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Practical answers to understand your roof, compare options and plan the right work.
Informed decisions. Better protection.
40 guides available
Materials & systemsTPO, modified bitumen or tar and gravel: how to choose?
The best choice starts with your building. Here is how to compare three roof-covering families without reducing the decision to a brand or square-foot price.
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Planning & budgetWhat does flat roof replacement cost? What to compare.
A square-foot price is not enough to compare two estimates. Here are the items behind price differences and the questions to ask before signing.
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Leaks & inspectionYour roof is leaking: information that helps you act.
A leak calls for an organized response. Protecting occupants, documenting symptoms and explaining the situation helps prepare the response.
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Slope & drainagePonding on a flat roof: blocked drain or slope problem?
Water collecting in the same place deserves an explanation. The right correction depends on its intended path and what prevents drainage.
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Planning & budgetWhite roofs in Montreal: what to check before work?
Colour and permit requirements should be checked for your exact address. A rule heard about another neighbourhood is not enough to plan your project.
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Leaks & inspectionRepair or replace your roof: five questions to help decide.
A leaking roof does not automatically need replacement. A repair is not a durable answer to every problem either.
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MaintenanceFlat roof maintenance: a simple routine worth documenting.
A maintenance record makes changes easier to spot and helps plan interventions at the right time.
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Leaks & inspectionCondensation or a roof leak: why assessment matters.
A ceiling moisture mark does not tell the whole story. When it appears helps guide the investigation.
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Buildings & commercialCondominium or commercial roof: prepare a clear project file.
When several occupants and decision-makers are involved, a clear project file matters as much as material selection.
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Materials & systemsShingles, metal or membrane: slope changes the decision.
Not every covering suits every slope. Understanding the distinction helps plan suitable work, especially on buildings with several roof types.
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Leaks & inspectionRoof leak or plumbing leak: prepare a useful diagnosis
A ceiling stain is a clue, not an exact location. Compare timing, water paths and building history before choosing a repair.
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Leaks & inspectionRoof inspection: what should the report contain?
A useful report helps decide what to do, in what order and with what limitations. Attractive photographs alone do not describe a roof’s condition.
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Materials & systemsTPO welding: technology and the checks that matter
A sound TPO roof depends on a complete system. Equipment automates part of the work; preparation and detail checks remain essential.
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Materials & systemsEPDM, PVC and TPO: identify before repairing
Two membranes of the same colour may need very different connections. Identifying the system is the first step in choosing a repair product.
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Materials & systemsLiquid membranes and coatings: when restoration merits review
Coating a roof and replacing its layers address different needs. Before choosing a coating, request an explanation of substrate condition and preparation.
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Materials & systemsAsphalt shingles: slope, ageing and repair
Choosing shingles goes beyond colour and the advertised warranty. Slope, underlayment, ventilation and details affect the whole roof.
Read the guide · 2 minMaterials & systemsMetal roofing: steel, aluminium, copper and details to compare
Metal roofing is a family of solutions. Profile, seams, finish and connections matter alongside the named metal.
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InsulationRoof insulation: R-value, air barriers and vapour control
Adding thickness is not always enough. An insulation project should also explain layer continuity and moisture control.
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InsulationCathedral roofs, attics and inverted roofs: different assemblies
The right correction depends on layer position and available space. A solution for a ventilated attic does not automatically transfer to a compact roof.
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Structure & detailsRoof decking: OSB, plywood or steel deck?
Decking supports the assembly. Its material and condition help determine work, fasteners and contingencies to define.
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Structure & detailsFlashing, parapets, drip edges and valleys: follow the water path
A large new roof surface is not enough if its connections remain unclear. These are the details to identify in the proposal and document on site.
Read the guide · 2 minSlope & drainageDrains, overflows and gutters: who checks what?
A drainage problem may be on the roof, at the connection or inside the pipe. Separating these areas avoids confusing cleaning with waterproofing repair.
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Structure & detailsSkylights, vents and equipment: coordinate roof connections
Every piece of equipment adds an interface to protect. The project should distinguish the unit, its support and its roof connection.
Read the guide · 2 minWinter & emergenciesSnow on the roof: signs to watch and planning a response
Snow depth alone cannot establish roof safety. Density, ice, drifts and building design matter.
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Winter & emergenciesIce dams: address the buildup and understand the cause
Removing ice and correcting what encourages it are different steps. The method should protect people and the roof covering.
Read the guide · 2 minWinter & emergenciesAfter a storm: organize emergency work and roof repair
After wind or hail, protect people first, then document damage and define the necessary work.
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MaintenanceRoof maintenance: a simple record that is actually useful
Good maintenance produces observations that can be compared over time. It tracks defects, interventions and decisions.
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Planning & budgetCompare roofing quotes without overlooking exclusions
The final price does not describe the full work scope. A line-by-line comparison makes important differences visible.
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Planning & budgetRoof warranties and insurance: documents to request
Product warranties, workmanship warranties and insurance policies answer different questions. Clarify their scope before you need them.
Read the guide · 2 minPlanning & budgetMontreal roof permits: prepare the right checks
The exact address and work scope are the starting point. Material, permit and access requirements cannot be inferred from “Montreal” alone.
Read the guide · 2 minBuildings & commercialCondominium and shared roofs: organize a joint decision
A shared roof needs a clear technical record and defined responsibilities. Buildings being next to each other does not establish who approves or pays for work.
Read the guide · 2 minBuildings & commercialCommercial roofing: plan work around operations
For commercial, industrial or institutional premises, operational continuity is part of the roofing project. Define it before work starts.
Read the guide · 2 minSpecialized projectsGreen, blue, terrace or solar roof: check feasibility
Adding a use changes roof loads, access and maintenance. Start with feasibility before choosing trays, pavers or equipment.
Read the guide · 2 minSpecialized projectsAltering a roof: structure, asbestos and site coordination
Changing slope, adding a storey or reroofing an addition goes beyond covering selection. Clarify studies, responsibilities and retained materials.
Read the guide · 2 minSlope & drainageRoof slope and area: understand roofing measurements
Use plan dimensions to understand slope and geometric area. This calculation does not select a material or replace a site survey.
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InsulationRoof rain noise and vibration: prepare an acoustic assessment
Noise heard beneath a roof depends on more than its covering. Identify the source and transmission paths before ordering a new membrane or more insulation.
Read the guide · 2 minStructure & detailsRoof access and guardrails: plan maintenance during reroofing
A roof needs to be maintainable. Plan routes to drains and equipment, along with protection for people and the membrane, before closing out the project.
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Planning & budgetRoof insulation financial assistance: what to check before work
Potential assistance must be checked against the current program, your building and your schedule. It should not be assumed from the price of a new membrane.
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Planning & budgetGarage, addition and shed roofs: details that matter
A small roof can concentrate several complex connections. Slope, adjacent walls, drainage and space use matter alongside its area.
Read the guide · 2 minMaintenanceReroofing and recycling: request a practical waste plan
The word “recyclable” does not by itself describe where an old roof will go. Material separation, condition and facilities accepting those materials determine the actual route.
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