Your roof is the first line of defense to keep water out of your Calgary home and should be treated as an important part of your exterior system. A roof leak can be caused by several factors including:
- the age of your roof
- the way it was installed
- how your home is venting, and
- the lack of maintenance– all of which can be addressed and avoided.
If you suspect your Calgary home has a leaky roof, or is due for a replacement, don’t wait, book a free inspection today.
AGE OF YOUR ROOF
An aging roof is the most common reason it will spring a leak, so we put it at the top of the list. A new roof is not usually considered an exciting purchase, so many people will try to extend the life of it as long as possible, even when they can see obvious signs of wear.
Although roofing materials are being manufactured to last longer than ever, the weather takes a toll on them every single day. If you can see that your shingles have lost their granules, are missing pieces, have cracks, or are curling, the time has come to schedule an inspection.
There are many parts of your roof system that are not visible from the ground, and it is important to have it inspected yearly to ensure it is not at risk of leaking and causing damage to the inside of your home.
INSTALLATION
If not installed correctly the first time, your roof could cause years of headaches down the road. Given that some shingle manufacturers include “how-to” instructions on their packages it might seem like a straightforward job, but it isn’t. There are many things to consider such as, underlayment, rotten plywood, shingle exposure, flashing, valleys, etc.
Ensure you get the best job the first time so you can have the peace of mind of knowing your home is protected. Do you research to find a reputable company that provides you with a detailed quote and takes the time to answer any questions you have. The cheapest roof replacement quote may seem appealing, but this almost always a “get what you pay for” industry with companies opening and closing on a yearly basis.
VENTILATION
Ventilation is an important part of your roof system and proper ventilation can help extend the life of your roof. The best time to address ventilation is during a roof replacement because it is easiest to add ventilation, check that vents are properly connected, assess the health of the wood that supports the shingles, and have the attic inspected.
A house that isn’t venting properly can have several issues including attic rain and ice damming, which are common complaints from homeowners in Calgary and surrounding areas. Another cause of excess condensation/moisture in the home is when the vents
MAINTENANCE
Your roof should be part of your homes yearly maintenance schedule and should be tuned-up regularly to avoid an unexpected leak.
Maintenance should include:
- Resealing valleys, pipes, vents, skylights and flashings
- Replacing any damaged or missing shingles
- Caulking any exposed nails/screws, and
- Assess the overall health of the roof
- Trim low hanging branches
- Clean gutters and downspouts and ensure water is flowing freely
