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🏠 Roof Issues Found During Ottawa Home Inspections

Real roofing defects documented during home inspections across Ottawa, Gatineau, and surrounding areas β€” part of every pre-purchase inspection we conduct.

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What We Check

  • Shingle condition β€” granule loss, cracking, curling, missing pieces
  • Flat roof membranes β€” blistering, separation, ponding water
  • Flashing around chimneys, vents, and roof penetrations
  • Gutters and downspouts β€” blockages, improper slope, detachment
  • Fascia and soffit β€” rot, damage, pest entry points
  • Chimney condition β€” mortar, caps, flashing seals
  • Roof structure β€” sagging, improper support, water staining

Common Issues We Find

  • Granule loss on aging asphalt shingles indicating end of lifespan
  • Cracked or missing flashing allowing water infiltration
  • Flat roof membrane deterioration with pooling water
  • Blocked gutters causing ice damming in Ottawa winters
  • Improperly sealed chimney bases leading to interior leaks
  • Missing or damaged soffit vents reducing attic ventilation

Why This Matters

The roof is your home's first line of defence against Ottawa's harsh climate. A compromised roof can lead to water damage, mould growth, and structural deterioration. Identifying roofing issues during a home inspection can save buyers thousands of dollars in negotiations or prevent a costly surprise after closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a roof be inspected in Ottawa?

A roof should be visually inspected at least once a year, and always before buying or selling a home. Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads accelerate wear on shingles, flashing, and flat roof membranes, so an annual check helps catch problems before they become interior leaks.

What's the typical lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof in Ottawa?

Standard three-tab asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 20 years in the Ottawa climate, while architectural shingles can last 20 to 25 years. Ottawa's combination of UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycling, and heavy winter snow load tends to shorten shingle life compared to milder climates.

Can ice damming damage a roof even if the shingles look fine?

Yes. Ice dams form when heat escaping from the attic melts snow on the upper roof, which refreezes at the colder eaves and backs water up under the shingles. The shingles themselves can look undamaged from the ground while water is already getting into the attic or ceiling below.

Is a flat roof inspected differently than a sloped roof?

Yes. Flat and low-slope roofs are checked for membrane blistering, seam separation, and ponding water, which are different failure points than the granule loss and flashing issues checked on sloped asphalt shingle roofs. Both are part of a full home inspection.

Concerned About the Roof on a Home You're Buying?

A home inspection includes a full roof assessment β€” drone footage where conditions allow, plus an attic inspection from the underside. Same-day report delivery.

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