5 Common Roof Issues and How to Avoid Them

The roof of your property is one of the most important things to keep at its best. Roof-related issues can be quite expensive and could also displace your tenants for some time while the fixes are being done.

Therefore it is important to keep an eye on your roof to make sure you catch any small issues before they become major headaches. In this blog we will be going over common issues you may face with your roof, and how to clear them up quickly before they snowball into a major problem.

Leaks

Leaks are the most common problem people run into with their roofs. Whether it is from general wear and tear or if your roof has been damaged, roof leaks are something that every property manager will have to deal with at one point or another. 

The key to making roof leaks a breeze is catching them early before too much damage can be done. Every so often make sure to check the upper levels of your property for any signs of water damage, if your property has an attic, make sure to check up there as well for any signs that water is making its way in. 

If you or a tenant find evidence of a leak in the roof, make sure to fix it or contact a professional immediately before the leak turns into big and expensive problem. 

Flashing Failure

Anything other than shingles on your roof such as chimneys, vents, and satellite dishes need to have flashing at the bottom of them to prevent leaks. Flashing is a metal strip that connects the object on the roof to the roof itself and can become damaged over time, causing them to let water in. 

It is important to inspect the flashing on the roof of your property from time to time to make sure it is still working correctly. If you see any pieces that look like they are on their last leg, replace them before they begin to leak and cost you money. 

Faulty Eavestroughs

Eavestroughs are meant to drain the water that comes off your roof and into the gutters to the ground. However, there are many things that can stop eavestroughs from working properly, which can then lead to a variety of issues. 

Things like branches, bird nests, and debris can all clog your eavestroughs and cause the water to spill over the side. This water can then stain the side of your property, or cause more serious water damage. 

The best way to make sure your gutters don't get clogged is to install a mesh or guard to stop things from entering your eavestrough. This will help keep out the bulk of the debris that is clogging your gutters and will also stop animals like birds from making your eavestrough their home. 

Although these meshes or guards work great, it is still important to check on things every so often to make sure they are still in good condition and getting the job done. 

Poor Ventilation 

If your property has an attic, try going up there and getting a gauge for the temperature. If it feels like a sauna in the summer and a freezer in the winter, you may have a ventilation problem. Your roof needs to breathe, and if it has improper ventilation it can decay leaving you with a massive problem on your hands. 

The moist air caused by a roof that is not ventilated properly can lead to rot developing and your roof sagging. If your roof is beginning to rot and sag, it needs to be completely replaced.

Not having the proper ventilation can also lead to things like mold growth which can be dangerous for your tenants to breathe in. To avoid this from happening, make sure you have proper ventilation for your roof, and bring in a roofing professional or general contractor to inspect your roof and make sure everything looks good. 

Holes

Holes can form in your roof due to a number of reasons. Falling branches, weather, and animals can all cause punctures in your roof. When your roof gets a hole in it, it allows water and other things to pass through, which can cause extensive damage to your property. 

Luckily, the leaks holes create tend to be easily noticeable. However, this is not always the case, which is why it is important to always inspect your property's roof for holes after any major weather events, as well as every so often just to make sure everything is ok. 

If you find a hole in your roof, contact a professional to come out and assess the damage, they will have extensive knowledge of what needs to be done to fix the issue so that you can have the peace of mind that your roof is operating at the highest level it can. 

Featured Vendors

The Raymond Group (TRG) is a conglomerate of companies specializing in residential and commercial roofing as well as exterior veneers and currently employs more than 300 skilled workers. TRG is made up of three main divisions: Raymond Roofing and Associates, Raymond Exterior Veneers and Raymond General Contractors and Associates. With more than 40 years of experience, the Raymond Group, its employees and leaders have built a solid reputation for excellence in customer service, business practices and quality workmanship.

Founded in 1928, Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. is Canada's premier provider of the complete range of commercial roofing and sheet metal services from Coast to Coast. With 14 full-service regional branches and a workforce of over 800 dedicated roofing professionals across the country, we provide our customers with prompt service, expert workmanship, and detailed communications to ensure the very best experience in the roofing business.

A+ Roofing Canada is specialized in shingle, metal & flat roofing; eavestrough, soffit, fascia, & siding, etc.With our 20+ years of experiences, A+ Roofing Canada is glad to provide our valued customers with the best solutions at reasonable costs.

Langley Roofing has been in business since 1959 and are members of RCABC, CRCA, ICBA and is COR Certified.

Chouinard Bros. is a member of both the Residential Roofing Contractors’ Association and the Greater Toronto Home Builders’ Association.Today Chouinard Bros. is one of the largest residential roofing contractors in the GTA. The company's success and growth are attributed to its values and principles, which have remained the same since the company started over 40 years ago.“Treat every customer –large or small –with respect and honesty and provide them with good quality work and service. ”We offer a broad range of roofing options to accommodate any building design. Whether you need a flat roof or have a sloped roof, Chouinard Bros. can provide you with a wide range of options, including shingles, cedar or composite slate.With countless hours of experience, our crews have seen it all. They understand what is required when working on a roof and, more importantly, how to work safely throughout the year.