This blog was originally published on February 7, 2017 but was updated in April of 2020.
The top of your roof isn’t exactly the most visible part of your home, which is why it can be easy to forget about. Unfortunately, this often allows major problems to go unnoticed until it’s too late for effective repairs – resulting in a dreaded and costly roof replacement. By regularly inspecting your roof, you’ll be able to recognize the signs that it’s time to contact a trusted local roofing contractor for roof repairs and fix problems before they escalate.
How to check your roof for damage
At A. Clark Roofing and Siding LP, one of the most experienced roofing companies in Edmonton and Calgary, we encourage homeowners to perform a basic roof check, especially after changes in weather and seasons. This doesn’t mean getting on your roof yourself – in fact, most professionals would discourage you from doing this as it can cause serious accidents or injury, or damage to your roof. To perform a roof check yourself, simply check the following:
- Walk around the perimeter of your home, keeping an eye roof edges, shingles, and anything visible
- Check drainage systems that you can see, including gutters and roof edges to check proper draining. You’ll notice if it appears frozen or clogged.
- From inside your home, take a look at exterior walls, especially near the roofline, and inside your attic (if possible)
Most common roofing concerns
How do you know what to look for? The professionals at A. Clark Roofing & Siding have been fixing and replacing roofing systems in Calgary and Edmonton for more than 70 years, and these are the most common roofing concerns in Alberta. If you notice any of the following concerns, it’s best to seek out a contactless quote to determine the seriousness of the issue and ensure your home is protected.
Roof leaks
A roof leak is the number one sign that you need emergency roof repair. If you find signs of water damage and trace the leak back up to your roof, then you shouldn’t wait for it to get worse. Water can cause extensive structural damage and encourage the growth of mold and rot, compromising the health and safety of your home.
A common roofing issue leading to roof leaks in Calgary and Edmonton is ice dams, occurring when a blockage of ice on the edge of a roof prevents meltwater from draining away. The water then backs up and can end up causing roof leaks that require professional roof repair. Keep an eye out for large amounts of snow piling up on your roof edges, as if you have ice forming on the ridge of your roof, this is preventing melting snow from draining off, which can lead to even larger pile-ups of snow.
Damaged or missing shingles
Another common sign that it’s time to call Edmonton and Sherwood Park roofing contractors is if you notice that any of your roof shingles are damaged, cracked, curled, or completely missing. Damaged or missing shingles increase your chances for a roof leak and need to be fixed immediately. Aside from a visual roof inspection, another way to tell that your shingles need attention is if you find a lot of small shingle granules in your gutters.
Impact damage
Always perform a visual inspection of your roof after a storm, especially if you have tall trees nearby. Strong winds can snap large branches and send them hurtling to your roof, resulting in damage to shingles and punctures to the roofing layers underneath. Roofing companies are always busy after wind, snow, hail, and thunderstorms.
Moss, mold, fungi, or algae growth
Any sort of growth on your roof is a sign that your roof is harbouring enough moisture to sustain these organisms. Additionally, moss, algae, and fungi growth can contribute to the deterioration of shingles and to the rotting away of the roofing materials underneath. Getting to the source of the roof problem as quickly as possible is a must.
Damage around roof protrusions
Finally, make sure you contact your local Edmonton or Calgary roofers for emergency repairs if you notice any damage around roof protrusions such as pipes, vents, chimneys, and skylights. A roof that is experiencing problems and beginning to deteriorate will first begin to show signs of wear and tear around these and other protrusions.
Who do I call for emergency roof repair services in Edmonton or Calgary?
For trusted Edmonton, Calgary, and surrounding areas (Sherwood Park, Stony Plain, St. Albert, Airdrie, and Cochrane) roofing contractors who will get the job done right, look no further than A. Clark Roofing and Siding LP. We provide roof maintenance and roof repair to help homeowners keep their roof in tip-top shape, and we have 70 years of experience to back up our work. If you notice any of the signs above, then don’t hesitate to contact A. Clark Roofing and Siding LP for emergency roof repair or contactless inspection in Edmonton or Calgary today.