Ice Dams on Your Roof: Causes, Prevention, and Repair in Gatineau
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof when heat escaping from the attic melts snow on the upper roof surface, and that meltwater refreezes at the cold eaves. Once the dam builds, backed-up meltwater has nowhere to go except under the shingles, through the underlayment, and […]
How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Gatineau and Ottawa?
A residential asphalt shingle roof replacement in Gatineau typically costs between $8,000 and $20,000, depending on roof size, pitch, and material grade. A metal roof runs $15,000 to $35,000 or more for a comparable home. A flat elastomeric membrane replacement on a residential property typically costs $5,000 to $15,000. These are installed costs including tear-off, […]
What Is Elastomeric Membrane Roofing?
Elastomeric membrane roofing is a flat or low-slope roof system made from SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) modified bitumen — a rubberized asphalt product that remains flexible at temperatures as low as -25°C. It is the standard flat roof system in Quebec and is used on residential flat roofs, commercial buildings, and low-slope sections of homes across Gatineau […]
When Should I Replace My Roof? A Gatineau Homeowner’s Guide
You should replace your roof in Gatineau when it is more than 20 years old and showing visible deterioration, when repair costs would exceed 30% of replacement cost, or when you have had three or more leaks in a single year. Continuing to patch an aged roof in Quebec’s climate is almost always more expensive […]
How Long Does a Roof Last in Quebec?
In Quebec, an asphalt shingle roof lasts between 20 and 30 years under normal conditions. Metal roofs last 40 to 60 years, and elastomeric membrane flat roofs last 25 to 40 years. The freeze-thaw cycle, heavy snow loads, and ice damming common across the Outaouais region mean Quebec roofs face more stress than roofs in […]
What Is the Difference Between Architectural and 3-Tab Shingles for a Quebec Home?
3-tab shingles are a single-layer product with three uniform cutouts along the lower edge, giving them a flat, consistent appearance. They weigh approximately 180–230 lbs per square (100 sq ft) and are rated for wind speeds up to 60 mph in standard form. Lifespans typically range from 15 to 25 years in the Outaouais climate. […]
How Much Does Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation Cost in Gatineau, Quebec?
Roofing is priced per square (100 sq ft of roof surface). A standard Gatineau bungalow ranges from 15 to 25 squares of roof area. Key cost variables include roof size, pitch (steeper = more labour), the number of existing layers to remove, the condition of the roof deck, and the number of penetrations (chimneys, skylights, […]
How Long Does an Elastomeric Membrane Flat Roof Last in Gatineau?
The 35–40 year lifespan of an elastomeric membrane system assumes: a complete two-layer system with a granulated cap sheet, proper installation by certified torch welders, adequate drainage (no chronic ponding), correct flashing at all penetrations and perimeter walls, and periodic inspection to catch and repair minor issues before they propagate. Common Lifespan Reducers in Gatineau’s […]
Is Metal Roofing Worth the Cost for Homes in Ottawa and Gatineau?
A quality asphalt shingle roof in Gatineau costs roughly $10,000–$14,000 and lasts 25–35 years. Metal roofing costs $18,000–$28,000 and is permanent. Over 60 years, two shingle replacements at increasing costs total $25,000–$35,000+ — while one metal roof installation stays fixed. Factor in no maintenance costs and higher energy efficiency, and the financial case for metal […]
What Are the Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing in Quebec’s Winter Climate?
Metal roofing was the dominant roofing material in rural Quebec for generations, for good reason. Pre-painted galvanized steel performs exceptionally well in the province’s freeze-thaw climate. Key advantages include: permanent lifespan with no replacement needed; natural snow shedding that reduces load and eliminates ice dams; no granule loss or UV degradation; full installation in any […]