Common roofing problems and how to fix them

Winnipeg Real Estate Blog by Bo Kauffmann September 29, 2018
COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS
AND HOW TO FIX THEM
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Bo Kauffmann REMAX performance realty
As published at https://blog.winnipeghomefinder.com/common-roofing-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/


Common Roofing Issues and How To Deal With Them
Putting a roof over your family’s head is probably the best decision you’ll make in your lifetime –
granted the said roof is hazard-free, that is. Together with hidden plumbing and potential electrical
issues, roofing problems can plague both old and new houses. That’s why you should examine the
rooftop carefully when looking for a place to settle down: if you fail to check the area upstairs, you
may see your investment go down the gutters within a few months. Here are top ten roof issues that
can cost you a small fortune if not timely detected.

1. Roof leaks
If not discovered on time, a leaky roof can punch a bottomless hole in your budget, because it can
result it mold growth, ugly ceiling stains, peeling paint, and deterioration of the supporting structure.
Drips and trickles caused by rain and melting snow can also damage internal wiring granted time and
neglect. Wiring defects caused by roof leaks are both potentially hazardous and extremely costly to
repair, so in case you identify a drippy spot up in the attic, take care of it immediately. The most
common water entry points in the roofing include faulty flashing, broken or missing shingles, and
seam defects.
2. Low wind resistance, blow-offs, and tenting
Left unattended, blow-offs, tenting, billowing, and reduced resistance to wind can cause extensive
damage to the attic and the rest of the property. These issues can arise due to poor gravel embedment,
old age of the roofing, and use of few base sheet fasteners in installation of torch-applied and hot
bituminous roofs. If your future home has a single-ply roof, you should have a professional check the
shape of the covering and substrate. This problem is fixable, but you definitely need to know about it
before you can call the roof your own.
3. Faulty installation and poor workmanship
In case the roof was installed in a haphazard manner or finishes and covering are worn, the roof may
go to bits come first storm or bout of fierce winds. Poor workmanship and DIY repairs staring low-
end adhesives, sealants, or inadequate shingle/tile replacements can also reduce the roof’s lifespan,
and they are a sign that you may need to overhaul the roof shortly after you move in. When inspecting
the roof and attic, don’t forget to check bathroom fittings upstairs: emergency blocked drains repair
experts from Sydney say that repairmen sometimes dispose of scrap materials used in roof installation
and repair by flushing it down the toilet, which can clog the pipes and damage the bowl.
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4. Standing water is a bugger
Homes with flat roofs are a fertile ground for ponds,
puddles, and pooling water that can linger around the
roofing for over 48 hours. Standing water in the roof area
can cause ceiling damage, wiring issues, mould and algae
development, and it can even compromise the integrity of
the supporting structure. For this reason, you should
either opt for a house with a slanted roof or add tapered
roof insulation to your newly-acquired dead-level roof (of
course, this is the more expensive way to do it). If
possible, inspect your home-to-be after rain: if you spot
pooling water, see whether the flashing is in proper shape
and make sure the gutters and drains are free of dirt and
debris.
5. Post-installation punctures and penetrations
Although the roof is not exactly a high-traffic area,
punctures and penetrations can occur up there during
installation and repair works. Unless tackled timely,
roofing dents, punctures, and cracks may evolve into
leaks and membrane problems, and no amount of caulk or
sealants will be sufficient once the holes begin to expand
due to exposure to the elements.
6. Rooftop safety issues
Roofing installation and roof-borne repairs call for
observance of strict safety procedures. Use of overheated
asphalt or unsafe equipment can cause burns or open
flames overhead, which is why proper protection gear
should be used during roof inspection and repairs. Also,
watch your step when you are walking across the roof:
however strong the roof may be, accidental slips and trips
do occur, and their results can be nothing short of fatal.
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Valuable Real Estate
Information Resources
Winnipeg Home Finder
If you’re looking to buy, or sell a
property in Winnipeg, check out this
website.
It contains links to all
Re/Max Condo Listings, all
Re/Max House Listings and even
Re/Max Luxury Property Listings.
Winnipeg’s Real Estate Blog

7. Faulty rooftop insulation
When inspecting the roof and attic, don’t forget to check the shape of insulation. If the area directly
under the roof isn’t insulated properly, the top floor can feel like a hot plate during summer heats,
while low winter temperatures can render the area completely unusable. Insulation checks are
especially important for lofts converted into habitable rooms: insulation defects in nurseries, guest
rooms, bathrooms, or studios upstairs can cause condensation, mold, and bacterial infestations. Check
vents, skylines, windows, and other roof openings: drought is usually a sign of defects which will
need to be fixed soon.
8. Sloppy repairs
Many a homeowner has used caulk and low-end sealants to cover up a crack in the roofing. Of course,
the final outcome of such ‘clever’ DIY repairs is usually disastrous. Shoddy repairs and use of
inadequate materials can cause permanent damage to the roof, which is why you should have a
professional contractor check the area up above and see whether the previous owner went smart on
“minor” defects instead of having them properly repaired.
9. Poor maintenance, or complete lack of it
Even though few people spend lots of time up on the roof, it still doesn’t mean that you should
abandon the area to the mercy of the elements. Without regular maintenance and cleaning, the roof
can sprout into an overhead garden, and vegetation on the roofing can cause the shingles to rot and
break. Also, debris should be eliminated every once in a while as it can get into the gutters and drains
and block them, causing floods or overflows during torrential rains or snow melting.
10. Gutter, drain, and ice dam problems
Clogged downpipes, pierced gutters, and ice dams all reduce the functionality of the roof, but
fortunately, these can be both prevented and fixed at a reasonable cost. When inspecting your home-
to-be, look for signs of gutter and drain damage and have dents and cracks repaired as soon as
possible. Mother Nature is a whimsical creature, and you can never know when the next heavy rain
may strike.
With proper maintenance and regular repairs, a solid roof can last a few generations. If you are buying
a place which your children and their children’s children are going to call a home, you should at least
make sure the roofing is in proper shape.
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Bo Kauffmann, REALTOR®
After retiring from the Winnipeg Police Service, Bo joined Remax Performance Realty and quickly became on
of Winnipeg’s top producing REALTORS®. You can find his website at Winnipeg Home Finder. Also,
Winnipeg’s Real Estate Blog features hundreds of articles for home buyers and sellers. If you’re looking to buy or
sell, a house or a condo in Winnipeg, you can e-mail Bo, or call him direct at (204) 333-2202

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