Where does roofing fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Roofing
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Roofing
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Roofing
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Roofing
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Roofing
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Roofing
Roof repairs and replacements built around the details that actually keep water out: flashing, underlayment and ventilation.
How this guide works
Roofing is a system, not just shingles. The deck, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and edges all work together. Work through the nine decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where roofing is used
Roofing covers houses, additions and low-slope commercial roofs. The roof type and the building use decide the materials and the access.
| Use | Typical roof | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Residential houses | Pitched, asphalt shingle or metal | Ventilation, flashing, ice and water protection |
| Additions and bungalows | Low-slope sections, shingle or membrane | Tie-ins to the existing roof, drainage |
| Commercial buildings | Low-slope membrane (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen) | Drainage, access, load and rooftop equipment |
Our pick: Start with the roof type and the building use. A low-slope commercial roof and a shingle house need different systems.
Decision 2: Repair or replace
A repair is right when the damage is local and the rest of the roof is sound. Replacement is right when the deck, underlayment or shingles are failing across the roof.
| Situation | Usually |
|---|---|
| One section leaking, shingles intact | Repair the flashing or the section |
| Curling, granule loss, many leaks | Replace the roof covering |
| Soft or rotten deck | Replace the deck and the covering |
Our pick: If the deck is soft, a new covering on top will fail. Check the deck first.
Decision 3: Shingle and covering type
The covering sets the look, the life and the price. Choose it for the roof pitch, the house and how long you plan to stay.
| Covering | Typical life | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle | Around 20 to 30 years | Most houses, standard pitch |
| Metal | Long life, lower maintenance | Modern and heritage looks, snow shedding |
| Low-slope membrane | Varies by system | Flat and low-slope roofs |
Our pick: Asphalt shingle for most houses. Metal where the look or long life matters most.
Decision 4: Underlayment and ice protection
Underlayment is the water barrier under the covering. Ice and water protection at the eaves and valleys is where most winter leaks start.
| Layer | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ice and water shield | Eaves, valleys, around penetrations | Stops ice dams from forcing water in |
| Synthetic underlayment | Full roof deck | Water barrier under the covering |
Our pick: Always protect the eaves and valleys. It is the cheapest way to prevent winter leaks.
Decision 5: Flashing and details
Flashing at chimneys, walls, skylights and valleys is where most leaks happen. The details matter more than the shingle.
| Detail | Common problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney | Cracked or lifted step flashing | Replace with new step and counter flashing |
| Valleys | Water running under the covering | Woven or metal valley with proper underlayment |
| Skylights and vents | Failed seal | New flashing kit and sealant |
Our pick: Replace flashing with the roof, not on top of old flashing. It is the cheapest long-term fix.
Decision 6: Ventilation and attic
Attic ventilation keeps the roof cool in summer and dry in winter. Poor ventilation shortens the life of the shingles and causes condensation.
| Check | Good sign | Problem sign |
|---|---|---|
| Intake vents at the eaves | Clear and open | Blocked by insulation |
| Exhaust at the ridge or roof | Balanced with intake | Only one type installed |
| Attic condensation | Dry insulation | Frost or stains on the deck |
Our pick: Ventilation is part of the roof. Check it on every roof job.
Decision 7: Warning signs and timing
Roof problems start small. The signs below mean the roof needs a look before the leak reaches the ceiling.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Water stain on a ceiling near the roof line | Booking a visit now |
| Shingles curling or missing after a storm | Checking the covering and flashing |
| Granules in the gutters | Checking the covering age and condition |
Our pick: Act on the first stain, not the third. A small repair costs far less than a deck replacement.
Decision 8: Permits and inspection
Some roof work needs a permit or an inspection, depending on the scope and the building. We confirm it before the work starts.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Covering only | Confirm with the municipality |
| Structural or deck repair | Engineering and permit likely |
| Commercial roof | Permit and inspection likely |
Our pick: Confirm the permit before the first shingle comes off. It is part of the scope, not an afterthought.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
Coverings and workmanship carry warranties with conditions. Keeping the roof record and checking it once a year protects the warranty and the house.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Covering warranty | Keep the product and install record |
| Workmanship warranty | Keep the contract and the photos |
| Annual check | Gutters clear, flashing sound, vents open |
Our pick: Keep the roof record and check the roof once a year. It keeps the warranty alive.
Questions
How do I know if my roof needs replacing?
Curling or missing shingles, granules in the gutters, daylight in the attic and repeated leaks are common signs. A visit confirms it.
Do you do commercial roofs?
Yes. Low-slope commercial roofs are planned around drainage, access and the building use.
Is a new roof covered by insurance?
A roof damaged by a covered event can be part of a claim. We document the damage for your insurer.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the roof type, the age and what you are seeing inside. We will check the deck, flashing and ventilation, and tell you whether it needs a repair or a replacement.
Related: Chimney RestorationStorm Damage RepairAll contracting
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