Roofing Defects – Pictures from Home Inspections in Barrie

Roofing Defects can be caused by poor workmanship or natural causes such as storms.  Many times while inspecting a home I find signs of poor workmanship which may be the seller trying to save money or just using a poor roofer.   Re-used flashings not only look ugly but will often be a point of water entry into the home.  Also the caulking maybe damaged when reusing old metal flashings, another way for water to enter.  A typical shingled roof in Ontario will last approximately 15 years.  Many home owners claim to have had 25 year shingles installed, but I have never personally observed any shingles lasting this long and I have inspected over 8,000 homes.

Roofing Defects – We recommend that homeowners have their roof inspected on a regular basis. It’s like going to your doctor for your annual check-up. You may find problems and prevent them from becoming more serious.

The older your roof, the more vulnerable it becomes. Even if your roof and its shingles appear to look fine, a careful inspection may reveal less obvious damage, so don’t let a superficial appearance lull you into a false sense of security.

Some roofing contractors offer a very basic roof inspection service that consists of checking the roof’s exterior and components such as metal flashings; however, a more thorough inspection can help identify areas of potential concern and alert the homeowner to problems that possibly might lead to further, and more costly, damage. Barrie Home Inspections will climb your homes roof when it is safe to do so.  ( Note: We do not climb metal roofs )  Recommend you have who ever installed that particular type of roof inspect it for you.

The roof inspection checklist below is just a General Guideline and some Contractor may offer more and some less:

Roofing Defects – Roofing Check List

✔️ Severely blistered, curled or split shingles – Curling shingles, also referred to as “Fishmouthing”, is when asphalt shingles have curled on the ends and appear to be bent or twisted. This often occurs in the middle of the shingle tab. There are different reasons and types of curling. For example, a shingle can curl either upwards or under themselves. Stay off roof.

✔️ Loose or missing shingles – shingles can sometimes go missing, such as during heavy rain, wind, or hail storms or as the result of falling trees or blowing debris.  Call a roofer.

✔️ Loose or exposed nails – Cam be a sign of Poor Workmanship.  All exposed nail heads should be sealed to prevent roof leakage.

✔️ Improperly seated nails that “popped”  – Typically due to nail inserted in seam.  Ensure water is not getting underneath and freezing causing nail to pop.

✔️ Broken or loose shingles at the ridge and hip lines – Most manufactures make hip and ridge shingles.  Installing caps in cold weather can also cause issues.

✔️ Signs of missing caulk used to seal flashing –  Replace any missing caulking and ensure all nail holes are sealed.

✔️ Rusty or corroded metal flashing – Replace with new when re-shingling.  Ask your roofer if he plans on installing new flashings.

✔️ Damaged or missing flashing – Call a professional roof to repair any missing or damaged flashing.  Preferably before it rains.

✔️ Sagging on the ridges – This is typical on older homes with rafters and is called “rafter sag”.  Installing Collar Ties to rafters can help prevent this.

✔️ Broken seals on shingles – Recommend having roof seal with tar.  If left alone any strong gusts of window will more than likely remove shingles.

✔️ Excessive granule loss on shingles – This will definitely shorten life span of shingles.  Check with your roof for warranty options.

✔️ Chimney cracks or damaged flashings –  Have mason inspect and repair.  Water entry will only make situation worse.

✔️ Damaged gutters and downspouts – Having properly functioning gutters and downspouts is critical to keeping water out of your basement.  Repair ASAP

✔️ Fascia board that’s damaged or rotted.  This is due to lack of maintenance or problem with gutters.

Roofing Defect – Missing Caulking

Identify if there is any missing caulking or if there are holes in old caulk that could cause a leaky roof. When it comes to leaky roofs, it’s recommended to fix them sooner rather than later to avoid any mold, rotting wood or ruined insulation. To help prevent this, missing or cracked caulking can be removed, scrubbed clean and be sealed with new roofing caulk.

Roofing Defects – Interior of Roof

The interior side of your roof needs looking after as well. Keep an eye out for any mold that might have been caused by moisture, signs of water damage, peeling wallpaper or outside light coming through. Also, look at the roof sheathing for any cracks or traces of rotting. If any sheathing has been damaged, it can cause structural damage to your roof. If you notice the sheathing is in need of repair, you can contact a licensed roofing contractor.

Understanding your Home Inspection is a guide for First Time Home Buyers

Have a Wood Stove or Fireplace?  Learn about why you need a WETT Certified Inspection

Certified Home Inspection Services in Orillia

Call Roger at 705-795-8255

Email Roger at [email protected]