A healthy roof protects everything you love under it. In Toronto, where winters are long and freeze‑thaw cycles are constant, roofs work hard. If shingles are curling, flat roof seams are cracking, or you are getting ice dams near the eaves, it is time to plan a roof replacement that addresses structure, ventilation, waterproofing, and details you will never see but will always feel.

Signs Your Roof Is Ready For Replacement

• Shingles are curling, cupping, or losing granules.
• Leaks or stains around skylights, chimneys, or along exterior walls.
• Soft spots when walking near eaves that suggest deck damage.
• On flat roofs, alligatoring of the membrane, ponding water, or failed seams.
• Recurring ice dams after snowfalls.

Choose The Right Roofing System For Your Home

Pitched Roofs

Architectural asphalt shingles

• Pros: Cost-effective, quick install, good curb appeal.
• Consider: Choose premium lines with high wind ratings and algae resistance. Use starter strips, proper nails, and a full ridge cap system.

Standing seam metal

• Pros: Long lifespan, sheds snow well, modern look, and recyclable.
• Consider: Higher upfront cost, needs experienced installers, plan snow guards over entries.

Cedar and synthetic shakes

• Pros: Warm character on heritage homes.
• Consider: Maintenance and cost. Many homeowners now choose synthetic for fire and longevity benefits.

Flat and Low Slope Roofs

Modified bitumen (torch‑applied or self‑adhered)

• Durable multi‑ply system that handles foot traffic well. Good choice for small urban roofs.

TPO and PVC single ply

• Light color reflects heat and can lower summer attic temps. Heat-welded seams are strong. Great for larger flats and condo terraces.

EPDM rubber

• Proven track record and flexible in cold environments. Black surface warms in winter but can increase summer heat without insulation.

We match the membrane to the deck condition, sun exposure, and whether the area will be walked on.

The Details That Keep Water Out

• Ice and water shield from the eaves to at least 600 mm (about 24 inches) past the warm wall line on pitched roofs. Add at valleys, around skylights, and along sidewalls.
• Sealed roof deck with correct thickness sheathing and tight nailing patterns. Replace soft or delaminated plywood.
• Step flashing at walls and chimneys with counter flashing that tucks into masonry.
• Proper drip edge at eaves and rakes so water clears the fascia and enters gutters.
• Flat roof drains and scuppers cleared and sized for heavy rains. Slope the deck at 1/4 inch per foot toward outlets.

Ventilation And Insulation Work Together

Good ventilation reduces attic moisture and helps prevent ice dams.

• Pair soffit intake with ridge exhaust for pitched roofs. If a ridge is not possible, use roof louvers placed high.
• Keep baffles open at every rafter bay so insulation does not block airflow.
• On flat roofs, consider vented parapet vents or a vented cold roof build if condensation has been an issue.
• Upgrade attic insulation and air sealing at the same time. See our Attic Insulation & Air Sealing Guide 2025.

Skylights, Sun Tunnels, And Add‑Ons

• Replace aging skylights during roof work to avoid re‑flashing later. Choose low‑E glass with laminated panes for sound and safety.
• Sun tunnels bring daylight to dark hallways without framing big openings.
• Plan for PV solar conduits or future heat pump line sets while the roof is open.

Gutters, Downspouts, And Ground Drainage

• Size eavestroughs and downspouts for intense summer storms.
• Add leaf guards where trees drop debris.
• Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from foundations or to splash pads and drains to protect basements.

Scheduling, Permits, And Neighbors

• Roofs can be done from spring through fall. We avoid tear-offs in rain forecasts and secure tarps nightly.
• Many replacements do not require a building permit when the structure is unchanged. Structural repairs, skylight reframing, or new dormers may require permits.
• In semis and rows, we coordinate access, debris control, and safety with neighbors.

Price Planning Good, Better, Best

Good
Architectural asphalt shingles, ice and water at eaves and valleys, synthetic underlayment, new flashings, and gutter tune-up.

Better
Premium shingles or hybrid metal accents, full perimeter ice and water shield where needed, new plywood at soft areas, ridge vent system, and upgraded gutters and downspouts.

Best
Standing seam metal or high-end composite shingles, complete ventilation redesign, new skylights with laminated low‑E glass, flat roof membrane replacement on extensions, and solar conduit rough-in.

Our Process At JG Contracting

1. Assessment of roof type, deck condition, ventilation, and water paths.
2. Selections for shingles or membrane, flashings, and skylight options.
3. Protection and tear off with tarps, clean chutes, and daily dry‑in.
4. Install with correct fasteners, sealed seams, and manufacturer-approved details.
5. Wrap up with site clean, magnet sweep for nails, and a photo package of hidden layers.

Related reading on our blog

• Attic Insulation & Air Sealing 2025
• Windows That Work in Toronto 2025
• Deck & Patio Renovations 2025
• Bathroom Ventilation Guide 2025

Ready For A Roof That Lasts?

From bungalows to three-storey semis and rowhouses, we deliver roofs that stand up to Toronto weather and look great from the street.

Ready to transform your home? Contact us today to book a consultation.

📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632

✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com

🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com