Question 1

How much does a new roof cost on Vancouver Island in 2026?

Accepted Answer

As a current benchmark, an architectural asphalt shingle re-roof on a typical single-family home (1,800 – 2,400 sq ft of roof area, single storey, walkable pitch) on Vancouver Island generally falls between $14,000 and $26,000 including tear-off, disposal, new underlayment, flashings, ventilation upgrades and GST. Standing seam metal on the same home is usually $32,000 – $60,000, and 2-ply SBS torch-on flat roofing runs roughly $18 – $28 per square foot depending on insulation and access. Every Island Roofers quote is itemized in writing so you can see exactly what you're paying for and compare apples to apples.

Question 2

What factors most affect the price of a new roof?

Accepted Answer

Six things drive the bulk of the price: roof area in squares (one square = 100 sq ft), roof pitch (steeper roofs require extra labour and fall protection), number of layers to tear off, complexity (valleys, dormers, hips, skylights, multiple roof planes), the material system you choose, and access (two-storey, tight side yards, or limited dump-truck access add time). Hidden plywood or rafter rot discovered during tear-off is the most common cost variable, which is why our quotes include a per-sheet sheathing replacement rate up front.

Question 3

Is the estimate really free, with no obligation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We come to your home, get on the roof when it's safe, take photos, measure accurately, and deliver a written quote — typically within 48 hours — at no cost and with zero pressure to book. You're free to compare our quote against others; most homeowners take 1 – 3 weeks to decide, and we hold our pricing for 30 days.

Question 4

How long is a roofing quote valid for?

Accepted Answer

Our written quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Material pricing, particularly for asphalt shingles and metal coil stock, can move quickly with manufacturer announcements and tariffs, so quotes older than 30 days may need to be re-confirmed before scheduling.

Question 5

Do you offer financing for a new roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We partner with Canadian-licensed lenders to offer monthly payment plans on approved credit, typically with terms from 24 to 120 months, no down payment, and the ability to pay out early without penalty. Most homeowners are approved within minutes online, and you can apply before or after accepting your quote. See our financing page for current rates and lender options.

Question 6

Do you require a deposit, and when is the balance due?

Accepted Answer

For most residential re-roofs we collect a deposit (typically 25 – 30%) at scheduling to lock in your start date and reserve materials, a progress draw mid-project on larger jobs, and the balance on satisfactory completion and final walkthrough. We accept e-transfer, cheque, credit card (a small processing fee applies), and direct deposit. We never ask for full payment up front.

Question 7

Will a new roof increase my home's value?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a new roof is one of the highest-ROI exterior renovations in BC. Local real estate agents on Vancouver Island consistently report that listings with a recently completed, documented roof sell faster and avoid price reductions during the inspection period, since buyers are no longer pricing in the cost and risk of an aging roof. We provide a complete documentation package (invoice, warranty, photo record) you can include in your listing materials.

Question 8

Is roofing work tax-deductible in Canada?

Accepted Answer

For an owner-occupied principal residence, roofing is generally not tax-deductible. For rental properties, roof repairs are typically deductible as current expenses, while a full replacement is usually a capital expenditure depreciated over time. Strata corporations and commercial owners can typically expense repairs and capitalize replacements; speak to your accountant for your specific situation.

Question 9

What roofing materials perform best on Vancouver Island?

Accepted Answer

Four systems dominate the Island for good reason: architectural (laminated) asphalt shingles for most residential roofs, standing seam metal for premium residential and West Coast exposure, 2-ply SBS torch-on for low-slope and flat sections, and quality #1 grade cedar shake for heritage and high-end homes. Each performs well here when paired with a properly engineered ventilation system, a synthetic underlayment, and ice-and-water shield at eaves, valleys and penetrations.

Question 10

How long does an asphalt shingle roof actually last on the Island?

Accepted Answer

A correctly installed laminated architectural shingle from a major manufacturer (Malarkey, GAF, IKO, BP, Owens Corning) typically delivers 25 – 35 years of useful life on Vancouver Island, even with our heavy rainfall, provided the attic is well-ventilated and moss is controlled. Three-tab shingles last noticeably less (typically 15 – 20 years) and we rarely recommend them for new installs.

Question 11

How long does a metal roof last?

Accepted Answer

Properly installed 24-gauge standing seam metal with a Kynar 500 / PVDF paint finish routinely lasts 50+ years on the Island, and the underlying steel substrate can last considerably longer. The paint finish carries a 30 – 40 year non-prorated warranty against fade and chalking from most major coaters. Exposed-fastener metal panels (screw-down ag-panel) have a shorter realistic service life of 25 – 40 years because the rubber fastener washers degrade and need periodic replacement.

Question 12

What's the difference between standing seam and exposed-fastener metal?

Accepted Answer

Standing seam panels are joined by hidden clips and a folded seam — there are no fasteners penetrating the panel face, so there's nothing to leak or back out over time. Exposed-fastener (often called 'ag panel' or 'tin roof') uses screws with rubber washers that drive through the panel into the substrate; it's cheaper, faster, and very common on agricultural buildings, but the washers are a long-term maintenance point. For permanent residential roofs we strongly prefer standing seam.

Question 13

Is cedar shake still a good choice?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for the right home. Quality #1 grade Western Red Cedar shakes installed over a properly ventilated, breathable underlayment system are beautiful, period-correct on heritage homes, and last 25 – 40 years on the Island with regular treatment. The trade-offs are price (often 2 – 3× asphalt), insurance considerations (some carriers surcharge cedar), and the need for ongoing maintenance to control moss and UV degradation.

Question 14

What is SBS torch-on roofing and where is it used?

Accepted Answer

SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) torch-on is a modified-bitumen membrane applied in two plies — a base sheet and a granulated cap sheet — heat-welded together with a propane torch. It's the industry-standard system for low-slope and flat residential and commercial roofs in Canada because it's extremely durable, walkable, repairable, and handles ponding water and freeze-thaw cycles well. Service life is typically 25 – 35 years.

Question 15

What about TPO, EPDM and PVC single-ply membranes?

Accepted Answer

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC are heat-welded white single-ply membranes commonly used on commercial flat roofs; they reflect solar heat and are ideal for large, mostly-flat commercial buildings. EPDM is a black synthetic rubber membrane, often used on small flat residential roofs and additions. All three are available through Island Roofers' commercial division; the right choice depends on insulation strategy, slope, foot traffic and budget.

Question 16

Do you install synthetic slate, composite shake, or stone-coated steel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Premium synthetic products like DaVinci synthetic slate, F-Wave SYNRGY shingles, Brava composite shake, and stone-coated steel (Decra, Boral) are excellent options when you want the look of slate, shake or tile with the longevity of a modern engineered material. These systems carry 50-year limited warranties and perform extremely well in our climate.

Question 17

What is ice-and-water shield, and do I need it on the Island?

Accepted Answer

Ice-and-water shield is a self-adhering rubberized membrane installed under shingles at the most vulnerable areas of the roof — eaves, valleys, around chimneys and skylights, and at all penetrations. While the Island doesn't get true ice damming the way the prairies do, wind-driven rain commonly forces water back up under shingles here, and ice-and-water shield is the single most important defense against it. Every Island Roofers install includes ice-and-water shield as standard.

Question 18

Do you use synthetic underlayment or felt?

Accepted Answer

We use synthetic underlayment (typically a 25 – 48 lb scrim-reinforced product) on every job. Synthetic is dimensionally stable, doesn't wrinkle when wet, is far safer to walk on, won't tear at fasteners, and carries a much longer dry-in window than traditional 15 lb or 30 lb asphalt felt. Felt is essentially obsolete for residential re-roofing on the Island.

Question 19

How long does a residential re-roof take?

Accepted Answer

Most single-family asphalt re-roofs on Vancouver Island are completed in 2 – 4 working days from tear-off to final cleanup. Standing seam metal jobs run 4 – 8 days. Cedar shake and synthetic slate are slower at 5 – 10 days. Complex multi-plane homes, two-storey installs with limited access, and weather delays can extend any timeline — we build a realistic schedule into your quote and update you daily.

Question 20

What time of year is best to replace a roof on Vancouver Island?

Accepted Answer

Late spring through early fall (April to October) is peak roofing season here, with the most stable weather windows. That said, we install roofs year-round on the Island; modern synthetic underlayments and shingle sealants perform well at the temperatures we typically see in winter, and our schedule is more flexible in shoulder seasons. The single biggest factor is having 2 – 3 consecutive dry days, which we monitor closely on Environment Canada forecasts.

Question 21

What happens on day one of a re-roof?

Accepted Answer

We arrive between 7 and 8 am, protect landscaping and siding with tarps and plywood, position a dump trailer or roll-off bin, and begin tear-off in sections. We never tear off more than we can dry-in by end of day, so your home is never left exposed overnight. By mid-afternoon the first section is usually re-papered with synthetic underlayment, flashings are roughed in, and shingle delivery is on the roof for the next day.

Question 22

Will I need to leave my house during the work?

Accepted Answer

No. Re-roofing is loud — there's hammering, footsteps, occasional bin drops and a compressor running — so it's not relaxing, but it's perfectly safe to stay home. Most families keep their normal routine; some choose to be out during the noisiest hours, especially if they work from home or have young children napping. We'll let you know in advance which days will be loudest.

Question 23

Where will the crew park, and what about my driveway?

Accepted Answer

Our crew typically uses one vehicle plus a dump trailer; we discuss driveway access during the on-site estimate. We protect driveways and walkways with plywood under the bin, and we sweep with rolling magnets multiple times per day and at job end to pick up loose nails. If you have RVs, boats, or vehicles in the way of the work area, we'll ask you to relocate them for the duration of the project.

Question 24

Do I need to move anything inside my house?

Accepted Answer

Vibration from hammering can shake loose items off shelves and walls, especially on the top floor and in the attic. We recommend taking down anything fragile from upper-floor walls (mirrors, framed art, china cabinets), covering anything stored in the attic with drop cloths or a tarp, and clearing the area immediately around the house outside. We'll send a written prep checklist before your start date.

Question 25

What happens to the old shingles and debris?

Accepted Answer

Old roofing material goes straight from the roof into a dedicated dump trailer or roll-off bin and is hauled to a regional recycling facility — on the Island, asphalt shingles are typically processed at facilities in Nanaimo, Duncan or Victoria, where they're recycled into asphalt road base and hot-mix paving. We never leave debris on your property overnight beyond the contained bin, and final cleanup is part of every quote.

Question 26

What if it rains during my re-roof?

Accepted Answer

We monitor the forecast hourly and schedule tear-off only when there's a workable weather window. If unexpected rain moves in mid-day, we stop tear-off and dry-in whatever is open with synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield, or — in a heavy event — full tarp coverage. Your home stays watertight at the end of every workday, even if shingles aren't installed yet.

Question 27

Will you replace plywood and damaged wood at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We inspect sheathing once the old roof is off and replace any rotted, delaminated or sagging plywood, fascia and trim before the new system goes down. Our quote includes a transparent per-sheet sheathing replacement rate (typically $90 – $140 per 4'×8' sheet installed) and a per-linear-foot fascia rate, so any extras are billed at a rate you've already agreed to — no surprises.

Question 28

What does final cleanup actually include?

Accepted Answer

Full removal of all roofing debris, multiple sweeps of the lawn and driveway with rolling magnets to capture loose nails, vacuuming or blowing out gutters of granule debris, a walk-around with you to confirm the property is left as good as or better than we found it, and final delivery of your invoice, warranty paperwork and photo record.

Question 29

How often should I have my roof inspected?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a professional roof inspection every 2 – 3 years for a roof under 10 years old, annually for any roof over 15 years, and immediately after any significant windstorm with sustained gusts over 70 km/h. Many homeowners schedule an inspection alongside gutter cleaning each fall, which is the highest-risk season on the Island for moss and debris accumulation.

Question 30

How do I know if I need a repair or a full replacement?

Accepted Answer

Generally: isolated leaks on a roof less than 15 years old are excellent repair candidates. Multiple active leaks, widespread granule loss in the gutters, curling or cupping shingles across more than one slope, exposed nail heads, or a roof past its expected service life usually warrant full replacement. A free on-site inspection — with photos and a written assessment — settles the question quickly and we'll always recommend the more economical path when it's appropriate.

Question 31

What are the early warning signs of roof failure?

Accepted Answer

Watch for: dark streaks or moss strips on the shingles, asphalt granules accumulating in gutters or at downspout outlets, shingles that look curled, cupped, blistered or missing, daylight visible in the attic, water staining on attic sheathing or upstairs ceilings, sagging rooflines, and rusted or lifted flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights. Any of these warrant a professional inspection.

Question 32

What does a thorough roof inspection include?

Accepted Answer

A complete Island Roofers inspection covers: walking the roof surface and checking every plane, valley and penetration; documenting flashings at chimneys, walls, skylights and pipe boots; inspecting gutter and downspout condition; checking attic ventilation, insulation depth and signs of moisture; photographing every finding; and delivering a written report with prioritized recommendations and a clear remaining-service-life estimate. We never use scare tactics or recommend work that isn't actually needed.

Question 33

Do you do emergency repairs and tarping?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer 24/7 emergency tarping, board-up and temporary weatherproofing across Vancouver Island after windstorms, fallen tree damage, or sudden active leaks. We get a temporary watertight cover in place immediately, then return on a scheduled visit to scope and complete the permanent repair. Most insurance carriers cover emergency tarping under the standard windstorm peril.

Question 34

Why is moss such a big problem on Vancouver Island?

Accepted Answer

Our combination of mild, wet winters, deep shade from Douglas fir and Western red cedar, and long stretches of damp weather make Vancouver Island one of the most moss-friendly environments in North America. Moss holds moisture against the shingle surface, lifts shingle edges, traps debris that prevents drying, and accelerates granule loss — it can cut an asphalt roof's life in half if left untreated. Annual treatment and ventilation upgrades are the best defense.

Question 35

How do you remove moss without damaging the roof?

Accepted Answer

We use a manual approach: soft brushing or scraping by hand to remove the bulk of the growth, followed by a zinc sulfate or zinc-strip treatment that slowly kills regrowth. We never pressure-wash asphalt shingles — high-pressure water strips protective granules and dramatically shortens roof life. We've seen pressure-washed roofs lose 5 – 10 years of service almost overnight.

Question 36

Do zinc strips really work to prevent moss?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when properly installed. Zinc strips installed near the ridge release small amounts of zinc oxide every time it rains, which is mildly toxic to moss and algae and washes down the roof surface. They're particularly effective on asphalt and cedar in shaded or north-facing slopes. They aren't a cure for an existing heavy moss problem, but they're excellent prevention after a cleaning.

Question 37

How often should I clean my gutters on the Island?

Accepted Answer

At minimum twice a year: once in late fall after the leaves have dropped (typically mid to late November on the Island) and once in spring after the maple seeds and conifer needles have finished falling. Homes with overhanging trees may need quarterly cleaning. Clogged gutters back water up under shingles and behind fascia, which is one of the most common sources of slow, hidden leaks.

Question 38

Should I install gutter guards?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your tree cover. Quality micro-mesh or surgical-grade stainless gutter guards work well and dramatically reduce cleaning frequency. Cheap plastic snap-in guards often make the problem worse by trapping debris on top of the guard where it can't be seen. We can recommend specific products based on what's actually falling on your roof — Douglas fir needles, big-leaf maple keys, Garry oak leaves, and arbutus bark all behave differently.

Question 39

How much does a typical roof repair cost?

Accepted Answer

Small repairs — replacing a pipe boot, sealing a flashing, patching a few storm-damaged shingles — typically range from $350 to $900 including the minimum service-call charge. Mid-size repairs (replacing a section of valley, re-flashing a chimney, repairing storm damage to a single slope) typically range from $900 to $3,500. Anything larger generally tips into a discussion about partial or full replacement.

Question 40

What warranties come with my new roof?

Accepted Answer

Every new roof carries two parallel warranties: the manufacturer's product warranty covering the materials themselves (often a 'lifetime' limited warranty on architectural shingles, with the first 10 – 15 years non-prorated), and our Island Roofers written workmanship warranty covering the quality of installation. On premium systems we can register enhanced manufacturer warranties (such as Malarkey Vista Premium, GAF Golden Pledge, or IKO Cambridge IQ Shield) that combine materials, labour and tear-off coverage for up to 50 years.

Question 41

What does the Island Roofers workmanship warranty cover?

Accepted Answer

Our written workmanship warranty covers any defect in our installation — leaks at flashings, improper fastener placement, ventilation errors, valley installation issues — for the term stated in your contract (typically 10 years on residential asphalt, longer on metal and premium systems). It does not cover acts of God, falling tree damage, foot traffic damage, or failures caused by other trades cutting into the roof after we've left.

Question 42

Are you licensed and insured to work in BC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Island Roofers carries full commercial general liability insurance ($5M minimum), WorkSafeBC coverage for every crew member on every job, and we hold the relevant municipal business licences across our service area. We provide a current insurance certificate and WSBC clearance letter with every quote — and we strongly recommend never hiring a roofer who can't produce both on request.

Question 43

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in BC?

Accepted Answer

In most municipalities on Vancouver Island (Victoria, Saanich, Nanaimo, Comox Valley Regional District, etc.), a like-for-like residential re-roof — same material category, no structural changes — does not require a building permit. Changes that increase structural load (e.g., switching to a much heavier tile system), structural repairs to rafters or sheathing, additions, dormer work, and almost all commercial re-roofs do require permits. We pull every permit your project requires and coordinate inspections on your behalf.

Question 44

Will you work with my insurance company on a storm-damage claim?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We provide the documentation your insurer needs — written scope of loss, itemized estimate using standard insurance pricing methodology, full photo record of damage, and weather event verification — and we can communicate directly with your adjuster. We work regularly with all major Canadian carriers (Intact, Aviva, Wawanesa, BCAA, Co-operators, Economical, TD, RSA and others) and we'll never inflate a claim or recommend work you don't actually need.

Question 45

Does my insurance cover a roof replacement?

Accepted Answer

Insurance typically covers sudden, accidental damage — wind, hail, fallen trees, fire — but does not cover wear and tear or gradual deterioration. If a windstorm rips off a section of shingles, that's almost always covered (subject to your deductible). If your 28-year-old roof is simply at end of life and starting to leak, that's a homeowner expense. Some carriers pre-pay only the depreciated value (ACV) unless you carry replacement-cost coverage; check your policy or ask us to help interpret it.

Question 46

What is a 'two-trip' insurance roof claim?

Accepted Answer

For approved claims, we typically come twice: once to install a temporary tarp or emergency dry-in (often covered separately by your insurer as 'emergency mitigation'), and again for the permanent repair or replacement once the claim is approved and materials are scheduled. This protects your home immediately while paperwork moves forward.

Question 47

Will a new roof lower my home insurance premium?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Many Canadian insurers offer reduced premiums for roofs less than 10 – 15 years old, and some offer additional discounts for impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles or metal roofing. Ask your broker once your install is complete and share the dated invoice — the savings can be meaningful, particularly on older homes.

Question 48

Do you carry WorkSafeBC coverage for every worker on my roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Island Roofers crew member is covered under our active WorkSafeBC account, and we can provide a current clearance letter on request. This matters to you as a homeowner: if an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you can be held personally liable. We strongly recommend always asking for a WSBC clearance letter before any roofing work begins — from any contractor, including us.

Question 49

Are your roofing systems compliant with the BC Building Code?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every system we install meets or exceeds the BC Building Code requirements for slope, underlayment, ventilation, ice-and-water shield placement, and fastener pattern. For coastal high-wind exposure zones (West Coast, Northern Island, exposed waterfront), we exceed minimum fastening schedules and use enhanced starter and ridge products rated for higher wind speeds.

Question 50

Should I replace my skylights during a re-roof?

Accepted Answer

Almost always, yes — if your skylights are more than 15 years old. The sealed glass units in older skylights begin to fog and fail, the gaskets dry out, and replacing them later means cutting into a brand-new roof system and voiding your warranty. New Velux or Fakro skylights installed under fresh underlayment during a re-roof cost a fraction of what a retrofit costs later, and they come with their own 10 – 20 year manufacturer warranties.

Question 51

Do you install solar tubes (sun tunnels)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solar tubes (Velux Sun Tunnels) are a great low-cost daylighting solution for hallways, closets, bathrooms and stairwells where a full skylight isn't practical. We install them as part of any re-roof or as a standalone project, typically in under a day per unit.

Question 52

Why is attic ventilation so important?

Accepted Answer

An under-ventilated attic traps moisture from interior humidity (cooking, bathing, laundry) and from sunlight heating the roof deck. That moisture condenses on the underside of the sheathing, rots framing, ruins insulation, voids most shingle warranties, and shortens roof life by years. The BC Building Code requires a minimum of 1 sq ft of net free vent area per 300 sq ft of attic floor, balanced 50/50 between intake (soffit) and exhaust (ridge or roof vents). We assess and correct ventilation on every re-roof.

Question 53

What's the difference between ridge vent and box vents?

Accepted Answer

Ridge vent runs continuously along the peak of the roof, providing the most even, uniform exhaust airflow and a clean low-profile appearance. Box vents (also called turtle vents or 'Maximums') are individual hooded vents distributed across the roof; they cost less but provide less even airflow. We recommend ridge vent for any continuous ridge line, and box vents where the roof geometry doesn't allow ridge vent.

Question 54

Do I need new gutters when I replace my roof?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. If your existing gutters are seamless aluminum, securely fastened, and in good condition, we can re-flash to them and they're good for another 15 – 25 years. If they're old galvanized or original sectional aluminum, leaking at seams, sagging, or undersized for your roof area, replacing them at the same time as the roof is significantly cheaper than as a separate project and lets us perfectly integrate the new drip edge and flashings.

Question 55

What size gutters and downspouts do I need?

Accepted Answer

Most Vancouver Island homes do well with 5" K-style seamless aluminum gutters and 2×3" downspouts. Homes with steep roof pitches, large roof areas, or heavy rainfall exposure (West Coast, head-of-inlet locations) often benefit from 6" gutters with 3×4" downspouts, which carry roughly 40% more water and clog far less often. We'll size your system based on the actual roof drainage area.

Question 56

Do you install heat cables for ice damming?

Accepted Answer

We do, in the limited cases where they're warranted. Vancouver Island doesn't see true ice damming the way colder regions do, but a small number of north-facing or shaded roofs with poor ventilation can develop ice at the eaves. The right fix is almost always to correct insulation and ventilation, not to add heat cables — but where geometry makes that impossible, we install self-regulating heat cable along eaves and in valleys.

Question 57

What is flashing, and why does it matter so much?

Accepted Answer

Flashing is the metal (aluminum, galvanized steel, copper) used to seal the joints between roofing and any vertical surface or penetration: chimneys, walls, dormers, skylights, valleys, vent pipes. Roughly 80% of all roof leaks originate at flashing details, not at the shingle field. Quality flashing — step flashing under siding, headwall and counter-flashing at chimneys, proper kick-out flashings at wall terminations — is what separates a roof that lasts 30 years from one that leaks in five.

Question 58

Do you repair or replace chimney flashing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we recommend re-flashing any chimney during a re-roof. Old tar-sealed flashing fails long before the rest of the roof system; we replace it with new step flashing tucked behind a properly cut counter-flashing reglet, sealed with high-grade polyurethane sealant — a detail that should last as long as the new roof itself.

Question 59

What areas of Vancouver Island do you serve?

Accepted Answer

All of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Discovery Islands. South Island: Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, Sooke, Sidney. Cowichan & Mid Island: Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Nanaimo, Lantzville. Central Island: Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland. North Island: Campbell River, Sayward, Port McNeill, Port Hardy. West Coast: Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield. Islands: Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna, Gabriola, Thetis, Denman, Hornby, Quadra, Cortes, Texada.

Question 60

Do you charge a travel fee for Gulf Island or West Coast jobs?

Accepted Answer

Mainland Vancouver Island work is travel-free. For Gulf Island, Discovery Island and West Coast (Tofino/Ucluelet) jobs we include the actual cost of ferry crossings, accommodation if required, and additional travel time in the quote — itemized separately so you can see exactly what the logistics add. We schedule island work in batches when possible to keep costs down.

Question 61

How far out are you booking right now?

Accepted Answer

Lead times vary by season. In peak season (May – September) we're typically booking 4 – 8 weeks out for residential re-roofs and 6 – 12 weeks for commercial. In shoulder and winter seasons we can often start within 2 – 4 weeks. Emergency repairs are always prioritized and we keep capacity reserved for them year-round.

Question 62

What questions should I ask any roofing contractor before hiring them?

Accepted Answer

At minimum: Are you licensed in this municipality? Can I see a current WorkSafeBC clearance letter and liability insurance certificate? Who is actually on my roof — your employees or a subcontracted crew? What's your written workmanship warranty and how do I make a claim? Will you pull permits if required? Can I see 3 references from jobs completed in the last 12 months? Is the deposit refundable if I cancel before work starts? Any roofer who hesitates on any of these is worth a second look.

Question 63

What are the biggest red flags when comparing quotes?

Accepted Answer

Door-knockers showing up unsolicited after a windstorm, demands for full payment up front, quotes that are dramatically lower than everyone else's, no written scope or warranty, no physical business address, no proof of WSBC and insurance, pressure to 'sign today' for a discount, and verbal-only quotes. Roofing fraud is unfortunately common on the Island after major storms — take your time and verify everything in writing.

Question 64

Why are some quotes so much cheaper than others?

Accepted Answer

Usually because something is missing. Cheaper quotes often skip ice-and-water shield, use 15 lb felt instead of synthetic underlayment, include the bare minimum (or none) of new flashings, don't replace pipe boots, omit ventilation upgrades, exclude permit costs, exclude GST, or use cash labour without WSBC coverage. Compare quotes line-by-line on scope — not on bottom-line number — and ask any contractor to show you exactly what's included and what isn't.

Vancouver Island roofing, answered in depth.

Costs, Quotes & Financing

Materials & Roof Systems

The Re-Roofing Process & Timeline

Repairs, Inspections & Roof Maintenance

Warranties, Insurance, Permits & Compliance

Skylights, Ventilation, Gutters & Components

Service Area, Scheduling & Choosing a Roofer

Ready for a roof you don't have to think about?