Can You Install a New Roof Over Old Shingles in Quebec?
In some situations, it is technically possible to install new asphalt shingles directly over an existing layer in Quebec. However, most certified roofers in Gatineau and Ottawa recommend against it. While roofing over old shingles can reduce the upfront cost of a project, it introduces a range of technical and warranty complications that often result […]
What Is the Best Roofing Material for Quebec Winters?
The best roofing material for Quebec winters depends on your roof type, budget, and how long you want the roof to last. Quebec’s climate, with its heavy snowfall, freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, and temperatures that regularly drop below -25 degrees Celsius, puts roofing materials under significant stress year after year. Here is how the three […]
How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last in Ottawa and the Outaouais Region?
Why Climate Shortens Shingle Lifespan in the Outaouais The Ottawa-Gatineau region experiences some of the most extreme temperature swings in Eastern Canada. Summer rooftop temperatures regularly exceed 60°C while winters drop to -30°C. Every freeze-thaw cycle puts mechanical stress on shingles. Shingles in this region typically age faster than the same product installed in milder […]
What Is the Best Roofing Material for Homes in Gatineau, Quebec?
Gatineau homeowners deal with heavy snowfall, freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, and summer UV exposure — conditions that rule out many roofing materials suitable in milder climates. The right material must expand and contract without cracking, shed or support snow loads safely, and resist moisture infiltration over decades. Architectural Asphalt Shingles: Best All-Round Option Architectural (dimensional) […]
How to Choose a Roofer in Gatineau and Quebec: What to Check Before You Hire
Hiring the right roofer in Quebec starts with one non-negotiable requirement: the contractor must hold a valid RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) license. Without it, they are operating illegally, your home insurance will not cover their work, and you have no legal recourse under Quebec’s consumer protection laws if the work fails. Beyond licensing, […]
Shingle vs. Metal Roofing in Gatineau: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing are valid choices for homes in Gatineau and the Outaouais region. Shingles cost less upfront ($8,000 to $20,000 for a typical home) and are the most common residential choice. Metal roofs cost more upfront ($15,000 to $35,000+) but last 40 to 60 years, roughly twice as long as shingles. […]
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, […]
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 […]