5 Signs It's Time to Get a Roof Inspection

In the picturesque regions of Kelowna and the broader Okanagan Valley, our homes are our sanctuaries. However, the sunshine that we love in the summer and the powder snow we get in the winter can take a toll on our roofs. Regular roof inspections are not just a preventative measure but are necessary to ensure your home's longevity and safety. Here are five critical signs that it's time to call the professionals for a comprehensive roof inspection.

1. Visible Damage or Wear

Visible damage indicates that your roof may need repairs or a complete replacement. This damage can manifest as broken or missing shingles, significant fading, or extensive wear and tear. These types of damages can occur after severe wind or weather events as well. If you observe damages such as those listed above, it really is time to get a roofer out to give you a repair quote.  

These severe types of damages aside, every 5 years or so, is a good schedule for roof maintenance. In the Okanagan valley, we receive extreme heat in the summer and low temps and snow loads in the winter. These temperature swings, take a toll on the roofing materials, so you must perform regular visual inspections of your roof. Attic to Alley Home Inspections Inc. can come out and provide a to-do list for you to help you extend the lifespan of your roof cover.  

2. Leaks or Water Damage

Water stains on your ceilings or walls suggest roof leaks. Water is sneaky. It can be difficult to trace the source of the leak. Water can travel considerable distances across roof panels or wooden structures in the attic before it starts dripping, complicating the identification of the leak's origin. The roof cover is the place to start. Let Attic to Alley Home Inspections Inc. inspect your roof for visible defects and provide you with a list of practical repair solutions to prevent further water ingress. The inspection of the roof will be followed by a look into the attic to identify any areas with staining, or indications of water entry on the sheathing or insulation. These inspections and the recommended repairs will, ensure your home remains dry and protected from damage.

3. Clogged or Damaged Gutters

Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance is a task that should be performed annually, or twice per year, depending upon the amount of trees in the immediate vicinity of your home. Gutters are essential for collecting and diverting rainwater from your home and protecting the roof’s structural components and the foundation. When gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, or other debris, or if they are broken or improperly sloped, water pooling can occur. Improperly directed downspout discharge will create problems as well. Poorly functioning gutter drainage will cause water to back up into your roof structure or, if pooling below, can penetrate the foundation.  In either case, a great deal of damage can occur. During your roof inspection, Attic to Alley Home Inspections Inc. will bring your attention to any roof damage related to improper drainage, evaluate the condition of your gutters and offer repair solutions to ensure that your drainage system is functioning optimally.  

4. Moss, Algae, or Fungal Growth

The presence of moss, on your roof is more than an unsightly nuisance; it causes excessive moisture retention that will deteriorate roofing materials over time. This condition occurs on north-facing surfaces and in shaded areas. Addressing these issues regularly is essential to prevent long-term damage. Additionally debris from trees should be removed annually as leaving it on the roof will also allow moisture retention and premature deterioration of materials.  When you contract your roof inspection through Attic to Alley Home Inspections Inc., we will identify and provide images of any problem areas to be cleaned. 

5. Sagging Roof Deck

So this is a bigger defect. Not commonly found. Any signs of sagging or warping are indicators of structural problems. These are more serious problems like compromised trusses (or rafters), and will likely require costly and potentially invasive repairs by a qualified roofer. These issues can severely affect the overall structural integrity of your home, making timely intervention crucial.  Your favorite roofer is the one to call for this type of defect.

Ignoring the signs of roof distress can lead to more significant and costly problems. Attic to Alley Home Inspections Inc. is your local expert in identifying and addressing roof issues before they escalate. Serving Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, and the surrounding areas, we provide detailed, professional home inspections that give you peace of mind and help protect your biggest investment.

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To learn more about our services, please click here. To contact us, please click here, call us at (250) 718-7890, or email us at tara@attictoalley.ca.