When you need your roof repaired, redone, or installed, it can be hard to know what to expect from a proper roofing estimate. In fact, it can be intimidating, especially if you're a first-time homeowner or simply don't have the industry knowledge. However, roofing estimates don't have to be a secret; transparent companies with your best interests at heart are happy to share what to expect in terms of maintenance and costs, and working with one of these companies will save you significant stress.
No one should make an investment without careful consideration, whether it's stocks, car ownership, homeownership, or the like; you need a professional by your side who understands and cares about getting you the best outcome.
That's why Rick MacDonald Siding, Roofing, Windows, and Doors is here to share this blog with you today. We'll cover common expectations you'll likely run into when getting a roofing estimate, what to avoid, and how our business offers something different while keeping your best interests at heart.
Why Home Improvement Experience Matters in Roofing
Many roofing professionals also have broader home improvement experience. While it's not absolutely mandatory, working with professionals who have strong experience improving a home's longevity, functionality, and overall aesthetic gives you the reassurance that you're working alongside people well-versed in home construction and additions. The reasoning is simple: understanding the ins and outs of a home's structure and versatility allows roofing professionals to approach each project with a broader understanding of the home as a whole. This sets a business apart from one that doesn't offer these additional services.
Working with a team that understands the intricacies of various forms of home improvement can assure you that you're working with professionals who know how the home improvement process works from start to finish.
A roof never exists in total isolation. It ties directly into your home's attic ventilation, your soffit and fascia, and your water drainage systems. When a contractor only looks at shingles without considering how water flows into your eavestroughs or how moisture escapes through your attic baffles, you end up with premature wear, ice damming, and avoidable water damage down the line. A complete exterior renovation approach protects your entire building envelope.
An experienced team with a wide range of experience is your best bet for the best results. This is why having a consultation ahead of time is also very vital to making sure your final project is exactly what you hoped for.
What to Generally Expect from the Average Roofing Company
What is included in a roofing estimate will vary depending on the company you work with. While there are some generalities, some companies offer additional services or specializations, which is why it's important to research the company's background and communicate clearly.
Having a clear understanding of what you want isn't always easy, but if you work with the right people, you can understand what to expect.
What Is Included in a Roofing Estimate (Generally)?
When you work with a roofing company, you can expect several services, materials, brands, and expectations. But when approaching a new company, what do roofing services generally include?
Roofing materials: The type and number of shingles, underlayment, flashing and other materials required. A proper quote lays out the shingle type and the manufacturer/brand. Your quote should also specify secondary protection such as synthetic roof underlayment and leak barriers along the eaves and valleys.
Labour: The cost of removing the existing roofing, preparing the surface and installing the new roof. This should include stripping the layers of old roofing. A two-layer tear-off requires more manual labour, waste management, and disposal.
Roof preparation: Any necessary preparation of the roof deck before installation. Many homes built before 1980 have roof decking that predates current standards, and if there is rot or soft spots, the decking will need work before new shingles can be installed.
Removal and disposal: The removal and disposal of old roofing materials and job-related debris. This may include disposal bins, municipal disposal fees, and the cost of hauling away the old shingles.
Flashing and ventilation: Details about replacing or installing flashing, vents and other roofing components. Flashing is one of the most important parts of your roofing system because most roof leaks originate at wall-to-roof transitions, valleys, chimneys, and skylight curbs.
Cleanup: Cleanup of the work area once the project is complete, including magnetic sweep of driveway and flower beds to capture any stray roofing nails.
Project timeline: An estimated timeframe for when the work will begin and how long it is expected to take. Most residential roof replacements require between one and two days of on-site work, contingent on weather.
For what may not be included, discuss it with your trusted roofing provider. Every business is a little different, and you need to choose the option that works best for you.
Always make sure that your estimate lists proof of active WSIB coverage, liability insurance, and clear warranty terms in writing.
The Rick MacDonald Difference: What Truly Sets Us Apart
When life brings roofing deficiencies, replacements, or repair needs, it can be intimidating to approach a roofing supplier without worrying about cost, time, labour, and quality. That is why you need to know what to expect from a roofing estimate from a reliable, long-term company with staff who have deep industry knowledge.
Decades of Local Experience. With more than 50 years of experience serving Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding area, we’ve worked on countless homes and understand what it takes to get the job done properly.
Quality Without Cutting Corners. We believe your home deserves work that stands the test of time. That means using quality materials from trusted brands and taking the time to do the job right.
Craftsmanship You Can See. Our installation teams take pride in their work, from the first step of the project to the final cleanup. We treat every home with the same care and attention we’d expect for our own.
A Team That Listens. Every home and homeowner is different. We take the time to understand your ideas, answer your questions and help you find an option that works for your home and budget.
Financing Options Available. We understand that a home improvement project can be a significant investment. Financing options can help make it easier to plan for the work your home needs without putting off important improvements.
When it comes to exterior home renovations, we know you have plenty of options. But when you choose Rick MacDonald, you're choosing the best of the best, with quality that lasts. You won't have to deal with professionals who want to offer cheap fixes and materials; we hand-pick every product from trusted partners known for the highest quality.
You can trust that we'll respect your style preferences and that all advice will be considered with your vision and best interests top of mind. Our expert team is happy to help you design and execute your upcoming roofing project from colour schemes to materials, every step of the way.
Whether you need professionals or want to tackle DIY projects, our team is happy to answer your questions and offer the advice you need to get the job done. Rick MacDonald Siding, Roofing, Windows and Doors remains a family-owned business with deep roots in the Kitchener-Waterloo community.
Rick MacDonald Siding offers a wide range of exterior home products for both professional contractors and DIY homeowners, including vinyl and composite siding, windows, doors, eavestrough, leafguard, fasteners, caulking and other exterior accessories. With delivery available within 50 km of Kitchener-Waterloo, we make it easy to find the products and materials you need for your next exterior home project.
A Local Business That Considers You Our Neighbour
Working with Rick MacDonald means working alongside people who consider you their neighbour. No one is a stranger to us, and our passion for providing our services is unwavering. The business began in 1972 as MacDonald Aluminum, founded with one goal: to provide local homeowners in Kitchener-Waterloo with the best exterior renovations, backed by the best service the industry has to offer.
Since then, our business has grown alongside our team of talented professionals, who now provide a wide range of services to help you upgrade, repair, or create your dream home. We are a family-owned, Canadian-operated business based in the Kitchener-Waterloo community, proud of our heritage and commitment to serving our fellow community members. Today, that commitment to quality continues through our work as GAF Master Elite installers, a distinction achieved by only 2% of roofing companies. It reflects the expertise, professionalism and high standards we bring to every roofing project we complete.
Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for homeowners throughout our beautiful community.
Contact us today for more information on our services and products, and to schedule a consultation.
