Leaking Roof Nightmare

Leaking-Roof-in-the-RainA leaking roof can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. This is because of the high costs and massive inconveniences associated with having to repair the roof and any associated interior water damage.  Roof inspections are part of any home inspection and you will receive the approximate age of the roof shingles and general overall condition of shingles. Here are some tips on how to spot potential problems with your roof as well as information on what can cause roof damage and what kind of repairs maybe required.

The top five roof-related Issues

Shingle Condition

Discolored, missing or curling shingles on the roof: Spotting these on your roof is normally straightforward with the use of binoculars and perhaps even without them if the problem is quite pronounced. Any potential water penetration of shinlges can lead to water damage to your roofs sheathing.  Eventually if left unchecked the water will eventually find its way into your home.

 Roofs Gutters

Clogged or Damaged Gutters can lead to water damaging fascia or running under your soffit area.  Water damage can cause mould, mildew and wood rot.  Water spilling out of your gutter can also cause water to pool around your foundation which could lead to moisture issues in the basement.

Damaged Flashings

Damaged flashing. Flashing which protect your roof around the pipes, vents, valleys, plumbing stacks and chimneys, when damaged can cause water leaks. You can tell flashing is damaged if looks loose or is ripped.  Sometimes when a roof shingles are replaced the roofer will only bend the flashing temporarly and then reuse the flashing to maintain that important water tight seal.  Ensure when your shingles are replaced that new flashings will be installed.

Soffit damage

Soffits are the boards that go over the end of roof rafters. Sometimes birds and insects set up their own home there, causing damage. Rotting, cracks and holes are a giveaway to this problem.  Even aluminum soffits can be damaged by raccoons trying to access your attic.

 Rotting Fascia

A rotting fascia. The board that stretches along the front of your roof can start to rot due to moisture. A rotting fascia is easily spotted as the fascia often starts to disintegrate, break off or become discolored.  Clogged or bent roofing gutter can allow water to cause mould, mildew or wood rot to fascias.

Typical Types of Roof Coverings 

Asphalt composition shingles:  These are cheap and easily obtainable, but they are less attractive than other options due to their flat appearance. This is by far the most popular type of roofing material.

Wood shakes or shingles: These are pricey but attractive shingles. They have great durability but aren’t a good choice in regions where there is a fire danger.

Metal Roofing: Metal roofs made of steel or aluminum have become more popular in recent years, due in part to their durability and because they are fireproof. These are expensive roofs that require specialty contractors for installation, but they may be cost-effective over the long run due to their long life. Several types of metal roofing systems are available, including raised-seam panels and products that mimic the look of composite shingles.

Slate roofing: This is a highly attractive, high-end roofing option, but it is expensive and very heavy. Slate roofs are extremely slippery to walk on and difficult to repair when damaged.

Composition slate: These synthetic tiles made from 95 percent recycled materials, including rubber, are gaining in popularity. They closely resemble slate and other forms of stone tile but are much lighter and less susceptible to damage.

Clay or ceramic tile: Long the most predominant image in Southern California and Florida, the so-called Spanish-style red tile roof is still common but is being gradually replaced by metal and composite materials that mimic the Spanish tile look. Other roofing materials are now available which meet ceramic tile’s fire retardant ability, with much less weight put on the roof. This type of shingle is called the half-barrel because it is essentially a cylinder cut in half length-wise, roughly 16 inches long.

All roofing systems rely on an overlap to shed water and resist wind uplift. Fiberglass based shingles are nailed to each other and to the roof deck. Additional weatherproof insurance is provided by strips of factory-applied adhesive. The adhesive is heat-sensitive, which makes the shingles self sealing.  Most fiberglass shingles will have an approximate live span of 15 years.  Typcially the south facing roofs shingles will be the first to fail, which is due to exposure to the sun which breaks down the shingles UV protection.

When buying a Home a lot of people really don’t understand the different types of Home Inspections.  Every Home Inspector has different prices and offer different services as part of the home inspection.  The Barrie Home Inspector offers Free Thermal Imaging with every Home Inspection.  For example some Home Inspectors do not include Landscape Inspections as part of their services.  Structural inspections of visible components are inspected and any concerns would be referred to a Structural Engineer.  No Home Inspectors in Ontario are licenced.

Plumbing Inspections include checking fixtures, drains and venting that is readily visible to the Home Inspector.  Types of plumbing are identified with galvanized pipes, lead pipes or Kitec Pex Plumbing being identified with a comment on the issues involved with these types of pipe.

Air Conditoner Basic Items

Basement Cracks and Foundation Leaks