Mar. 03, 2026
Construction & Real Estate
Any roofing company in Toronto can deliver a flat roof – and they’re growing in popularity with every passing season. When you think about a flat roof installed by a flat roofing company in Toronto, you will notice that they are more stylish than previous iterations of a flat roofing system. The technological advances in flat roofing make them impervious to leaks. Durability is the watchword for flat roofing systems, and they are a solid alternative to a sloped roofing system. Consequently, when there is a need for a flat roof repair at your home or commercial building, the maintenance cost is relatively less expensive than a sloped roof repair. At Integrity Roofers, we would like you to review your roofing options, and we have a list of 10 factors that will sway your decision to install a flat roof at your premises.
When we talk about flat roofs, we must tell you that flat roofs aren’t flat they contain a slope to help water drain. The roof – if engineered correctly – will be slightly sloped. Water pooling is a problem for any roofing system, and using a slight pitch to help mitigate the problem is an important aspect of a flat roof and how it handles water drainage. When you look at a flat roof, you won’t notice the slight pitch to the roof itself, but you will see the results after a heavy rainstorm or the winter snowmelt.
When you think of the functionality that a flat roof provides, do you think of an upper roof garden at your home or business? You should, because a flat roof opens up a myriad of ideas for the enterprising homeowner from a design concept. Many multiple occupancy dwellings – think apartment buildings and condos here – have installed all sorts of activity-related spaces on the roof. Lush gardens that are an oasis in an urban setting are just the beginning, workout spaces and pools have been installed on the roof on many buildings and the use space is governed by the imagination of the user. The garden concept is ‘greening’ of any home or business and serves as a rich, fertile space growing flowers or vegetables that provide a healthy lifestyle for residents of the residential space.
Certainly, a flat roof is hip and trendy, but they serve a utilitarian purpose that helps prevent climate change. Covering a flat roof in a UV reflective coating helps keep the temperature of the roof down. What that means for a building owner is that the air conditioning system will run less frequently during times of intense heat. This provides two-fold savings. You use less energy – saving money – and you are establishing your green credentials in the battle to save the planet.
When you are shopping around for a roofing contractor to install a flat roofing system, don’t make this common mistake. Make sure you thoroughly vet the contractor you hire to determine what his level of expertise is when they install a flat roof. Many times a roofing contractor will tell you that they have the ability and skill set to install a flat roof, but in reality, they do not and that causes problems down the line. Incorrect installation will void product warranties – that is a huge headache when problems arise from shoddy workmanship. Working with an experienced contractor that holds a reservoir of experience in flat roofing is the only way to go. It might cost a few dollars more, but the security and peace of mind that a proven professional will deliver is worth its weight in gold. You should get at least 20 years of service out of a properly installed flat roof and getting your money’s worth on an expenditure of magnitude of a new roof is extremely important. You don’t want to replace your roof every five years, do you?
The acidic content of bird droppings can be the death knell for any roofing system. Putting aside the discolouration problem that bird droppings create, the acid in the droppings will eat away at the cover of the flat roof and cause leaks that will fester until they are full-blown problems that require expensive repairs. When installing a flat roof, you want to design the system to be unattractive to birds, and the problems with the acidic content of the droppings will disappear.
Energy costs are going through the roof to reduce consumption, so we all look for ways to save money on energy costs. A flat roofing system affords a reduction in costs because they are reflective in nature, and the UV rays are bounced back from the roof structure leaving the building underneath the roof a cooler place to dwell in or use for commercial purposes. Another feature of a flat roof is that you can install insulation to help with heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air in during the summer months. A small investment in insulation will pay dividends for years to come reducing bottom-line expenses in the process.
For many years, people held the belief that flat roofs couldn’t be insulated. Nobody knows how this urban legend started, but it’s a myth that has been dispelled using technology. Certainly, a flat roof requires different installation techniques, and hiring the right contractor with the expertise for the work is the only way to go. When looking for the right contractor, look for one that can offer many different options to solve your insulation problems – it demonstrates a contractor’s skillset and knowledge of flat roofing systems. Once installed, insulation creates the energy efficiency that building owners demand when making an investment in their primary source of building protection – the roof.
When examining the benefits of a flat roof, money is a key factor that often tips the scales when it comes to deciding. Energy efficiency, and the costs to install and maintain a flat roof hold a great deal of sway with many commercial building owners and operators. A flat roof offers space to use for an HVAC system, it can be tucked away on the roof and there is ample space to access the system when maintenance is required.
In the past, flat roofs have gotten a bad rap for their lack of longevity – but that is fiction. A flat roof can be your best friend and provide excellent service for at least two decades or longer if properly maintained. Employing a roofing contractor for regular inspections – think twice a year, once in the spring and once in autumn – will help keep your roofing system up to the rigours of the weather and climate. Any inspection will tell you where your problems are and how they can be overcome with a simple repair, saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the process. Like grandma said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
The cost of a flat roof has been equated to buying a high-end sports car, but that is another myth that has been debunked over time. There are many factors that drive the cost of a roofing system. Degree of difficulty of the job is where labour costs are factored in. The complexity of a roofing system also contributes to the cost of any roofing system, then, materials and the location of the building are additional considerations that need attention. With the development of techniques that are unique to flat roofing systems and state-of-the-art materials make for a roof that is competitive in any scenario where a roof replacement is required.
At Integrity Roofers, we are your flat roof experts, and we will, in no uncertain terms, dispel all the myths and misconceptions about flat roofs when you contact us for a new flat roof in the Greater Toronto Area. It doesn’t matter if your building is for commercial use or residential, we bring all the necessary tools to the table to execute your flat roof replacement with precision and integrity. Our company is the premier flat roofing company in the GTA, and we would be happy to share our expertise and knowledge that we have developed over two decades of roofing experience. Whatever your question, we have the right answer when you seek roofing advice from Integrity Roofers. Our work is industry standard, and we can work in all aspects of roofing repairs, replacement, and roofing maintenance when your flat roof needs attention. Efficiency and affordability are what we provide at Integrity Roofers, and it is driven by qualified roofing professionals that can meet tight deadlines for the work we do. In the roofing business, the devil is in the details that we pay close attention to them for your protection. Safety is our business and when you need emergency service, you can count on us to be there when you need us the most. To obtain a professional estimate, please access our website for more information. If you need the personal touch, we have roofing experts available to discuss your situation when you call our office today at Integrity Roofers at 647.953..
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When a roof is destroyed by fire, windstorm, hail, or other severe weather, there’s no denying it needs to be fixed. But often, the signal that your roof needs repair or replacement is nothing more than a seemingly innocent ceiling stain or drip. Caught early, a small leak can be fairly inexpensive to fix. If ignored, it may result in significant damage to your house.
Sometimes, if you have an unfinished attic and can find the water trickle along a rafter or stud, you can find the leak’s source yourself. But it’s best to have an experienced roofer inspect and handle the repairs. We don’t recommend that homeowners navigate steep ladders and pitched roofs themselves.
The remedy may be as simple as filling in a crack with caulk, replacing a few shingles, or installing some flashing (a waterproof membrane or metal sheet that redirects water). Most leaks can be stopped if they’re limited to a few spots. But if you’re experiencing recurring leaks and your roof is out of warranty, a new roof is in order. Even without obvious signs of damage, it’s wise to replace an out-of-warranty roof that’s more than 20 years old.
Keep in mind that even if your roof needs replacing, you may be able to replace only one side of it rather than the entire surface; that’s something to discuss with a contractor. If new shingles can be laid on top of the old ones, you’ll save money over having the old shingles torn off and starting from scratch. But you or the contractor should check with your municipality to see what’s permitted; if two layers are already installed, you might not be allowed to add another.
Asphalt shingles remain far and away the most popular choice for houses because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
In CR’s roofing tests, we’ve found that some asphalt shingles perform better overall than others that cost more. And some provide a beautifully layered look or come in a huge array of colors. But depending on your house and your budget, many other roofing types may work as well. Metal shingles, for example, cost more than asphalt but tend to last longer and can provide a similar look.
To help you compare, we’ve included a price range for each of the options below per square, or 100-square-foot area, that manufacturers use when pricing shingles. Except where noted, prices are for materials only, not installation.
Once you’ve decided on a roofing type, check the manufacturer’s website for contractor recommendations. A manufacturer’s credentialed contractors, in theory, have more training in installing the product. Your homeowners insurance company may also have a network of contractors. Look for those who have been around for at least five years and have a good local reputation.
With any roofer, get local references and check for local and state licenses, proof of bonding, a Better Business Bureau rating, and active certificates of insurance for liability and workers’ compensation.
B&G contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Request bids from at least three pros. Roof replacement costs can vary widely, even when the exact same shingles will be installed. For asphalt shingles, prices range from about $75 to $105 per square for basic three-tab shingles, and up to $350 per square for multilayered architectural shingles. The cost of the shingles themselves should be similar no matter who installs them, but costs for labor and other materials are what you have to look out for when comparing bids.
Ask for a breakdown of all the costs involved. There should be one price for the shingles, one for the labor of removing the old ones and installing the new ones, and a contingency budget that outlines the costs if your roofer discovers that sheathing or other materials need to be replaced.
Some installers offer workmanship warranties separate and apart from a shingle manufacturer’s. Be sure to ask for one in writing. Among the dozens of contractor websites from across the U.S. that we reviewed, only a few showed explicit warranties. The promises we found covered between one and 50 years, though experts told us most roof problems happen in the first couple of years.
Even though replacing a roof isn’t a do-it-yourself job, estimating the cost of the shingles themselves can be helpful when you’re comparing bids from roofers.
Manufacturers price roofing by the square, or 100-square-foot area, and that’s how we price each option in our ratings. To estimate how much roofing you’ll need, multiply the overall length and width of each roof section in feet, add the numbers for the sections together, and add 10 percent to allow for waste. Then divide by 100 to determine how many squares you’ll need. In addition to buying extra to account for waste, it’s a good idea to keep an additional bundle on hand for minor repairs. That way, you’re covered if the manufacturer stops making those shingles.
For example, for a one-story, 2,300-square-foot house with a medium-pitched roof, you’ll want to figure on about 30 squares to cover 3,000 square feet total. That should give you enough for waste and extra shingles for future repairs.
While manufacturers price their product by the square, roofing is generally packaged and sold in bundles. Generally, you’ll need three to five bundles of shingles to cover one square of your roof. The exact number of bundles required depends on the type of shingle you are buying; the heavier the shingle, the fewer you get per bundle. By law, each shingle bundle should state clearly how many square feet it covers, so you can calculate the number of bundles you need and budget accordingly.
Before giving you an estimate, a contractor should assess all components in and around your roof, including the drip edge and gutters that steer water runoff. In a complete roof repair or redo, you’ll typically need to replace the underlayment. That component, usually treated paper or synthetic sheets, serves as a weather barrier atop the sheathing or decking, which is the flat surface—typically made of oriented strand board or plywood—that lies on the rafters. In a cold climate, a roofer may suggest applying an ice-dam protection membrane in some areas to guard against water seepage caused by ice buildup. Adding or updating the ridge vent and vented soffits can improve attic airflow and prevent harmful moisture buildup. Replacing or fixing flashing, the material around the chimney and where roofing planes meet, can prevent leaks. Ask about alternatives to copper, which is durable and attractive but costly.
Ideally, ask for a contract that locks in the job’s pricing. If the contractor requires you to abide by a temporary clause making you responsible for interim price increases, make sure you understand how much you’ll be responsible for. And if you need the roof done right away, ask the contractor which shingle colors and styles are available now, so you’ll face minimal wait time. If the contractor doesn’t know, seek another roofer.
In your shingle shopping, you might be impressed by how many manufacturers offer a “lifetime protection” warranty. But in roofing parlance, a lifetime really isn’t a lifetime. It’s more like 10 years. That’s the period during which most manufacturers will pay the roof’s original owner in full to replace defective shingles under the baseline warranty. After that—and for the rest of the period you own your house—it’ll reimburse you only for your shingles’ depreciated value.
Warranties involve a lot of fine print like that. For instance, to extend the full-replacement period, you have to either upgrade to a different shingle or buy more of the manufacturer’s components. A roofing warranty won’t pay if the shingle maker finds problems in your home’s ventilation. And manufacturers usually won’t cover damage from so-called acts of God, such as very high winds and hail. For that, you’ll have to put in a homeowners insurance claim or pay out of pocket.
Given all those gotchas, a warranty probably shouldn’t be your main focus in choosing a new roof. Rather, our testers recommend that you place your faith in a strongshingle and a reliable contractor. That said, see whether the warranty is transferable to the next owner. If you sell your house, a transferable roof warranty can be a perk to a potential buyer.
The addition of solar panels can also affect your warranty. So if you think you might add solar panels to your new roof, check the warranty of the shingle you’re considering to make sure a solar-panel installation won’t void it. You should also check for insurance coverage from the solar panel company.
As they have for years, asphalt shingles remain the most common type of residential roofing purchased in the U.S., says Kelly Moomey, the market analyst who covers roofing for Consumer Reports. “However, there are small, niche segments emerging,” she says.
Metal roofs, for instance, are expected to grow in popularity. The inherent advantages of this type of roof—including resistance to leaks and wind uplift, not to mention durability against the elements—are likely to make metal roofing more popular in areas prone to violent storms, according to the Freedonia Group, a market research company.
Here are some other trends we see in roofing:
Fewer choices, higher installation costs. Stung by supply-chain problems of the past few years, manufacturers have cut back on new styles and colors, our sources tell us. At the same time, historically high prices for roofing installations could continue to rise in the next year or so, largely due to continued high demand from consumers and a tight labor market. That’s made finding workers a challenge.
Solar roofing options are expanding. The major roofing manufacturers GAF and CertainTeed have joined Tesla in introducing photovoltaic—aka solar—roofing shingles for homes. CertainTeed’s Solstice Shingle looks more like a traditional shingle than GAF’s Timberline model, which includes perpendicular bars across the shingle array.
Federal tax credits apply to solar roofs, but for a limited time. Homeowners who retrofit their roofs with solar panels or solar roofing tiles now can get a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the project cost—with no income restrictions or dollar ceiling on the project—thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of . The credit was originally set to expire in , but recent congressional action cut that short. The tax credit is now only good through the end of , giving consumers who are thinking of going solar a very short time to act.
“Cool” (or light-colored) roofs are an option for sustainability. While this option isn’t new, it’s worth considering if you need a new roof and want to reduce your carbon footprint without buying costly solar. The trick: Pick a lighter color roof. Because a light-colored roof reflects more sunlight than a darker roof, it can reduce the energy and cost needed to cool your home by up to 15 percent.
White roofs are best, reflecting from 60 to 90 percent of sunlight, according to the Department of Energy. But you also can shop for a “cool colored” roof: a darker roof that uses specialized pigments that reflect about 30 to 60 percent of sunlight. (Check the DOE’s Energy Saver page for advice on buying cool-roof roofing products for both shallow-pitched and steeply pitched roofs, and check the Cool Roof Rating Council for cool-roof products.)
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