Frequently Asked Questions

For a typical 1,200–1,500 sq ft home in Renfrew County, a full asphalt shingle replacement ranges from $8,000 to $16,000 including materials, labour, tear-off, and disposal. Metal roofing ranges from $15,000 to $28,000 for the same size. Factors that drive costs higher include steep roof pitch (common on rural Renfrew County homes), complex rooflines with multiple valleys, limited accessibility on remote properties, and seasonal premium for winter work. Always obtain at least three written quotations with identical scope of work for an accurate comparison.

Yes, most municipalities in Renfrew County require a building permit for full re-roofing. This includes Pembroke, Petawawa, Renfrew, Arnprior, Deep River, and the United Townships. Minor repairs do not typically require a permit. Permit fees in Renfrew County generally range from $100 to $400 depending on the municipality and project value. The permit process ensures that the work meets Ontario Building Code standards, including ice and water shield requirements and proper ventilation. Failure to obtain a required permit can result in fines and may complicate future property insurance claims or home sales.

Architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles typically last 18–25 years in Renfrew County. Standard three-tab shingles have a shorter lifespan of 12–18 years. These figures are 3–5 years shorter than the manufacturer’s rated lifespan due to the region’s severe freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads that can lift and stress shingles, and intense summer sun that accelerates granule loss. Impact-resistant shingles, rated Class 3 or Class 4, may extend lifespan by 3–5 years in this climate and offer better hail resistance during Renfrew County’s convective summer storms.

Ice and water shield is a self-adhering rubberized asphalt membrane installed beneath the roof covering at vulnerable areas. It forms a waterproof seal around nails and prevents water infiltration when ice dams force water back under the shingles. The Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12, Part 9, Section 9.26) requires ice and water shield at roof eaves on slopes 1:3 or steeper, extending a minimum of 900 mm from the interior wall line. It is also required in all valleys and around roof penetrations. For Renfrew County, where ice dam risk is high due to heavy snowfall, many builders recommend full ice and water shield coverage across the entire roof deck, not just the minimum at eaves.

Metal roofing costs approximately 1.5 to 2 times more than asphalt but offers significant advantages in Renfrew County: superior snow shedding reduces ice dam risk, lifespan of 40–60 years versus 18–25 for asphalt, and better resistance to hail and wind uplift. Standing seam metal is preferred over exposed fastener panels because the concealed clips eliminate fastener holes on the roof surface. Asphalt shingles remain a strong choice for moderate-pitch roofs where budget is a primary factor. Architectural shingles with impact resistance offer the best balance of cost and performance for homeowners who plan to stay 10–15 years.

Common issues reported by Renfrew County homeowners include:

• Ice dam damage at eaves and valleys, especially on roofs with inadequate attic insulation or ventilation
• Wind uplift of shingles during summer convective storms and winter wind events
• Granule loss on south- and west-facing slopes from sun and thermal cycling
• Flashing failures around chimneys, skylights, vents, and wall intersections
• Gutter damage from ice accumulation pulling gutters away from the fascia
• Soffit and fascia deterioration from moisture trapped behind ice dams

Consider full replacement if: the roof is over 20 years old, you have multiple active leaks in different areas, shingles are curling, cracking, or losing granules extensively, the roof deck is sagging or shows signs of rot, or you already have two layers of shingles. A single leak or small area of wind damage can typically be repaired. The most reliable way to determine the correct course of action is a professional inspection that assesses the roof deck, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and overall shingle condition.

A complete written quotation should specify:

• Shingle brand, model, colour, and weight (e.g., 320 lb architectural)
• Underlayment type and number of layers (e.g., synthetic, 30 lb felt, or ice and water shield)
• Ice and water shield coverage locations (eaves, valleys, full deck)
• Flashing materials and replacement plan (step flashing, counter flashing, drip edge)
• Ventilation work (ridge vent, soffit vents, or additional vents)
• Tear-off or overlay plan (including number of existing layers to remove)
• Clean-up and disposal terms (magnetic sweep for nails, dumpster removal)
• Timeline: start date, expected duration, weather contingencies
• Payment schedule (deposit, progress payments, final payment)
• Warranty terms: material warranty (manufacturer) and workmanship warranty (contractor)
• WSIB clearance certificate number and liability insurance evidence

Ontario allows a maximum of two layers of asphalt shingles on a residential roof. The overburden (weight of the second layer on top of the first) must not exceed 10% of the roof structure’s design load. Many Renfrew County homes built before 1990 already have two layers, meaning any new roof requires a full tear-off. Most contractors recommend full tear-off regardless, because leaving the old layer conceals the condition of the deck and can cause premature failure of the new shingles due to uneven surface heat absorption.

Ice dams form when heat escaping from the attic warms the roof deck. Snow above the warm section melts and runs down the slope. When the water reaches the colder eave (which extends past the heated living space), it refreezes, building up a ridge of ice. Meltwater pools behind this dam and can leak under the shingles, causing interior water damage, mould, and rot.

Prevention requires three strategies used together:

• Attic insulation: Minimum R-60 in Renfrew County to prevent heat from reaching the roof deck
• Attic ventilation: Proper intake (soffit vents) and exhaust (ridge vent) to maintain a cold roof deck
• Ice and water shield: Waterproof membrane at eaves as a last line of defense

Ontario does not have a provincial licensing system for roofing contractors. However, you should verify the following:

• WSIB clearance certificate: Confirms the contractor has Workplace Safety and Insurance Board coverage. You can verify clearance online through the WSIB clearance database.
• Liability insurance: Minimum $2 million. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured or at least receiving notification of cancellation.
• Business registration: Check if the business is registered and in good standing through the Ontario Business Registry.
• References: Request recent Renfrew County references and view completed work in person if possible.
• Better Business Bureau: Check for complaints or unresolved disputes.

The ideal window is late spring through early fall (May to October), when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 7°C. Asphalt shingles need this temperature for the sealant strips to activate and bond properly. Some contractors in Renfrew County work year-round and use cold-weather adhesives or heated storage for materials, but winter installations carry additional risk: condensation under the new roof covering, limited working hours due to daylight, and safety hazards from ice and snow on the roof surface.

If your roof is leaking in January, a temporary repair (tarping or patching) is the prudent approach until warmer weather allows a proper full installation.