EDMONTON ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Residential and Commercial Roofing Services to Protect Your Building

Damaged roofs can allow water into a building, causing a lot more damage over time. It’s best to keep an eye on the roof to spot any potential damage so it can be repaired before it gets a lot worse. Whether it’s a commercial building or home, understanding the signs of damage, how to tell if a replacement is needed, and who to call for help is crucial. Always speak with a professional at the first sign of damage to help prevent water intrusion and significant damage to the whole structure.

Signs of Damage to a Roof Inside the Building

Inside the building, it may be possible to spot signs of damage to the roof. If there is water getting inside and damaging the ceiling or walls, the roof has already suffered damage and will need to be repaired or replaced. In homes or buildings with attics, it’s best to inspect the attic regularly to look for any signs that water is getting into the building through the roof. When there is no attic, inspect the ceiling regularly for any signs that water is entering the building.
Another sign of damage is sagging decking or rafters in the attic. The wood used for these should not sag, but can if they become damaged and softened by water or if there is too much weight on them. Excess weight that causes them to sag could be because of water or snow pooling on the roof. If the decking or rafters are sagging, a call to a professional right away is crucial.
When checking the attic or roofing, look for any light that’s entering the building through the roof. There should not be any visible light entering. If there is, it could be a sign of missing shingles or other damage to the roof. This is commonly seen with rotting of the roof due to water or because of a puncture, such as from debris in a storm or hail. The areas where light is able to enter are going to allow water in the roof, which could lead to further damage.

Signs of Damage to a Roof Outside the Building

Outside the building, it may be possible to see many different signs that there is damage to a roof. Knowing what the signs are can help building owners know when to call a pro for help, but it is important to do inspections safely and carefully. For flat roofs, if there is access to the roof, it may be necessary to go on the roof to look for signs of damage. For sloped roofs, it’s best to look for the following signs from the ground.

Damage to Shingles – If the shingles are curled or cracked, they’re nearing the end of their lifespan and will need to be replaced. If they are absent, it could be a sign of age or an indication of further damage. If there are many shingles that are damaged or missing, it may be better to consider a full replacement.
Shingles Missing Granules – If the shingles are missing large amounts of granules or the granules can be spotted in gutters or on the ground around the edge of the roof, the shingles are too old and will need to be replaced.
Shingles that are Dark or Wet – Shingles that are dark or wet when it hasn’t recently rained are a sign that water is getting trapped under the shingles. This causes significant damage to the shingles and can be a sign of hidden damage under the shingles even before the water starts coming through the roof.
Damage or Wear Around Items on the Roof – It may be possible to spot damage to the flashing or around any objects on the roof like chimneys, vents, or pipes. Any damage to these opening or the flashing can allow water to get through the roof and cause further issues. If these issues are spotted and fixed quickly, it could prevent further damage.

Common Repairs Needed for Roofs

A roof is made up of various components that may need to be repaired at some point. The extent of the repair will depend on what is wrong and how much is needed to repair the roof. Some of the most common repairs for a roof will include the following.

Replace Shingles – Shingles damaged by debris or hail may just need to be replaced, especially on a newer roof. When the roof is not reaching its end of life and shingles are damaged, the damaged shingles can be replaced with new ones.
Replace Flashing – If the flashing is showing signs of wear or it has started to leak, it can be replaced. If water is leaking in where the flashing is located, then replacing it may be the best option to prevent further damage to the roof.
Replace Rafters – If the roof was significantly damaged in one part because of a tree falling on the roof, wind damage, or other serious issues, it might be possible to replace the rafters and the roof on top of the rafters instead of replacing the entire roof. This may also be possible if there was water damage that caused sagging rafters, but it was limited to one section of the roof.
Correct Water Run-Off – Roofs are designed for the water to run off and go to the gutter system or onto the ground, as standing water can cause mold as well as significant damage to the roof. If water tends to pool on a roof after the rain, especially a flat roof, repairs may be needed to fill or fix low spots, so the water runs off correctly.
Replace Objects on Roof – Damaged chimneys, vents, pipes, and other objects on the roof may need to be repaired or replaced if they start to leak. This includes skylights or anything that may be affixed to the roof.

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