Most of the roofs we inspect don't need replacing. They need a handful of small repairs that, left alone, turn into leaks, rot and much bigger bills. After decades of inspections across Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and the GTA, these are the problems we find most often.
1. Damaged or Lifted Flashing
Flashing is the metal that seals the joints where your roof meets chimneys, walls, skylights and vents. It's the most common source of leaks we find. Old caulking dries out and cracks, step flashing comes loose, and chimney counter-flashing pulls away from the mortar.
Why it matters: water gets behind the flashing and runs down into the walls and ceilings, often far from where it entered.
2. Missing, Cracked or Lifted Shingles
Wind catches shingles that haven't sealed properly or have aged and gone brittle. Once one is gone, the next storm gets underneath the neighbouring shingles.
Why it matters: exposed underlayment breaks down quickly in sunlight and won't keep water out for long.
3. Granule Loss and Worn Shingles
Shingles shed their protective granules as they age. Bald patches, granules piling up in eavestroughs, and curling or cupped edges all point to shingles near the end of their life.
Why it matters: worn shingles let UV light and water reach the asphalt layer, and leaks soon follow.
4. Poor Attic Ventilation
Blocked soffit vents, too few roof vents, or bathroom fans venting straight into the attic are very common. We find frost on nails, damp insulation and mould on the deck more often than most homeowners would guess.
Why it matters: trapped heat and moisture shorten shingle life, cause ice dams and rot the roof deck. More on this in our guide to attic insulation and your roof.
5. Pipe Boot and Vent Failures
The rubber boots that seal around plumbing vent pipes crack after years of sun exposure. Plastic roof vents also get damaged by hail and wind.
Why it matters: these small parts cause a surprising number of leaks, but they're usually quick and inexpensive to fix.
6. Clogged or Damaged Eavestroughs
Leaves, shingle grit and ice can block eavestroughs and bend them away from the house. Water spills over the edge, soaks the fascia and pools by the foundation.
Why it matters: overflowing eavestroughs feed ice dams in winter and rot the fascia boards. Regular eavestrough cleaning prevents most of it.
7. Soft or Rotted Decking
Sagging areas or spongy spots on the roof usually mean the plywood underneath has been wet for a long time.
Why it matters: rotted decking can't hold nails properly, and the problem spreads until those sections are replaced.
8. Moss, Algae and Debris
Shaded roofs collect moss, and branches and leaves build up in valleys and behind chimneys.
Why it matters: moss holds moisture against the shingles and lifts their edges, and debris dams water in the places where it should drain fastest.
How Often Should You Get a Roof Inspection?
Once a year is a good rule, plus after any major wind or hail storm. Spring is ideal for spotting winter damage, and fall is the time to get ready before the snow.
Book a Free Roof Inspection
We'll check your roof, flashing, vents, eavestroughs and attic, show you photos of anything we find, and tell you honestly whether it needs a repair, can wait, or is fine as it is. Book a free roof inspection or call 905-616-4408. If something needs fixing, see our roof repair services.
We carry out roof inspections in Hamilton, Oakville and Burlington, and we'll show you photos of anything we find.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a roof inspection include?
A proper inspection covers the shingles, flashing, vents, eavestroughs, chimney, skylights and, when accessible, the attic, where ventilation and moisture problems show up first.
Can I inspect my own roof?
You can spot a lot from the ground with binoculars: missing shingles, sagging areas and damaged eavestroughs. Leave anything on the roof itself to a professional with the right safety equipment.
Does a roof inspection mean I need a new roof?
No. Most inspections end with a few small repairs or a clean bill of health. Inspections are how you avoid an early replacement.