Your Roof Is a Big Deal (But So Is Your Budget)

It starts with a few uncomfortable observations:

• A few too many asphalt chunks at the end of your downspout after a storm. 

• The yellowish tint in one section of your dining room ceiling is slowly spreading and darkening.

• Your shingles are waving hello as you pull into the driveway on a windy day. (It's touching but completely unasked for.)

In addition, your neighbours with houses built in the same decade as yours are starting to have roofing company trucks in front of their homes for cost quotes. Soon after, your neighbourhood is filled with the resounding ‘bang’ of nail guns as the roofers get to work.

You know you’ll need a new roof sooner than you’d like to spend the money, but the signs are stacking up that ‘sooner’ might be forced upon you. It’s a bummer because new roofs are freakin’ expensive and not exciting like the Caribbean vacation you want to spend the money on. 

But as adults, we know that sometimes you just need to spend money on stuff that’s not fun (life insurance, anyone?).

Maintaining big-ticket purchases like a house comes with some non-negotiables, but this blog will discuss a few ways to get the best value for both cost and high quality because both are 100% important.

Facing the Sticker Shock

The challenge with understanding roofing costs is that they add up due to various factors. 

The ‘Big 6’ are:

1. Materials: Materials are the first and most significant cost, which we’ll explore shortly.

2. Labour: Good work costs good money, and cheap work costs even more good money. There is nothing wrong with shopping around to get the best value quote for your needs, but beware of quotes or DIY YouTube videos that promise the job will be easy and/or cheap.

3. Underlaying & Decking: If underlaying wood and tar paper need to be replaced, it will add to costs.

4. Flashing, Vents, & Drip Edge: Any area on your roof that needs extra sealing, such as skylights, chimneys, or areas prone to high wind or water pooling, will require more time and attention.

5. Disposal Fees: Both big and small jobs require old material to be torn off and disposed of, which is included in the costing quote.

6. Permits: These are rare for residential roofs, but depending on your neighbourhood or the job scope, they might factor into the cost. 

In this post, we’ll outline how to make the best budget and cost decisions specific to the two most significant costs in a roofing job: materials and labour. 

What’s on Top Counts

In our last blog, we briefly outlined a few options for roofing materials, but in Saskatoon (and the prairies in general), we like to stick to two specific options: asphalt shingles and metal roofing. 

Asphalt: The Neighbourhood Standard

Two types of asphalt shingles are commonly available on the market, each with specific pros and cons.

1. 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: This type is hands down the most budget-friendly option. They’re flat, uniform, and come in a variety of colours. They’re the cheapest purchase up front, but due to their susceptibility to wind damage over time, they only have a lifespan of 15-20 years. Since Saskatoon regularly deals with winds a mid-level hurricane would be jealous of, it’s a significant factor to consider.

2. Architectural (or Dimensional) Shingles: A step above the 3-tab type, they’re the most commonly used in residential roofing. They’re thicker and more textured, giving them a multi-dimensional look that evokes more expensive vibes. They’re also tougher and more durable, with a lifespan of 25-30 years. Yes, they cost more, but they live longer and look better. 

(https://www.spicerbros.com/3-tab-shingles-vs-architectural-shingles/)

A reputable company can professionally apply either type. Still, it’s important to remember that the cheaper the shingles, the quicker they’ll need to be replaced. We recommend that most Saskatoon homeowners seriously consider the extra cost of architectural shingles as an appropriate countermeasure to our harsh winters, boiling summers, and high winds.

Laying shingles for a pro company is like swimming for a duck, so you’ll have a pretty good idea of the labour costs right at the start for both types of asphalt roofing. Shorter tear-off and install times mean lower labour costs, solidifying asphalt as a decent and affordable option on a tight budget.

Metal: The Hard Hat That Lasts (Almost) Forever

Metal roofing is gaining popularity in some settings on the prairies and in colder climates. It’s super-durable and can last for up to 50 years. It's fantastic for letting snow or ice pack slide off and is almost impervious to heavy snow and temperature swings.

For a residential home in Saskatoon, metal may not be the best choice for several reasons. It’s costly upfront and has a definite industrial look that your HOA (if you’re lucky enough to live in a neighbourhood with a homeowners association) may not love. 

Installing metal is a very meticulous process. The measuring, cutting, and fitting need to be exact to avoid moisture getting through. The longer the installation time, the higher the installation costs. But that said, if you have legitimate reasons to consider metal, get your roofing quote to cover it.

Finding a Crew You Can Trust

By now, you’ve probably developed some idea of what material you’d prefer to use on your roof, so your next big decision will be who, of all the roofing contractors in Saskatoon, you will trust with the job. 

1. Reputation Matters: Look for a company with a proven track record of finished jobs and satisfied customers. Type “best-rated roofer in Saskatoon” and see who pops up (hint: it’s probably us 😉). Read Google reviews that cover communication, quality of work and overall professionalism.

   
   

2. Coverage: A roofing company must have appropriate insurance and licensure to work in Saskatoon. You need to know that you’ll have protection in case of any damage to your property or accidents tied to the job. 

3. Clarity and Detailing: A company that knows what it’s doing will have no problem giving you a written estimate with specific cost breakdowns for labour, materials, and all other costs and fees for your job. It's a legitimate yellow flag if a company is slow to get things down in writing.

4. Warranty: Materials and work quality should have a solid satisfaction guarantee.

We’d encourage anyone seriously considering a roofing replacement job to get a quote from a few local, highly rated companies in Saskatoon to get a feel for prices and services and to see who they feel comfortable communicating and working with. 

You Can Have It All

As sweet as it is to have your shingles wave at you, it’s time to end it. 

Doing intentional research to determine precisely what you’re looking for in products and services can reduce stress when tackling a significant project like repairing your roof.

Reach out to us today; we’re happy to help!