Common signs of roof damage include missing shingles, water stains on the ceiling, or sagging. Calgary winters and sudden weather shifts can hasten deterioration, so it is essential to have your roof checked regularly.
Failing to address these red flags can result in expensive repairs or, worse, structural problems. At Superior Roofing Ltd., we’re experts in identifying and addressing these issues with Calgary-specific solutions.
Protect your home by recognizing these crucial warning signs.
Your Roof Damage Checklist
A thorough roof damage checklist keeps your property safe from Calgary’s weather. Being mindful of specific areas will help you avoid problems that turn into expensive repairs.
Here’s what to look for:
- Look for Missing or Broken Shingles. Shingles are your roof’s first line of defence. A missing or broken shingle can allow water to seep into your home, particularly after high winds or heavy storms. Inspect the roof for cracked, curling or loose shingles. Moss or algae growing on wet patches could be a sign of shingle damage.
- Inspect Roof Vents and Plumbing Vent Boots. Roof vents, such as plumbing vent boots, are subject to wear. Search for cracks, rot, or tears around the vent edges that can undermine your roof’s integrity. Damaged vent boots can cause leaks, especially when it rains or during snowmelt.
- Inspect Your Gutters. Gutters, too, are an essential part of routing water from your home. Inspect for rust, blockages or absent gutter aprons that may cause water to spill. Overflowing gutters can cause fascia damage and water pooling at the foundation.
- Keep an eye out for Ceiling and wall stains. Ceiling or wall stains may be the early signs of a roof leak. These can form after storms or extended rain, indicating water seepage. Examine the attic for mould, leaks or moisture buildup — these can lead to structural issues if left unchecked.
- Watch for ponding and moisture problems. Flat roofs are prone to ponding. Too much moisture results in mould, mildew and early roof wear. Routine inspections and cleaning can help prevent these issues.
How to Inspect Your Roof
Routine roof inspections in Calgary are essential for maintaining a safe home. Calgary’s freeze-thaw climate, characterized by heavy snowfall and summer hailstorms, can be particularly tough on roofing materials. Checking your roof twice a year—typically during spring and fall—can save you headaches down the road.
1. Start with a Ground-Level Inspection
Begin by inspecting your roof from the ground level. Be on the lookout for dark spots, sagging areas or missing shingles. Blistering or peeling exterior paint around eaves may mean inadequate ventilation and/or leaks.
Binoculars can help you identify cracked, curled, or shredded shingles, as well as rusted nails or missing caulk around flashing. Be mindful of roof vents as well, ensuring they are not clogged or impaired.
2. Inspect Roof Edges, Soffits, and Gutters
With a solid ladder, inspect roof edges, soffits and gutters. Check for clogged drains, sagging sections or leaks — all of which can hinder drainage and damage the roof.
Sweep leaves and debris, and check the fascia and eaves for signs of rot or animal activity. Ensure everything is securely fastened and in good condition.
3. Examine the Attic
Enter your attic and look for frost on nails, or shingles, or wet insulation—all signs of concealed leaks. Mould/mildew growth indicates inadequate ventilation or water intrusion.
We frequently see these problems occur during Calgary’s colder months, with warm air inside colliding with chilly roof surfaces.
4. Schedule a Professional Inspection
For a comprehensive inspection, particularly if the roof is older than 15 years, employ a professional. Experts can climb to inaccessible areas, inspect for missing caulk, corroded flashing or structural weaknesses.
They can also suggest repairs or replacements that may be needed.
Calgary’s Unique Roof Threats
Calgary’s one-of-a-kind roof killers. On top of that, the rapid fluctuations in temperature can take a toll on your roof’s performance — particularly for residents and businesses around these parts.
Heavy Snow Accumulation and Ice Dams
Winter in Calgary isn’t shy with the snow, becoming a massive threat to your rooftop. Untreated snow can result in ice dams along the roof edges. These ice dams form when daytime warmth melts the snow, but freezing nights refreeze the water.
Over time, these ice dams can weigh hundreds of kilograms, causing leaking or sagging roofs. Routine snow removal – especially after heavy storms – is crucial in preventing these problems.
Wind Damage After Storms
Calgary’s high winds, with gusts exceeding 100 km/h, pose a significant risk to roofs. Strong winds can peel and shred shingles, leaving the roof deck vulnerable. After a storm, check for missing or loose shingles and where flashing or sealants may have shifted.
Addressing these weaknesses promptly can prevent water intrusion and extend the lifespan of your roof.
UV Damage from Sunlight Exposure
Extended sunlight, especially in Calgary’s warmer months, can weaken asphalt shingles. Over time, UV rays break down the protective granules on shingles, making them brittle and prone to cracking.
Regular maintenance — such as applying reflective coatings or using UV-resistant materials, like rubber roofing — can help protect against sun wear and improve durability.
The Silent Roof Killers
Not even the toughest roofs are safe from silent killers. Calgary’s weather — hail, snow and temperature changes — creates the perfect environment for silent roof killers to form. Catching these silent roof killers early is crucial for prolonging your roof’s lifespan and preventing costly repairs.
| Silent Roof Killer | Indicators |
| Hail Damage | Granule loss, chalk-like marks on shingles, dents in metal surfaces |
| Clogged Soffit Vents | Poor attic ventilation, moisture buildup, mould or mildew |
| Rusted Flashing | Discolouration, visible rust, water stains around chimneys and penetrations |
| Tiny Holes or Punctures | Small leaks, rotting wood under shingles, and water spots on ceilings |
Inspect for Rusted Chimney Flashing or Broken Seams Around Roof Penetrations
Rusted flashing or loose seams around features such as chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes provide pathways for water intrusion. This, over time, can result in structural damage and mould.
Inspect for rust or discoloration, particularly after torrential rain or snowmelt. Here in Calgary, where freeze-thaw cycles are the norm, moisture can infiltrate, expand, and exacerbate these weak points.
Make sure you replace any damaged flashing immediately.
Check for Clogged Soffit Vents
Soffit vents control the airflow in your attic and keep it from becoming moisture-laden. When debris back clogs these vents, it causes condensation that weakens your roof.
Mould near eaves and peeling paint are telltale signs of blocked soffits. Routine cleaning, particularly in the aftermath of Calgary’s windy seasons, guarantees optimal ventilation and prolongs the life of your roof.
Identify Tiny Holes from Previous Installations
Tiny punctures from old satellite dishes or nails can be easy to miss, but can wreak havoc when ignored. These holes let water in – and cause rot and even damage to insulation.
Patching such gaps with roofing sealant can help keep minor annoyances from becoming major headaches, particularly during Calgary’s wet spring season.
Aging vs. Actual Damage
Aging is a form of wear and tear over time; an incident or neglect usually causes actual damage. The table below highlights key differences:
| Signs of Aging | Signs of Actual Damage |
| Curling, cracking, or brittle shingles | Missing, torn, or punctured shingles |
| Granule loss on shingles | Dents or impact marks from hail |
| Widespread, gradual deterioration | Localized damage from tree branches |
| Roof deck sagging due to structural aging | Sudden leaks caused by ice damming |
For older roofs, such as asphalt shingle roofs over 15-20 years old, there are usually clear signs, including curling edges, cracked areas, or granule loss. These problems are a result of extended exposure to Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles, UV rays and snow loads.
Metal roofs, on the other hand, can last 50 years or more but may exhibit some minor oxidation or surface wear as they age. Things like neoprene collars around pipe jacks are all too happy to age, usually quicker than the shingles.
Structural issues, such as sagging or uneven roof decks, can indicate more significant underlying problems. Although sagging may indicate age-related weakening of the roof structure, it could also be a result of water damage or improper installation.
Calgary’s notorious heavy snowfalls are often to blame, placing older roofs under immense duress. A professional roofing inspection is invaluable in helping to distinguish between normal aging and actual damage.
Inspectors can determine whether problems like shingle brittleness or leaks warrant a complete replacement or spot repairs. Routine care and repairs can extend a roof’s longevity and minimize the potential for costly damage.
Remember, some insurers provide only ACV for roofs 20 years or older, so the proactive care is even more important.
Your Next Steps
Once you recognize the warning signs of roof damage, it’s essential to take a deliberate approach to safeguard your home and mitigate further roof problems. Here’s a checklist for your next steps.
Create a Checklist to Prioritize the Next Steps After Inspecting the Roof
Start by evaluating the severity of the issue. Search for absent or curled shingles, compromised flashing, or any apparent leaks. Check your attic for water stains, wet insulation or mould. Document it all with photos and videos – these records can be key for insurance claims or when you’re talking to your roofer.
If you’re accessing the roof, be safe—use the right equipment and don’t walk on fragile surfaces. For serious damage, it’s best to leave the inspection to a pro lest you become the one at risk.
Contact a Professional Roofer for Comprehensive Roof Inspection and Repair Recommendations
If the damage appears too extensive or beyond what you’re comfortable handling, consider hiring a certified roofer. A professional inspection is key to uncovering those hidden problems, such as structural instability or subtle water damage, that you could overlook.
Calgary’s weather—particularly its heavy snow and hailstorms—can intensify roof vulnerabilities, making professional guidance indispensable. Good roofers will give you repair advice and price estimates to assist you in your planning.
Prioritize Immediate Repairs to Prevent Further Water Damage, Mould Growth, or Costly Structural Issues
Nothing becomes a bigger monster than a problem left unrepaired for too long. For instance, a minor leak may cause water to penetrate your home’s framework, promoting mould and rotting the frame. Tackling these problems early can save you from more expensive repairs down the road.
Living in Calgary, where freeze-thaw cycles are prevalent, delaying roof repairs can exacerbate damage from ice damming or water seepage.
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections to Maintain Your Roof’s Condition and Extend Its Lifespan Effectively
Regular checkups—once each spring and fall, if possible—will keep your roof in top form. Routine upkeep can catch issues, such as loose shingles or clogged gutters, early before they become costly.
This forward thinking is particularly key in Calgary, where Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable.
Conclusion
Spotting roof damage early saves you stress, time and money. Calgary’s weather can be hard on your roof, so being on the lookout for warning signs is crucial. Got it? Whether it’s cracked shingles, sagging spots or leaks creeping in–knowing what to look for helps you stay ahead of bigger problems.
If you’re uncertain about your roof’s status, Superior Roofing is at your service. Our knowledgeable team knows Calgary’s unique roofing challenges and can provide you with candid recommendations and solutions. Contact us today for an inspection or repair, and we’ll keep your roof in top condition.
Want to know what makes Calgarians trust us? Peruse our resume over on our About Us page!