One of the most basic human needs is shelter, a key component of which is a roof which is an aspect that’s often overlooked until it becomes a problem. That’s why it’s so important to start thinking about replacing a shared roof when signs of major wear are showing. Replacing a shared roof comes with challenges though, especially when it comes to condos.
To help you with this process, we’ve broken down the main points that stratas need to know before replacing their condo roof.
Replacing a Shared Roof: Understanding the Costs
Depending on how your condominium strata is set up, there may several scenarios that could happen when it comes to roof replacement:
- Condo owners could be responsible for replacing the roof above their individual unit
- Strata may pay for the entire roofing cost
- Condo owners may be responsible for a portion of the roofing costs
No matter the scenario, roof replacement is noisy and takes time. Make sure to inform all condo tenants of the decision far in advance so people are able to plan accordingly.
Consider the Weather Conditions Your Roof Will Likely Endure
When choosing a roof to buy understand that some roofs will last longer than others depending on the climate. For example, metal roofs are great for BC (and Kelowna by extension). Why? BC is known for its cities lush with trees, and regular snowfall in winter.
This presents 2 problems metal roofing can solve.
Firstly, metal roofs make it easy to hose down or brush off any leaves, pine needles or otherwise that need to be removed from a roof. They also make it easy to brush off snow or ice.
Secondly, metal roofs are some of the best choices for areas with heavy winter snowfall as they cause few moisture concerns compared to asphalt or wood-based roofing materials.
There Are a Multitude of Roofing Options to Choose From
While asphalt roofs are some of the most common, they’re by no means the only option as we previously mentioned. There are a wealth of roofing options to choose from nowadays so choosing one isn’t just a matter of practicality, but also aesthetic.
You can even consider setting your roof up for solar panels to improve your building’s electrical usage.
For commercial properties like condos, heavy-duty roofing materials are an excellent choice due to their durability and long-lasting materials. If you’re having a tough time deciding on a material, we recommend choosing any one of the following:
- Asphalt shingles (budget-friendly)
- Metal roofing (good for snowy areas)
- Low-slope roofs (help prevent pools of water)
Make Sure to Pick a Roofing Company With Experience
Because roofs are designed to last for many years and aren’t known for being easy to adjust when installed, we strongly recommend choosing a roofing company that’s both reputable and experienced. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a poor roof that costs more repairs than the cost of the roof installation itself.
Setting Up a Regular Maintenance Schedule Is Essential
Finally, once a roof has been chosen and installed, it’s important to set up a regular maintenance schedule. Not only will this prevent your strata from needing to replace the roof again anytime soon, but it can also help you identify any issues early on to avoid costly repairs.
By ensuring your roof is regularly maintained, you also ensure your condo roof will last for many years to come.
Although replacing a condo roof does come with challenges, hopefully our above tips well-equip you to handle the process.