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Choosing a new roof or siding is a big investment. We've compiled the most common questions from Ottawa homeowners to help you make an informed decision about your home's exterior.
Yes. We work with third-party financing partners to offer flexible payment plans for eligible homeowners. Options typically range from 12 to 60 months with competitive interest rates.
Ask about financing during your free estimate and we'll send you the application details. Approval is usually confirmed within 24 hours.
We provide a 10-year workmanship warranty on all roof installations. This covers defects in our labour — improper flashing, failed seams, or installation errors.
Additionally, material warranties from manufacturers range from 25 years to lifetime coverage depending on the product. We'll explain both warranties in writing before any work begins.
Yes. We're experienced with storm damage claims and can provide detailed documentation — photos, scope of work, and itemized estimates — that your insurer requires.
We'll coordinate directly with your adjuster when needed to help move the claim forward without added stress on your end.
Yes on all counts. Big City Roofing holds a valid Ontario contractor licence, carries comprehensive general liability insurance (minimum $2M), and all crews are covered by WSIB.
We're happy to provide certificates of insurance before any project begins. Working with a fully compliant contractor protects you from liability in the event of an on-site injury.
Localized damage may be repairable if the surrounding system remains sound. Widespread deterioration or structural damage may require replacement. An inspection can determine which is appropriate.
Active water intrusion should be addressed promptly. Delaying leaking roof repair can allow moisture to affect decking, insulation and interior finishes.
Yes. Metal roof repair can address localized damage to panels, shingles, fasteners, flashing and other components.
Significant storm damage or active leaks may require emergency roof repair services to limit further water intrusion.
A roof repair estimate depends on the material, accessibility and extent of damage. An on-site assessment is more reliable than a generic price per square foot.
There is no universal best material. The choice depends on the building, climate exposure, budget, maintenance, and desired appearance.
Yes, when the product is climate-appropriate and installed according to manufacturer requirements.
The board and batten siding cost depends on the material, wall area, building complexity, trim, removal, and labour.
The timeline depends on building size, existing siding, weather, substrate condition, material, and architectural details.
Not necessarily. The decision depends on the existing material, wall condition, manufacturer requirements, local code, and proposed system.
There is no fixed interval. Service life depends on material, installation, moisture and maintenance. Sagging, gaps or visible deterioration indicate that an inspection may be needed.
Vinyl soffit can be a practical choice when suited to the home's exposure, ventilation and exterior design.
Yes. Fascia and soffit repair can work for localized damage when the underlying structure remains sound. Widespread deterioration may require replacement.
Not necessarily. Coordinating vinyl siding soffit installation with exterior work can create cleaner transitions and prevent new materials from being fitted around damaged trim.
An on-site assessment provides the most accurate estimate. Big City Roofing evaluates the roofline, materials, access, ventilation and potential repairs.
A house wrap is a weather-resistant membrane installed behind exterior cladding to help control rainwater and protect the wall assembly.
A water-resistant membrane is an important part of many wall assemblies, but its performance depends on correct installation and integration with flashing and cladding.
It depends on the wall assembly and project scope. In many cases, proper installation requires removing the existing cladding to access and correctly detail the wall.
No. House wrap and insulation perform different functions. The membrane helps manage water and, depending on the product and assembly, may contribute to air-control performance; insulation provides thermal resistance.
Roof flashing manages water around vulnerable areas such as edges, valleys, walls, chimneys and penetrations, directing it away from joints and the building assembly.
Its lifespan depends on the material, installation quality, weather exposure, roof movement and maintenance. Corrosion and damaged joints can reduce performance.
Proper flashing can prevent water intrusion, but an existing leak requires diagnosis because water may travel from the actual entry point.
Yes. Metal roofs require flashing around walls, chimneys, valleys, vents, edges and other transitions, with details suited to the specific roofing system.
Localized damage may be repairable. Severely corroded, displaced or incorrectly installed flashing may require replacement or redesigned detailing.
Government of Canada guidance recommends checking and cleaning them at least twice a year, in spring and fall. More frequent checks may be appropriate after heavy storms or where trees overhang the roof.
Where possible, Canada.ca recommends directing water to a well-drained area at least 2 m away from the foundation. Local requirements may vary.
They can reduce the number of joints and potential leak points, but installation quality, correct slope, system sizing and downspout placement remain essential.
A few isolated leaks or loose components may be repairable. Widespread leaking, sagging, repeated overflow or significant separation from the fascia can indicate that replacement is the more practical solution.
Yes. Properly installed and maintained systems collect roof runoff and direct it away from exterior walls and foundations, helping reduce concentrated water exposure.
There is no fixed schedule. Frequency depends on snowfall, snow density, roof design and weather conditions. Heavy or repeated accumulation may require professional assessment.
Roof work in winter presents fall and material-damage risks. Government of Canada roof snow safety guidance recommends working in pairs or hiring a professional for safe roof clearing.
It can reduce snow accumulation, but it does not eliminate the underlying causes of ice dams. Attic heat loss, insulation and ventilation can also contribute.
No. The need depends on the roof and conditions. Professional assessment is particularly useful when accumulation is heavy, compacted or accompanied by visible warning signs.
Do not climb onto a snowy or icy roof to investigate it yourself. Document the visible signs from a safe location and arrange a professional roofing assessment as soon as practical.
Commercial roofing systems vary according to building design and roof slope. Big City Roofing focuses on metal roofing and asphalt shingles for sloped commercial roofs. The appropriate option depends on the building, existing roof, climate exposure, and installation requirements.
Yes, metal roofing can be suitable for sloped commercial buildings in Ottawa when the system is properly selected and installed. Commercial steel roofing should be evaluated as part of a complete roof assembly, including structure, drainage, insulation, and detailing.
Professional assessment is recommended when leaks, ponding, damaged flashing, deterioration, or recurring failures appear. Early intervention may prevent localized problems from developing into larger roof-system issues.
Compare contractors based on relevant commercial experience, roofing materials, installation approach, project scope, communication, and maintenance planning. If your building has a sloped roof, confirm that the contractor has experience with the specific roofing system being considered.
The required materials depend on the selected roofing system. For metal roofing or asphalt shingles, a complete installation may include roofing materials, underlayment, flashing, ventilation components, fasteners, edge details, and related accessories. All components should work together as part of one complete roof assembly.
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Not sure about a specific material or how the process works for your home? Give us a call or send a message. We'll skip the sales pitch and give you the info you need.
