Roofs built for the wet coast.

It depends on your municipality and the scope of work. A like-for-like re-roof generally does not require a permit in the cities that publish a clear answer, while structural work, changing the roof line, or work in a heritage conservation area usually does. We confirm it with your building department before we start and tell you either way.

Yes, with conditions. Asphalt shingles are thermally self-sealing, which means the adhesive strip needs sun and warmth to bond. GAF’s published recommendation is to install at 4 degrees or above, and Owens Corning’s cold-weather bulletin calls for hand-sealing each shingle with roofing cement at or below that; IKO sets the bar at 10 degrees. It is a manufacturer recommendation rather than a code requirement, but skipping it can void wind-damage coverage under the shingle warranty, and a north-facing low-slope plane laid in December may not fully seal until spring. It is done properly here all winter. It simply has to be done deliberately.

Less time than the number on the wrapper, and it varies a great deal by location. BC Housing’s Maintenance Matters bulletin puts the general range at 10 to over 30 years depending on design, exposure, construction and materials; across this region, around 25 years is what we see in practice. Bear in mind that a lifetime shingle warranty covers manufacturing defects in the material only. It is front-loaded: GAF’s non-prorated window is ten years, and inside it the manufacturer pays reasonable labour to fix defective shingles but not to tear off or dispose of the old roof. After that the payout is reduced to reflect the use you have had, and labour drops out entirely.

There are usually two, and they are separate. The manufacturer warranty covers the material. The workmanship warranty covers the installation and comes from whoever did the work. Most roofing problems we are called out to are installation issues rather than material defects, and that is the one that needs the original roofer to still be in business. Bring us whatever paperwork you have and we will read it with you.

One thing worth knowing: if you have a workmanship warranty with anyone, do not authorise another contractor to touch the affected area before the original installer has inspected it. On most policies, including ours, that voids the warranty on that section.

There is no provincial roofing trade licence in British Columbia, so anyone can call themselves a roofer. What you can verify: request a WorkSafeBC clearance letter, which confirms their account is in good standing and protects you from liability if someone is hurt on your property. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Ask whether they are certified by the manufacturer whose product they are quoting, because manufacturer warranties often require it.

It depends on the age of the roof, how widespread the failure is, and the condition of the deck underneath. A localised flashing or vent boot failure on an otherwise sound roof is a repair. Widespread granule loss, curling across multiple planes, or a soft deck is not worth repairing. We will tell you which one you have before you spend anything, and we will say so if the answer is that it can wait.