What are the typical roof repair costs in Kelowna, BC?
As professional Roofers in the Kelowna area, one topic of conversation that always seems to come up is around “roof repair costs” or “roof repair pricing” and the typical ranges we see every year. Actually, this is probably the most common question we are asked.
The answer, as you may have already guessed is, “it depends”.
More specifically, your roof repair costs will depend on the type of roof you have, the slope of your roof and what kind of damage is involved in the first place.
Ideally we would come to your home and take a good look at your roof and your concerns, but there are a few things that will always affect the price.
These are some of the factors that affect roof repair costs overall:
Type of roof and slope degree:
Different types of roofs need varying slopes in order to protect your home properly and to allow the elements to drain and run-off properly.
The steeper the roof, the better it drains, remains dry and the less prone to leaks it is.
BUT, steep roofs are also more expensive to install, repair, or replace, simply because of the fact that they are more dangerous to work on.
It takes more time to set up proper safety measures or scaffolding, but it takes longer to actually do the work and a steep roof requires more shingles to cover an area.
Roofers use the term ‘walkable’ to describe a roof that has a low slope and is easy to walk on.
Thus the more ‘walkable’ your roof is, the less expensive it will be to fix.
State of the roof and deck:
This one is more obvious as weakened or weathered materials used on your roof will eventually give-way and stop protecting your home.
Once a leak has sprung, it compromises the entire roof system and will destroy the decking, before making its way into the home’s structural components.
As such, the price of the repair will depend on the integrity of the roofing system as a whole.
Further contributing to the weakened state of the roof is Kelowna’s weather, which, regardless of season, can be particularly harsh and roofs have a hard time withstanding the constant punishment.
Ice damming issues involved with our winters are obvious, but just think about what a wet stretch of weather during the summer can do to erode the components of a roof as well.
Kelowna roofs never get a break from weathering, unfortunately, which means that they need to be properly maintained to withstand the elements.
Complexity and length of time it takes to diagnose and repair:
Sometimes, what we think we see isn’t really what the problem is and most people who have been through home renovations can attest to this.
Upon inspection, it may seem as though a few faulty shingles are the culprits.
Closer inspection, however, sometimes reveals rotting wood underneath with prolonged water damage and even mold growth.
In such a case, we would no longer be looking at simply replacing a few shingles and the cost of such a repair would definitely increase.
The severity of a problem and the amount of time it takes to assess it will obviously add to your overall roof repair costs.
Roofing materials used:
This is, unfortunately, a major issue that we come across time and time again.
Roofs can be expensive and people are always looking to cut costs and sometimes settle for a vastly inferior product.
We completely understand the thinking behind it, however, while the instant savings may be welcomed, the long-term costs will be a lot more than you would have originally paid if it had been done properly in the first place.
This is so in almost every industry, but a faulty roof brings with it a whole host of issues that includes the safety of your family.
If you’ve used cheaper materials in the past – or suspect that your roofing contractor might have used them – call us for a thorough roof inspection and we’ll be glad to come out and take a look.
It won’t take long for us to see what sort of shape your roof is in and you can at least rest assured that nothing else is going to go wrong.
So, how much are the roof repair costs for my roof?
That’s really the main question, isn’t it?
People like to be informed but the bottom-line is the cost.
So, taking all of the above factors into account, typical roof repairs in the Kelowna area cost around $150 to $500.
Some are less, some are more, but that is the usual range that clients can expect to pay.
The length of time for repairs also varies due to the factors listed, with some jobs taking 15 minutes, while other can take more than 3 hours.
Preventative roof maintenance really is the key with roofs, because the sooner you locate a leak or see a missing shingle, the less expensive it is to repair.
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, it should normally last you between 15-20 years without having to re-roof.
Archer Roofing is a proponent of preventative roof inspections and shingle repair work instead of re-roofs, as my mentality has always been one of not wasting resources and being honest and fair with all of my clients.
Also, the costs of a new roof can range from $4,000 to a whopping $20,000, which can be financially crushing for some families.
Patching up a small leak, on the other hand, is only a few hundred dollars.
Compared to the cost of a new roof, that is more than reasonable to your wallet and to the environment.
Although fall is usually the time when I urge people to assess their roofs and schedule any maintenance with a Kelowna area roofing contractor before the winter season comes, there are severe issues that pop up during the winter that cannot be ignored.
Leaks that are seeping in and rotting the wood decking have to be taken care of immediately, as structural damage and a new roof are infinitely more expensive than a maintenance call and will absolutely add to you roof repair costs.
Don’t despair that you’re too late in the season to fix your leak as repairing your roof is possible, especially during the balmy winter weather we’ve been experiencing as of late in in British Columbia.
Types of Roof Damage to Look Out For During Winter:
Damaged Shingles:
During high winds and blizzard conditions, shingles might lift, crack or fall off, resulting in bare patches on a roof.
This condition needs prompt attention and an experienced roofer can replace these missing shingles promptly, even in cold weather.
Snow and Ice Damage:
Watch out for a sagging roof and leaks.
The weight of snow and ice that accumulates on a roof can be quite heavy leading to structural problems.
Ice dams also put stress on the entire roof structure, as well as causing leaks in the long run.
Chimney or Flashing Damage:
Especially with older homes, this is a major source of leaks.
These repairs require special cements and adhesives that don’t do well in cold weather, so above freezing temperatures are necessary for a good seal when booking a repair job.
Gutters Backing Up:
Noticing that your gutters are not draining the snow as it melts?
They should be, so try to keep your gutters clear through regular maintenance, (yes, even during the winter) and keep your roof dry and clear of melting snow and ice.
Money Saving Tip: Identify the source of the roof leak yourself!
Finding the source of a leaking roof can be a time consuming process – sometimes even for professionals – that will end up factoring into the roof repair costs for diagnosis.
That leak above your bedroom ceiling might not be caused by the roof directly above it, because all roofs have a slope and leaks may start farther up where you aren’t expecting it.
Observing the interior of your roofing structure in the attic can identify the source of the leak.
Do you notice any areas with dampness or mold?
Take into account the slope of a roof, because even on flat roofs there is a slight slope and the leak might originate further up than you thought.
Once you find the source of the leaks, call in the professionals to repair it and save yourself the cost of diagnosis.
If you aren’t able to diagnose the source yourself, please contact us before the situation worsens.
Small leaks quickly turn into bigger issues and you could be risking damage to the inside of your living areas, including any recent home renovations.
Contact the reliable roofing contractors at Archer Roofing to maintain your roof and halt any leaks in progress.