Discussions

My neighbour is an elderly lady who owns a 40-year-old home in Toronto. She recently mentioned hearing strange dripping sounds in the attic at night. She lives alone, so she asked me to check it out. I couldn’t see obvious ceiling damage, but outside I noticed a section of shingles curling upward. I’m guessing it’s age-related wear and tear, but I’m not an expert.

Does anyone here know how long shingles typically last in Toronto’s climate? Could this be a sign the whole roof is nearing its end? Or can isolated repairs extend its life for a few more years?

I’m trying to help her find a trustworthy roof repair toronto company because she’s on a fixed income and doesn’t want to be pressured into an unnecessary replacement. A friend of mine suggested The Roof Technician, saying they have a reputation for being patient and honest with elderly homeowners. If anyone has hired them for older homes, how was the experience? Do they offer fair pricing? Do they explain options clearly?

I’m also wondering whether older roofs are harder to repair. Do contractors usually recommend replacing the whole thing if it's past 25+ years? Is that always necessary, or does it depend on the specific damage?

She doesn’t want leaks to develop over winter, but she also doesn’t want to spend money she doesn’t have. What would you recommend for an elderly homeowner in this situation? Should we call The Roof Technician for an inspection and take it from there?