How Often Should I Get My Calgary Roof Inspected

An annual Calgary roof inspection is generally recommended, regardless of the size of your home. Roofing problems in Calgary are susceptible to frequent hail. The suggested practice is once every three months. It may come down to once a month if the roof is aging or made of moderate to low-quality materials and shingles.

Shingle Material – Quality and Type Matter

Roofing property project: wood and clay shingles are made of a single material. Asphalt can contain other materials, such as fibreglass, minerals, metals, and cellulose. These materials can increase strength and stability factors. The probability of damage will depend on the size and weight of hailstones.Shingles made from a combination of asphalt, fibreglass, and minerals can have longer durability and resistance to damage. There are no established rules for determining the durability factors, as the intensity of hail can be unpredictable.

Composite materials are also more resistant to water absorption, humidity, and the growth of algae. Any roof made of such materials can last relatively longer. Therefore, you can inspect your roof every six months. Metal shingles have the most extended possible durability and resistance to hail. You may need to inspect them annually, unless hail has caused critical damage to the property and structures in your region.

Need for Emergency Inspection

What you have read above are the inspection frequencies when the weather is normal or moderate hail has hit your region. What if the hail is more frequent and the roof is aging? You can experience symptoms like the

• Roof leaks

• Pungent odour in your home

• Growth of moss

• Wet walls, windows, and doors

• Growth of mould and mildew

• Moist air in your home

If you or any family members experience any such conditions after a hailstorm, it is advisable to have an emergency inspection.

Roof Damaging Factors – Not Just the Hail

Aging and exposure to the elements are the two primary factors that can cause silent damage to the shingles. The funniest part is that you can’t even observe the internal damage, like cracks, brittleness, loss of strength, and stability factors.

If the roof is more than ten years old, it is advisable to have an inspection at least once every two to three months. It must be extensive and encompass more than just visual testing. You may need to conduct a random quality test of shingles with the assistance of an expert roofing contractor.

Exposure to snow, rain, and humidity is another reason that can deteriorate the shingles both internally and externally. Spots can develop, which can grow into holes. Of course, there will be frequent leaks under such conditions.

Adhesives on the roof shingles play a crucial role in holding the blocks together for years. Some modern shingles feature a self-locking mechanism, making them safer and more secure. Then the durability and strength of the bonding will also be high.

You might have used adhesives or screws on the roof shingles during the initial installation. It might have worked for many years when the climatic conditions were relatively good. But the frequent hail could have damaged the adhesives and the fasteners.

The lifespan of adhesives is relatively shorter compared to that of fasteners. You must have roof inspections at least once every six months if you have used fasteners and once every three months if you have used adhesives.

Seasons and Climates – Critical Inspection Factors

You might have thought summer to be safer for the roof since the volume of damage is assumed to be lower. Consider the following factors that can cause roof damage.

• Overheating

• Water condensation

• Mould and mildew

• Shingle warping

• Cracks due to heat

• Curling and drying

Calgary Summer heat can cause all the above damages and much more. Of course, the intensity of injuries depends on the type and quality of the material.

The heat resistance of asphalt shingles depends on their ability to absorb and dissipate heat from the sun and various climatic conditions. As the temperature increases, it may emit most of it back into the external environment during the night.

Heat elimination capacity depends on the material composition, such as fibreglass and other synthetic cooling elements. They can increase the cooling effects and the lifespan of shingles. If the roof is made of clay or wood, the capacity will be lower.

Winter damage to shingles can be caused by freezing. It can result in brittleness, cracks, algae, and other external and internal damages that could be invisible. However, you may experience symptoms such as freezing air, difficulty breathing, and ineffective operation of room heaters.

When you experience such changes, it is better to have an emergency roof inspection within the next few days. You need to rely on the expertise of a roofing contractor to ensure a thorough inspection and effective solutions for the problems.

Rains can cause maximum damage to the roof, especially on the old and unstable shingles. With safe insulation, your home's interior can be protected from leaks and related damage. But persistent rains can reduce resistance factors.

If your home roof is less than five years old, you can opt for annual inspections, provided the climatic and seasonal effects are minimal. Otherwise, you should consult your roofing contractor to determine the appropriate inspection frequency.

DIY Inspections – Do it Randomly

There are certain types of visual inspections that you can do randomly without help from experts. For that, you have to make a list of the most generic damages, like

• Mould and mildew

• Heating effects

• Rainwater clogging

• Clogged drains and pipes

• Cracks

A DIY Inspection after rain and hail can be very effective in identifying generic damages to the roof before they become serious.

The climatic conditions of Calgary can have a serious impact on the frequency of roof inspections. The best way is to consult your roofing contractor to get the best possible results. Trust Superior Roofing for all your roofing and exterior renovation needs. Contact us today!