Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a roof last? Do I need a new roof?
At each call we ask the homeowner how old the existing roof is. The range we hear around Toronto is usually 10 to 15 years. A few exceptions get to more than 20 years and some less than two (yes, many roofs require full replacement in less than five years because of poor installation!). The average is around 13 years, so if your roof is over 10 years old and looking tired it, may be time for a replacement. Given the potential for costly interior damage, it is better to be a year early than a year late.
The good news is that we can show you a wide range of products that can last significantly longer, provide better value, and in most people’s opinions, add considerably to your home’s curb appeal.
How much does a new roof cost?
Every roof is unique, which is why it is impossible to accurately assess a roof without having seen it and discussed expectations with the homeowner on site. Variables that affect the price include, but are not limited to:
- All specifications included. Manufacturers’ warranties require that the roof be installed according to their specifications. Failing to install all specifications will get you a lower price, but can void the warranty, lead to costly repairs, and significantly shorten the lifespan of the new roof. If a contractor omits specifications, either knowingly or through ignorance, why would you trust them on your home?
- Set up & property protection required. This can be a significant part of the job. Thousands of pounds of old shingles need to be safely removed, and then ethically disposed. All reasonable efforts must be considered to protect your property and your neighbours’ property. For example, plywooding over high risk areas, full tarping of walls, covering hydro lines and scaffolding as required. Worker safety is also a primary consideration during these decisions.
- Square footage. More square footage requires more materials.
- Quality of shingle. Better shingles may cost more up front, but provide better value, a longer life and more appealing aesthetics.
- Slope of the roof. Steeper roofs are more difficult, dangerous and time consuming to replace.
- Number of roof corners. Straight, wide open spaces are easy to work on and less likely to leak. Corners, valleys, bay windows, dormers, chimneys, catwalks and skylights take significantly more time to complete. They are more prone to leaking because of the joined sections, and therefore take a higher degree of workmanship to install correctly.
- Flat roofs require more materials than shingle roofs, and are therefore more difficult to remove and replace. Sloping the flat roof slightly for positive drainage is recommended where possible to extend the roof lifespan.
Price is always a factor when making a roofing decision. Educated consumers discover that value, quality of installers, service and the overall customer experience are the critical factors when buying a roof. Rarely is the saying “you get what you pay for” more accurate than in roofing, because skipping the little things generally leads to costly problems (see case studies).
Can a new roof be installed during the winter?
With properly trained crews and quality materials, Peter & Greg Walker Contracting has been installing new roofs year round for well over a decade. Extreme cold and snow can interrupt the schedule just as rain does at other times of the year. The same warranties apply for summer and winter installation.
Have you done any roofs on my street?
Peter & Greg Walker Contracting have installed over 3000 roofs all over Toronto. We generally work in Etobicoke, North York & Mississauga. Our estimators will be able to show you a street by street list of previous jobs. We can normally find a referral on your street if you live in Etobicoke, or one not far away if you are in Mississauga or North York.
Can you provide referrals?
Our goal is to have as many raving fans as possible! This is why for the past four years we have asked every homeowner to complete a detailed feedback survey of their complete experience with us and suggest improvements (see survey summary). The tracking numbers are so good you probably won’t believe them, so we’ve got all of the original surveys from across Toronto in our office should you want to inspect them yourself.
Are your workers trained?
We pride ourselves on the consistency and quality of our work. Despite the lack of regulation in the roofing industry, we take considerable time and effort to train our employees through internal and external programs. Our in house training centre is located at our office/warehouse at 82 Six Point Road in Etobicoke.
The majority of our staff are independently certified by the material manufacturers to install their product, with all of our junior personnel working towards their certification. We are one of the few companies in Canada classified as a “Select Shingle Roofer”, which puts us in the top 1% of all roofers in North America!
If something does manage to slip through all of our checks, we make it a priority to resolve the issue as soon as we are aware of it.
Do you sub-contract your work?
No! We tried this approach years ago, but found that quality suffered dramatically. Time deadlines constrain sub-contractors, resulting in rushed work. Our employees take whatever time is necessary to do all of the little things right. This ensures your positive roofing experience, and provides you with a long term investment.
Are you insured?
Yes. We are covered by $5,000,000 of liability insurance. We also have complete coverage by the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) should any worker be injured on the job.
We are going to sell the house in a few years. Should we invest in a new roof?
If you know you need a new roof in the near future, your prospective buyers and their home inspectors will also come to that conclusion. This will obviously affect the resale value.
The benefits of installing a new roof prior to selling include enhanced curb appeal, a transferable warranty (if installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications), peace of mind for the duration of your time in the home, and a higher resale value on the house.