6 Common Roof Issues + How to Fix Them

As Hamilton roofing professionals, we see homeowners in Hamilton, Burlington, & the GTA struggle with a few common issues as their roofs begin to age. Learn how to spot trouble areas with our guide to the most common roof problems you'll likely encounter!

Have you checked your roof lately?

Even professionally installed, high-quality and durable roofs aren't invincible. With time and exposure to harsh elements, you may run into some problems down the road with leaks, broken shingles, and more.

The biggest issue of all? Failing to check your roof's condition every season with a thorough visual inspection.

Left unchecked, a minor issue can turn from a molehill into a mountain, requiring extensive repairs and even premature roof replacement.

With an investment as big as your roof, you can't afford to miss the common roof problems below.

6 Common Roofing Problems and Solutions

#1: Snow and Ice Damage

The harsh Canadian elements can be rough on your home, and your roof takes most of the beating. With the freezing and thawing of snow and ice on your rooftop, the melted water may seep underneath your shingles, leaving moisture hanging around that causes roof condensation problems with mold and mildew buildup.

If that water refreezes with changing temperatures, the ice formed can push up on your shingles and flashing, creating gaps that significantly worsen your roof's structural issues.

Quick Fix: You can't control the weather, but you can keep ice and snow damage under control with a regular roof inspection from professionals.

#2: Roof Leaks

This might be the issue we get called to solve the most, with countless homeowners plagued by a roof leak that's wreaking havoc on their homes. Roof leaks are caused by several factors, including broken shingles, holes, and improper sealing.

Where are the most common roof leaks?

You'll see most anywhere your roof meets another object, like around the chimney, flashing points, gutters, vents, pipes, etc.

Quick Fix: You'll find most roof leak issues by checking your attic, so include the inside of your home under the roof on your seasonal roof maintenance checklist, looking for signs of a leak like water stains and mold.

#3: Clogged Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutter system helps draw water out and away from your roof, preventing sloped and flat roof problems resulting from excess moisture. Though these gutters are designed to catch falling water, they also collect broken twigs, leaves, and all sorts of natural debris that makes its way there.

Unfortunately, when this debris is ignored, it builds up, preventing proper roof drainage and causing numerous issues. Even regularly maintained gutters may be broken or otherwise defective, leading to rot. A relatively new roof is covered in asphalt granules that may fall into the gutters during installation, but older roofs that need their shingles replaced may have a significant buildup of granules in the downspout.

Quick Fix: Check your gutters for debris and clear them at least twice per year, inspecting them for broken and defective parts. Install screens on gutter openings to prevent future clogging, and get your shingles replaced when you start losing a significant amount of granules.

#4: Tree and Critter Damage

Live on a stunning tree-filled lot? Though a source of beauty, fallen trees and branches can cause a massive headache for homeowners as they damage their roof's integrity. Even small branches can cause massive damage if they're rubbing against your roof for an extended time, effectively eroding the top layer of your roof and compromising its protection.

These trees also provide a pretty handy "stepladder" for local wildlife and critters to make their way onto your roof, damaging your roof and causing roof vent problems as they look for a place to make a home.

Quick Fix: Trim your tree branches when they reach close to your roof, and cut down any trees that pose a severe risk of damage. Keep a close eye on local wildlife and inspect your roof regularly, especially if you hear the sounds of paws pitter-pattering on your rooftop. They need to be evicted ASAP to minimize the damage.

#5: Poor Installation

Proper roof installations are a big investment, and we can see why you'd be driven to find the local roofing companies in Hamilton that offer you the lowest price. But with bigger investments, you often pay for what you get.

A roof estimate that's far below the average in your area should be a red flag that the company may not be up to par. Inexperienced and poorly qualified roofing specialists may cost you more as you run into cracks, leaks, and other issues caused by inadequate installation.

Quick Fix: Shop around for roofing estimates and beware of ultra-low pricing. Always ask for references that can vouch for their work before signing a contract with an installer.

#6: Blistering

When your home has poor attic ventilation, your roof is prone to issues with overheating. As your roof overheats, it blisters, creating raised surface areas over gaps in your roof system of trapped air and moisture. Every degree warmer, the blisters grow larger, weakening your roof's adhesion and causing asphalt loss and holes in its surface.

Quick Fix: Though you can't fix roof blistering on your own, a qualified roofing contractor can construct adequate attic ventilation and repair roof damage caused by blistering.

What is the cause of most roofing problems?

The most significant cause of roofing problems is ignoring routine maintenance. If you see some potential trouble spots, call a roofing professional to help you with roof repair in Hamilton and a damage prevention maintenance program.