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The roof of your house is one of the most significant structures in it. It protects you against excessive amounts of rain, snow, ice and wind, particularly in unreliable weather in Canada. It should be good, just as any other section of your house. A timely roof Inspection can save you from expensive repairs and prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches.
Not certain when to give an inspection a try? In this guide, we will go over the 8 signs that are good indicators that you simply must call in a roofing professional. Whether it is apparent damages or inconspicuous red flags, know everything that homeowners need to know to maintain their roof.
Your roof silently shields your home from harsh weather, but over time, wear and damage can creep in unnoticed. A timely roof inspection can help spot problems early, saving you from costly repairs down the line. Here are eight signs it’s time to call a professional.
One of the most obvious indicators that you need a roof Inspection is damaged or missing shingles. Shingles may crack, curve, blister, or even fly off because of hard weather conditions. Shingles are always struggling in Canada with heat waves of the summer, through the ice storms and freezing winters.
What to look for:
Once shingles are compromised, water can run underneath them with resultant water damage, wood rot, and even possible structural damage. A roofing contractor can determine whether action extends to repair or a re-roofing is necessary.
Why is that important?
Ice dams during the Canadian winters are known to aggravate any damaged shingles. In case you observe wear and tear, take some action before the cold season approaches.
Water marks on your ceilings or walls are a louder alarm call that something has gone wrong upstairs. Insulation sustenance and a collapse in the structure are possible even with minor leakages, which give rise to mould growth and a breakdown in insulation.
Common leakage causes are:
Canadian climate factor:
Under heavy snow areas, when the melted snows refreeze along the edges of the roof, it forms ice dams. This water that gets trapped is forced into your house via the minute cracks in the roofing.
If you spot water marks, damp patches, or peeling paint inside your home, schedule a Roof Inspection immediately. Some thousands of dollars could be saved on repairs because of early detection.
You must have a straight and sound roofline. When there are sagging and dips, it can be a sign of structural problems.
Common causes of sagging roofs:
Why is this urgent?
A sagging roof may collapse in case the issue is acute. Snow and ice add extra pressure to the already weak parts in the snowy provinces of Canada.
A roofing contractor will be able to know whether it is necessary that you get reinforcement, repair or replacement.
However beautiful, a green roof can be devastating when it comes to moss, algae, and fungus. Moss keeps light and moisture on the material that covers the roof, which enhances decay and shortens the lifespan of the roof.
What you are apt to see:
Canadian conditions:
Moss growth can be very rapid in wetter terrain such as coastal environs, like in British Columbia. On the same note, a roof covered with shade in snowy areas could have wet conditions over extended durations, favourable to moss.
If you notice plant growth, a roof inspection can confirm whether it’s just a surface problem or a deeper issue affecting the roof’s integrity.
Gutters have a close relationship with the health of roofs. Water can also back up and cause damage to the sides of your roof when the pipes through which it travels clog up with leaves, granules or even ice.
Red flags of issues with gutters:
Why it matters in Canada:
Frozen rain and snow may also make the gutters expand and contract, which may result in cracking or even loss of attachment to the fascia. Autumn leaf blockages, too, are common, particularly in wooded neighbourhoods.
During a Roof Inspection, roofers often check gutters for signs of damage, as they can indicate roof deterioration.
Broken roofs can influence your house in terms of energy efficiency. Sudden changes in interior temperatures, such as the rise in heating and cooling bills, could indicate a lack of either insulation or ventilation in the attic.
Possible causes:
Canadian Factor:
Lack of insulation on the roof can lead to the escape of heat in colder provinces, thus forcing your furnace to work overtime during winter. On the other hand, summer can make your home uncommonly hot through a hot attic, resulting in more expensive air conditioning.
A roof inspection can reveal whether insulation upgrades or ventilation improvements are needed.
The weather in Canada is very erratic, where storms, strong winds and hail may break even newly installed roofs.
Occasions that ensure a roof check:
Why you shouldn’t wait:
Storm damage might not be obviously seen. Even a few broken shingles or lifted shingles may be letting moisture in over time, which may cause larger issues later.
Roofers recommend scheduling a roof inspection after any significant weather event to catch hidden damage early.
No matter how well cared though, a roof has a life. Asphalt roofs last approximately 15-25 years, and metal, tile, or slate can last many more years, assuming they are taken care of.
Symbols to indicate your roof is old:
Canadian lifespan consideration:
Severe winters and low temperature changes might reduce the lifespan of a roof. Assuming that your roof is due for a major job when it comes to its replacement, an inspection can help you to be ahead of yourself in order to minimise big problems.
Although these 8 signs are definite red flags, so is frequent preventative maintenance.
According to the recommendations of Canadian roofing specialists, the following should be used:
Inspections maintain the longevity of your roof and lower your energy costs, and prevent last-minute emergency roof repair costs.
Spring
Check against winter storm and ice dam damage. To ready gutter work, clear downspouts and gutters, get rid of falling garbage in roof valleys and edges before spring rains come.
Summer
Look out for any heat signs, e.g. the shingles will be warped or brittle. Trim back trees to prevent damage from falling branches, and schedule a roof inspection before autumn weather arrives.
Autumn
Remove the fallen leaves from the roofs and even the gutters. Check out flashing and seals before it freezes in winter, and make sure that attic air ventilation is sufficient to stop the buildup of ice dams.
Winter
The roof rake should be used to clear heavy snow loading safely. Monitor ice dams at the edges of the roofs and check your attic to see whether leaks or drafts exist; these may act as sources of water damage.
Walking on the Roof Unnecessarily
Never get on the roof of your house unless essential; walking on shingles can dislodge them, and the roof can easily be damaged.
Using High-Pressure Washing
Avoid the use of power wash on shingles because it may degrade protective granules and cut the life span.
Ignoring Minor Issues
Then there are small cracks or leaks which can easily deteriorate due to the rough Canadian climate; hence, take care of them as soon as possible.
Attempting DIY Patching Without Proper Tools
Dodge warranties and come out in a worse position by making poor repairs; leave complicated repairs to the pros.
Average Cost
A roof inspection in Canada typically costs between $150 and $400, depending on the size, height, and accessibility of the roof.
Key Benefits
Roofers can identify leaks before they destroy the interior of your home, extend roofing material life, create energy conservation by filtering out heat and save you money on winter emergency repairs. Roof replacement can cost up to $1,500 to $7,000; keeping this in mind, an inspection is a small investment and is a worthy one.
Inspect all areas of the roof
A good roofing contractor will examine shingles, flashing, vents, skylights and chimneys. They will also inspect attic areas regarding insulation and good ventilation, and whether they are moist. The gutters and downspouts will be checked to ensure there are no blockages or damages, and the inspector will ensure there are no temptations of ice dam formation or structural defects.
Final Report
Once the roof inspection is complete, most professionals will provide a written report summarising their findings. This typically consists of photos of the problem areas without a lot of discussion of the origin, with suggestions on repair or maintenance. The overall condition of the roof is also mentioned in many reports, and this may be handy when it comes to insurance or further planning. The inspection and report take anywhere between one and two hours, depending on the size and complexity of the roof.
Check Credentials
Make sure that you always verify that the contractor is licensed in your province and has proper insurance coverage. This saves you, in case property damage or injury occurs during the job, since it releases you from such liability.
Look for Local Experience
Assuming your area has conditions unique to that area, e.g. a lot of snow, or rain along the coast, or a big variance in temperatures, a roofer who is aware of these conditions is better able to tell you which of the standard materials and procedures works best in your particular climate.
Check References and Reviews
Request some customer references who are recent and find internet reviews that rank reliability, communication and quality of workmanship.
Obtain Written Quotes
Ask them to provide written quotations of all materials used, labour, schedules and cost involved. This aids in the avoidance of non-foreseen expenses, and it is transparent.
Your roof is the first line of defence of your home against the tough weather conditions in Canada. By paying attention to these 8 signs you need a roof inspection, you can protect your property, avoid costly damage, and ensure your home remains safe and comfortable year-round. Be it broken shingles, infiltration or moss production, an early intervention is the key. A professional roof inspection not only identifies problems but also gives you peace of mind knowing your roof is in good hands.
