As winter draws in, the importance of maintaining your roof so it’s in great condition becomes increasingly obvious.
As every Canadian homeowner knows, our properties are under constant threat from the elements at this time of year. So, it’s imperative to be proactive with your maintenance to ensure small issues don’t turn into expensive problems.
The roof is the first and most crucial line of defence, and if it fails the damage can be extensive.
If you’re in the market to buy right now, you should be paying close attention to the quality of roofing at every home you visit.
As you evaluate a property – whether you’re buying, or simply maintaining your existing home – you need to be able to recognise the signs for potential trouble.
Here are eight of the most common areas of roof failure that every owner and buyer should know about:
Weakest links – Vents, pipes and skylights are all vulnerabilities and the most common areas for leaks to occur. Always start your inspection uphill of any interior water stain. Look closely at the seals and bases of all roof penetrations.
Flashing failure – Plastic or metal flashing around your roof vents can crack, the seams break and the securing nails work loose. Look for cracked plastic housings or separated metal seams. The short-term solution is to apply caulk, but you may need to replace the flashing quickly to avoid water damage.
Shingle curling – Wear and tear, high winds and improper installation can cause shingles to curl, crack or blow off. Pay attention to the edges of the roof to see if this is a potential risk.
Chimney flashing – The seal where the chimney meets the roof requires layers of metal. It’s called step-flashing or counter-flashing. If it’s not done properly, or someone used tar that cracks over time, you’re going to get leaks eventually.
Chimney cricket – A chimney can act like a dam, allowing leaf debris to pile up behind it. This creates a perpetually moist area that rusts the metal flashing. The solution is called a chimney cricket, which is a small saddle that prevents the problem.
Gutter apron – When water runs off the roof edge, some of it clings to the underside of the shingles and wicks back towards the fascia board. Without a metal gutter apron, the water will get behind the gutter and cause the fascia to rot.
Hail damage – Hail will weaken the protective granules on asphalt shingle roofs. These granules are used to protect the roof from cracking under the sun’s UV rays. If the roofing has dark spots, this is a likely problem. If you don’t fix it, the roof will need to be replaced eventually.
Condensation drip – Some people call this the “shiner”, and it’s a tricky problem. In the winter cold, moisture from inside the house can escape into the attic and condense on the cold head of a nail, known as a “shiner” This moisture then drips, mimicking a small leak. The solution is to find the problem nail and hammer it flush to the wood.