Originally published on Nov 15th, 2018
Updated January 28th 2021, Updated July 15th 2022
The Best Roofing Options for living in Vancouver
Looking for roofing options when replacing your home’s roof is an important decision, and can be an expensive process. That is why choosing the right roofing options and materials can improve your home’s aesthetic appeal.
But also, you need to think about increasing longevity and keep within your budget. Replacing the roof also increases the value of your home for resale.
Many homeowners underestimate the importance of a good roof. If you’re thinking about reconstruction keep in mind the premise:
There is no point in creating an amazing home if water is going to leak in and damage the inside. So, if you are rebuilding your roof, consider rain, snow, wind, and everything that can ruin it in a matter of hours – if not minutes.
It’s much better to have peace of mind and do it right the first time so you don’t have to worry.
As you probably know already, Vancouver is prone to a unique set of roof problems. Moss buildup, mildew and mold count among them due to the heavy amounts of rain the area gets.
The more you invest in your house, the better you’ll want to protect it
It is important that homeowners understand which type of roof can naturally resist these problems in order to efficiently protect the integrity of the roof and the inside of the home. Roofing materials are extremely important, but the actual style of the roof can play a major role when it comes to resisting a wet climate.
How To Choose Your Roofing Materials
There are so many different roofing options. You should ask your roofing contractor what is the best material for your home. If you’re not an expert, it can be very difficult to identify just the right material if you don’t know what it needs to be capable of surviving.
You should look for information about lifespan, weight so it won’t crush the roof framing, and roof sloping. You should also find out whether it’s permitted by local building codes, how resistant it is to fire and extreme wind, and how much it costs.
There are a lot of different types of roofing used in Vancouver, depending on style – asphalt composition shingles, metal, wood, plastic polymer, clay tile, concrete tile, and slate. We’ll go over some of the most basic options so when you talk to your contractor, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Shingles are the most common and economical roofing material used throughout Metro Vancouver. They come in 2 main types; three-tab and architectural shingles. Both perform well with little e to no maintenance and come with varied warranties.
Three-tab shingles most often carry warranties from 20-30 years, while architectural shingles often have longer, and even lifetime, warranties.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles are effective and inexpensive. However, they are the last option to take into account because they do not enhance the visual appeal of homes, neither increase the value of your home.
Architectural shingles, however, come in many different styles and can mimic the look of more expensive roofing materials.
Cedar Roofing
Cedar roofs are a traditional Vancouver and Pacific Northwest roofing material that can give your home a natural, homely feel.
In BC, Cedar is readily available and fairly inexpensive. Cedar shakes and shingles are the most common wood roofing material and add a rustic, natural, particularly Vancouver appeal to many homes.
Due to the visually appealing nature of cedar products, using a cedar system can often increase the value of your home. While cedar products are lightweight and durable, they can be susceptible to moisture-induced mold or algae and may require more maintenance than other roofing options.
While untreated cedar roofing materials can fall victim to the elements, pre-treated options are now available. These pre-treated cedar shakes and shingles are slightly more expensive but offer a natural appearance and the equivalent effectiveness of a synthetic product.
Metal Roofing
Metal Roofing materials come in a range of styles, are durable, low-maintenance and visually appealing, with a clean look. The most common metal roofing material is standing seam, a series of interlocking panels that extend the entire length of the roof.
While installation of a metal roof is slightly more expensive than other options, it has a long lifespan, requires little to no maintenance and can increase the value of your property. Like asphalt, metal roofing materials that mimic the look of other roofing systems are available in many different styles.
Torch-on SBS Membrane Roofing
Torch-on SBS Membrane is available in many colours. It is one of the most durable roofing materials and can provide many decades of protection from the extreme Vancouver weather with proper slope and installation.
Torch-on membranes are commonly used in low slope or flat commercial and residential applications, giving them a more modern feel.
As these types of membrane systems are so robust they can greatly increase the value of your commercial or residential property. Torch-on is one of the more expensive options in roofing but the lifespan of the system can often offset the initial cost.
Don’t Forget about the Warranty
There’s a manufacturer’s warranty that covers all the problems that can arise from the actual roofing material.
Also, look for optional roofing contractor’s warranty that covers all the problems created by the contractors’ negligence. Accidents must be part of them when installing the roof.
Some warranties can’t be transferred to other owners. So, your children or a person to whom you sell the house must know and take previsions. Always search the contract for this information.
Homeowners must consider many factors when choosing the roofing material that best suits their home. Yes, aesthetic appeal and expense are important when choosing the roofing system. But homeowners should ultimately seek to find a balance between form and function.
Conclusion
It is important to understand which materials are the best for Vancouver’s weather conditions. Since British Columbia is a temperate rainforest, you need a roof that provides protection from the rain, wind, and the occasional snowfall.
If you have any questions or need an estimate on your roof call the experts. At Cambie Roofing, we have been in business for over half a century. Share the same confidence we have when saying we are your best roofing choice.