Will a new roof or solar power system help me sell my house?
Absolutely! Solar panels and energy storage increase property values by an estimated 3 – 4%! In the case of a new roof, they can’t use the presence of an old roof against you as a negotiating tactic to get you to lower your price. A new roof can pay for itself in keeping the sale price high.
Can you install or replace roofs or solar panels in bad weather or in winter?
We generally do new builds and installations all year round, including the winter. For roof replacement, the ideal season stretches from spring into early winter. Through many years of experience, we can normally judge if the weather will get too bad to continue with the job for that day by the forecast.
Why should I consider converting a cedar roof to asphalt shingles?
Converting to the latest asphalt shingle roofing systems like CertainTeed or Malarkey will result in a roof with less maintenance, a significantly better warranty, with just as long as a lifespan. They can also modernize the look of a house.
Why should I use a solar or roofing company versus doing it myself?
It’s better to use a professional roofing company over DIY for a number of reasons. One, a certified installer using quality products will be able to offer a warranty for the life of the roof, and potentially pass that warranty on to a new owner. That means valuable peace of mind. A professional installer will also be able to do it quickly, to a high standard, with great leak-proof and cosmetic results. Professional installers with experience know how to navigate the various angles of the roof, with its vents, flashings chimneys, and eaves for great results in a short time frame. DIY roofing jobs may also void your home insurance provisions.
Solar on the other hand is even more important to have done by a professional. Not only are you dealing with many of the same risks and rewards that a professional roofing contractor provides, but you’re also dealing with electrical systems and all the risks to life and property that they pose. A professional solar installation company will ensure that your system is set up safely and efficiently.
How do I know when to replace my roof?
There are many signs it may be time for your roof to be replaced.
For a shingle roof, the first signs will be degradation in the condition of the shingles. Shingles shed their granules over time so you may start to see the build up of granules in your gutters or around the roof line. Roofs should be monitored for shingles with bald patches, ones that are warped, curling, or lifting, and missing shingles. More extreme signs include seeing exposed plywood or joints pulling apart.
Metal roofs are durable and have excellent lifespans, but all good things must come to an end. If you see rust, corrosion, worn paint, sagging, or missing or damaged panels. Similarly, if you’re getting any leaking or there was a storm that may have damaged your roof, you should contact us for a repair.
One of the best parts of a torch-on roof is that they’re easy to walk over for a surface inspection. If you notice damage like cracks, blisters, pooling water, loose or peeling seams, sagging or warping, or any moss, mold or algae growth, it’s time for repairs. Likewise, if your roof has reached the end of it’s 20-25 year lifespan, or you’re seeing leaks or water stains inside the building, you should give us a call.
If your roof’s condition is starting to stress you out, it is time to call for a consultation.
How do I choose a solar or roofing contractor?
When researching a contractor, you need to look for one who can provide evidence of a job well done and confidence in their work. Specific things you can look for are:
- Customer reviews, on the company website or social sites.
- Membership in trade and local associations, such as the Better Business Bureau or Canadian Home Builders Association.
- Written estimates.
- Training and certifications from manufacturers such as CertainTeed.
- Ability to offer registered warranties on materials and installation.
- Policies on after-installation support.
Things to avoid:
- Companies without insurance, certifications, or licenses.
- Unable/unwilling to offer clearly written estimates.
- Poor communication.
- Previous fines from safety boards like WorkSafeBC.
Of course, as the old saying goes: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
What goes into a quality roof?
Both materials and workmanship are factors in a quality roof. First, if the asphalt shingles are of poor quality, you may see the curling, warping or degranulation of shingles way too soon. Metal roofing panels may start to corrode or warp, and torch-on will peel or crack.
Workmanship is also vitally important. Each roofing system manufacturer has a particular installation method that works with their products to increase the roof’s lifespan. Even the placement and pressure of driving in the roofing nails can impact the final product and whether it will need to be replaced in 10 years versus 40. That’s why it is so important to pick a contractor that conducts regular training with their staff on a recognized quality roofing system.
Aside from that, the diligence and attention to detail of the contractor is important. Wherever there is a ridge, vent, or edging, close attention needs to be paid to ensure it is properly sealed and finished to make sure there are no leaks.
Will my solar panels work in the winter?
Yes! Solar panels work year-round, and they can even be more effective in the cold. And while direct sunlight is best, even ambient light will allow them to generate some energy. The only time they won’t work is if they’ve been covered, so you may consider brushing snow off them in the winter if you’re concerned about that.
Fortunately, any excess solar power you generate during the rest of the year can be stored—either in your solar battery system or in the grid—for use on days when you aren’t generating much electricity, so you get the benefits of solar either way.
How do you estimate how much it’s going to cost?
The factors that go into estimating for a new roof are the size of roof, materials chosen, complexity in roof design and site accessibility. If you have a simple gable roof line, a normal pitch, and an accessible site, this will be a cheaper project than one with multiple dormers, facets, and a steep pitch.
Once we’ve received the measurements of your roof and analyzed these factors, we can give you an estimate.
For solar, we’ll have a conversation about what you want to power with your solar power system and your options for energy storage. Once we’ve done that and assessed your property, including roof size, orientation, and shading, we’ll be able to give you an estimate for what kind of system you need and what it will cost to install it.
How long does it take?
The simpler and smaller the roof, the quicker it takes. An average home will take one to two days, with a larger home taking two to three. Custom roofing projects with more complexity can be three to five. We will inform you about the estimated length of a job when we provide the estimate.
Solar panel installation may only take a few hours or a couple of days, but the lead up to installation day can be more drawn out. If you’re just starting to consider solar panels, it’s better to plan for several weeks between the initial consultation and install.
What can I expect when you’re replacing my roof or installing a solar power system?
Before we arrive, you should move any barbeques or lawn furniture away from the roof’s edge to help with access. Moving your vehicle is also recommended as our team arrives with all the equipment for your job, and that will need to be relatively close to the house. We don’t want to block your vehicle! Homeowners don’t have to stick around for the day, if we need anything, we can contact you.
After our crew of skilled and efficient workers install your roof or solar panels and batteries, they ensure that the site is cleaned and any debris taken away, leaving you free to enjoy your new roof or solar power system!
What happens if I have a problem with my roof or solar power system after you install it?
When we founded Ridgeline, we wanted to be known for having pride in our work and being true professionals. We stand behind the quality of both the products we use and the workmanship in installing them. If you have any concerns or issues after installation, just call us. You are also covered by a registered warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Does my new roof come with a warranty?
Yes! We use quality professional roofing products from CertainTeed, Malarkey, IKO, Soprema, and Prolok.
Asphalt Shingles:
We have a long-standing agreement with CertainTeed and Malarkey for our asphalt shingle roofs. If the roof is installed by Ridgeline, these companies offer a registered warranty that in most cases is a lifetime warranty, which is also transferable to the first owner after you. Due to the significant level of training and certification we complete with these manufacturers, these warranties also cover against leaks, degranulation, shingle blow off, tear-off, labour & materials, and more.
As with all warranties there are some terms and conditions, and you can read them here:
Metal & Torch-on:
Our metal and torch-on suppliers, IKO, Soprema, and Prolok, also supply warranties. Warranty terms vary between products, but if you’re curious about what the coverage would look like for your roof, specifically, you can always reach out to us. You can also view warranty terms for each brand here:
Why do you choose the products you use?
We’ve researched products on the market for a long time and chose the companies we work with because their roofing systems offer excellent quality as well as robust warranties. They are tried and tested in the climates we work in and have proven to be reliable. They stand behind their products as we stand behind our service.
Do you have a safety plan and insurance for your workers?
Yes. We ensure our safety measures are up-to-date and compliant with WorkSafeBC best practices. We are fully insured as well.