Ottawa homeowners know how tough the weather can be on a house. Between heavy snow, ice buildup, strong winds, and summer heat, your residential roof goes through a lot every year.
The challenge is that many roof problems start small and go unnoticed. By the time water damage appears inside your home, the issue is often more serious and expensive to fix. Knowing the early warning signs can help you protect your home and avoid unexpected repairs.
Here are four common signs that your residential roof may need professional attention.
If you notice small black or brown granules collecting in your gutters or near your downspouts, this is usually a sign that your asphalt shingles are deteriorating.
Roofing granules protect shingles from UV rays and weather exposure. Once those granules start wearing off, shingles become brittle and less effective. In Ottawa’s climate, this can quickly lead to cracking, leaks, and shortened roof lifespan.
Granule loss often indicates that your roof is aging and should be inspected soon.
High winds and storms can easily damage residential shingles, especially on older roofs.
From the ground, look for shingles that are curled, cracked, lifted, or missing entirely. These weak spots allow water to reach the underlayment beneath the shingles. Once moisture gets in, it can lead to leaks, ceiling damage, and insulation problems inside your home.
Even minor shingle damage can become a bigger issue if it’s ignored.
Stains on your ceiling, peeling paint, or discoloration in your attic are strong signs of an active roof leak.
This is not just a cosmetic issue. Moisture inside your home can lead to mold growth, mildew, and wood rot. During Ottawa winters, trapped moisture can freeze and expand, causing even more damage to your roof structure.
If you notice water spots anywhere inside your home, it’s important to act quickly.
Flashing is the metal material installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof valleys to prevent water from entering your home.
Over time, flashing can rust, crack, or loosen due to temperature changes, snow buildup, and ice melt. When flashing fails, water can enter even if the shingles themselves appear intact.
Flashing issues are one of the most common causes of residential roof leaks and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Your roof plays a critical role in protecting your home, your belongings, and your family. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.
If you’re a homeowner in Ottawa, Ontario and you’ve noticed any of these signs, or if your roof hasn’t been inspected in years, scheduling a professional residential roof inspection is a smart next step.
Book your residential roof inspection with Monarchy Build today or call (613) 505-0552.
Most residential roofs should be inspected at least once a year, ideally in the spring or fall. Ottawa’s winter weather can cause damage that isn’t immediately visible.
In Ottawa, a typical asphalt shingle roof lasts around 20 to 25 years, depending on installation quality, ventilation, and weather exposure.
No. Even a small leak can cause insulation damage, mold growth, and wood rot over time. Addressing it early is always less expensive.
Common problem areas include flashing around chimneys and vents, roof valleys, skylights, and damaged or missing shingles.
Monarchy Build LTD.
Roofing, Siding & Masonry
100A-1891 Merivale Road
(613) 505-0552
contact@monarchybuild.ca