Even though you consider your home to be synonymous with protection and shelter, severe storms can sometimes cause severe problems. Whether it's the fault of winds, heavy rain or thunderstorms, your roof is not immune to unforeseen damage.
Get Your Project Started Today
Submit your details and receive three free quotes from trusted contractors.
Other well-known scenarios also include snowmelt, shingle loss and water infiltration caused by bad weather. However, with a little TLC, last-minute disasters can be easily avoided. This is why, before starting any work, other questions could run through your mind: "Do I need to redo my entire roof? Is it still good for a few more years?"
Here are some tips that might help you figure out the right decision: repairing or replacing?
Repairing or replacing: everything you need to know about your roof
Evaluating the condition of your roof
Before anything, it is good to know the estimated age of your roof. You will need to consider this aspect in relation to its material (metal, shingles, membrane, etc.) and the year of its installation. According to ToiturePro, "the companies offer a guarantee on the material related to this life expectancy as well as a 5 to 10 years guarantee on the work".
If the life expectancy of your roof is unknown to you, it is therefore important to proceed with its assessment. It is possible to do this yourself, making sure to do the full perimeter of the roof and take into account as many details as possible: ventilation, the soffits, the flashings and the fascias. Check to see if your shingles are peeling, curling, or missing at some spots. It is best to do this inspection at least twice a year.
The interior of your home: a good indicator
The external appearance of your roof is not the only factor to be taken into account when it comes to the roof. High humidity, swelling paint, mould and seeping water could all be directly related to your ageing roof. Going to the attic to check the frame will give you a better idea of the condition of your roof. If it is wet, take action quickly.
Finally: replacing or repairing your roof?
If your roof is only a few years old, it would be best to contact the company you dealt with if you have any problems with it. They will be able to fix any issues and ensure that it is solid for years to come.
However, if this is not your first repair and your roof never seems to give you a break, you might want to consider a full repair. If you put off work constantly, you could end up with more damage to your home. To learn more, read our article What happens if you don't renovate your roof?
Finally, if during the inspection you have noticed significant damage on a specific part of the roof, but it still seems very solid to you, a repair for that specific area may be possible. It is always better to call a professional in this situation.
Would you like to continue reading on this subject? Check out our articles:
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
Editorial Team
•01 Aug 2024
If you noticed significant changes in your house and detected a structural shift over time, the odds are that the stability of your foundation has been weakened. By that, we mean that the foundation may have collapsed. The latter may be the result of the soil, which can’t adequately bear the load of the structure, the presence of clay soil, a water table, or full-grown trees, whose roots have reached the outer walls of the foundation.
Amanda Harvey
•08 Nov 2023
Rain gutters aren’t the most glamorous part of your home's exterior. They work hard to collect and carry rainwater away from the roof of your home but most homeowners pay little mind to these important structures. Gutters, also known as eavestroughs, work to keep basements or crawl spaces from collecting water. Therefore, they’re crucial in maintaining the structure and both the interior and exterior surfaces of your home.
Editorial Team
•12 Aug 2026
Sometimes, we crave a break from the monotony of day to day life. Many of us escape from the grind by venturing on a vacation, whether that be to a faraway city or a quick drive to the country.
Editorial Team
•04 Nov 2025
Sloped lots offer unique architectural opportunities. Instead of working against the topography, a garden-level home allows the house to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Unlike a traditional home where the basement is dark and buried, a garden-level home features a lower floor that is partially or fully open to the outdoors, creating a bright and accessible living space. In this article, explore the advantages of this type of home, the main design considerations, and a few plan ideas to inspire you.
Editorial Team
•16 Jul 2024
When contemplating about insulating a house or condo, window insulation is rarely at the forefront of our minds. However, every year, in Quebec, energy costs related to poorly insulated window joints are valued at $417 out of the $1,460 spent.