last 20 years or more. Many factors determine the life of a roof such as environmental conditions, proper installation & design, quality of materials, and proper maintenance and repairs.
Q: How long does a re-roofing job take to complete?
A: Factors such as the size of your roof, the weather and season, the size of roofing crew and unforeseen issues can all play into the time it takes to complete. A small uncomplicated roof may take only a few days whereas a large complicated roof with a number of issues may take several weeks. You can discuss with your roofing contractor in the assessment stage of the process, how long it may take.
Q: The estimates that I received from different contractors varied greatly. Why might that be?
A: No two roofing projects are exactly the same, and there are a wide variety of products and options that affect the scope of work and overall cost of a new roof system. If one estimate was much lower than others, and it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of fly-by-night contractors who are often uninsured and perform substandard work.
Q: Why do roofs need vents?
A: Vents help to circulate the air in the attic, help plywood on your roof breath and helps remove condensation from the attic.
Q: Can snow damage my roof?
A: Yes, heavy snow should be cleared away from ridge vents and eavesdrops.
Q: Can roofs be installed in the winter?
A: Yes, roofers can install shingles at any time of the year.
Q: How can I prolong the life of my roof?
A: Having a roof maintenance plan in place can help you avoid costly repairs or premature roof replacements. By cleaning gutters and drains, clearing heavy snow, clearing leaves and debris with a leaf blower, having the roof inspected and being on the lookout for loose or missing nails can all help.
Q: How often should I clean my gutters?
A: We recommend cleaning your gutters once in the summer and twice in the fall.
Q: Is BestWest fully Insured?
A: Yes. We carry $2 million in coverage, including hot works, which provides protection for torch-on installation and other larger commercial projects.
Q: Do you ever charge more than your estimate?
A: Sometimes while a project is under way, certain problems that we not evident during the initial inspection may be discovered which may or may not require repair. When these circumstances arise, customers are informed and a decision is made moving forward.
Q: Do I need to be home during the work?
A: No, we make it possible to achieve most if not all our work outside. However, sometimes it may be necessary to have access to the inside in which case we will make arrangements with you.
Q: Do you take precautions to protect my property and landscaping?
A: Yes, this is part of the proactive approach that we include in our work to ensure that your property is always protected and respected.
Q: What type of warranty do you offer?
A: We provide 2, 5, 10, and 12-year labour warranties depending on the project specifications. Most of the products we install come with a manufacturer warranty as well.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Visa, Mastercard, cheques, e-transfers and cash.
Q: What is the difference between fiberglass and asphalt shingles?
A: Even though both have an asphalt exterior, the difference between the two lies in the base. Fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass mat, while asphalt shingles have a organic mat made from a wood products.
Q: Can I put new shingles directly over old shingles?
A: Although we don’t recommend it, it can be done. However, it’s better to start from scratch as the layer underneath may have some damage. It also increases the weight on top of the structure which could compromise the stability.
Q: Do you need power from my house?
A: Yes, but under rare circumstances when electricity is not readily available, we can arrange to have a generator. This detail should be discussed in advance to avoid costly delays.
Q: What if the weather is not favourable for roofing work?
A: Yes, but under rare circumstances when electricity is not readily available, we can arrange to have a generator. This detail should be discussed in advance to avoid costly delays.
Q: How can I tell if my roof is leaking?
A: When a roof leaks, it usually doesn’t take long for water ingress to make its known. Water stains or discoloration can form on ceilings, walls, soffits and other interior and interior structures. Slow leak may not be as evident but are just as likely to cause irreversible damage. If you notice any of the above, we recommend contacting a roofing contractor immediately.
Q: Why does water drip down between my roof shingles and gutter system?
A: When a roof leaks, it usually doesn’t take long for water ingress to make its known. Water stains or discoloration can form on ceilings, walls, soffits and other interior and interior structures. Slow leak may not be as evident but are just as likely to cause irreversible damage. If you notice any of the above, we recommend contacting a roofing contractor immediately.
Q: How do you know what type of roofing shingle is best for my roof and my budget?
A: There could be various reasons for this but usually occurs when the leading edge of the shingles doesn’t overhang enough into the gutter. Blockages in the gutter system may cause this as well.
Q: Will you have to replace gutters and downspouts at the same time?
A: Most roof systems have various options and price points, so it’s really up to you which shingle meets your needs and budget. We will discuss options with you to come up with a choice for you.
Q: Is there anything I need to do before the work is started?
A: Before we begin a job, we will discuss things that we may need you to do in advance. Sometimes it’s just a matter of clearing driveway access or making sure that valuable items are put away so that we don’t damage them.
Q: What happens if my new roof leaks?
A: Although this is very rare, at times this can happen for a variety of reasons. However, if your roof is leaking after a new installation, please notify us ASAP so that we can address the situation and repair it.
Q: Do I have to replace my entire roof if its leaking?
A: Various factors need to be accessed in determining a full roof replacement. Sometimes a roof leak can be repaired, and a full roof replacement delayed for a later date.
Q: When is the best time or season to replace my roof?
A: The best time to replace a new roof is during dry weather conditions typically in the summer; however, we work year-round and coordinate each step of a project based on the weather conditions of each season.