Roof Trouble?
Spot the Key
Warning Signs.

Leaks in Your Home (5/5)

• Description: Active water leaks in your attic, ceilings, or walls. You might see water stains, dripping, or bubbling paint.
• Urgency: Immediate action is crucial to prevent structural damage, mold growth, and damage to your belongings. This could be from a sudden leak, or a long term issue.

Urgency Scale:

• 5/5: Immediate Action Required. The problem poses a significant risk to your home's structure or your safety.
• 3/5: Prompt Action Recommended. The issue needs attention soon to prevent further damage.
• 1/5: Monitor and Plan. The issue should be addressed, but you have time to plan and budget.

Checklist:

Severe Shingle Damage (4/5)

• Description: Widespread shingles that are:
• Curling or buckling: Lifting away from the roof.
• Cracked or broken: Compromised integrity.
• Torn or punctured: From wind, hail, or debris.

Sagging Roof Deck (5/5)

• Description: A visible dip or sag in your roof surface. This is best viewed from the outside, sighting along the roofline.
• Urgency: This indicates structural weakness, potentially from water damage or rot, and requires immediate professional attention.

Missing Shingles (5/5)

• Description: Shingles are completely missing from sections of your roof.
• Urgency: This leaves your roof deck exposed to the elements, leading to rapid water damage. Requires immediate repair or temporary covering, especially before rain or snow.

Granule Loss (2/5 increasing to 4/5)

• Description: A significant amount of shingle granules (the small, protective pebbles) accumulating in your gutters or at the base of downspouts. Some granule loss is normal, especially on a new roof, but a lot is not.
• Urgency: Moderate urgency initially, but as more granules are lost, the shingles degrade faster, and it becomes more urgent.

Damaged Flashing (3/5)

• Description: Flashing is the material (often metal) that seals around roof penetrations like chimneys, vents, and skylights. Look for:
• Cracks or breaks: In the flashing material
• Loose or missing sections: Gaps between the flashing and the roof or penetration.
• Rust or corrosion: On metal flashing
• Urgency: Prompt action is recommended, as damaged flashing is a common source of leaks.

Excessive Moss or Algae Growth (2/5)

• Description: While some is normal, heavy growth can trap moisture and damage shingles, especially in a damp climate like Niagara.
• Urgency: Not an immediate threat, but address it to prevent long-term damage.

Roof Age (3/5)

• Description: Consider the age of your roof.
• Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20-25 years.
• Other materials (metal, tile) have longer lifespans.
• Urgency: Even without visible damage, an aging roof is more susceptible to problems and may need replacement soon.

Attic Inspection (3/5)

• Description: Inspect your attic for:
• Water stains or discoloration on the underside of the roof sheathing.
• Mold or mildew growth.
• Daylight showing through the roof.
• Urgency: These are signs of potential leaks or roof deterioration.