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Roof lifespan depends on the material, installation quality, ventilation, maintenance and exposure to weather. Asphalt shingles, metal, and cedar all wear differently, and manufacturer warranties give a rough guide for each product. Rather than going by age alone, have the roof inspected if it's getting older or showing wear, so you can plan replacement before leaks cause interior damage.

Roofing costs vary with roof size and pitch, the number of layers to remove, material choice, repairs to the decking underneath, ventilation upgrades and access. Steep or complex roofs take more labour. Because every home and scope is different, the only reliable number is a written quote. Ask two or three local businesses to visit and quote the same scope so you can compare like for like.

Localized problems — a few missing shingles, a flashing leak around a chimney or vent — can often be repaired. Widespread curling, cracking or granule loss, multiple leaks, or sagging decking usually point toward replacement. A roofer can inspect the condition and explain whether a repair is a sensible short-term fix or whether replacement is the better long-term value.

Watch for missing, curled or cracked shingles, granules collecting in eavestroughs, water stains on ceilings, damp attic insulation, daylight visible through roof boards, damaged flashing, and heavy ice dams in winter. Check after major wind or hail storms. Look from the ground with binoculars rather than climbing onto the roof yourself.

Many residential roof replacements are completed in a few days, but timing depends on roof size, complexity, how much decking needs repair, crew size and weather — roofers won't open a roof when rain is expected. Ask your contractor how they protect the home if weather changes mid-job and how they handle clean-up of nails and debris.

Ask what materials and underlayment they'll use, whether old layers will be removed, how they handle damaged decking and ventilation, and what the manufacturer and workmanship warranties cover. Confirm they carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage where applicable, and ask who will be on site. Get the full scope, price and payment schedule in writing.