The purpose of a roof is to direct water away from the structure and ensure water does not penetrate into the attic or the living area. Inspections carried out in winter months don’t often reveal the condition of the roof shingles or the condition of the flashings or caulking because the roof can be covered with snow. If you see roofs which are not snow covered after snowstorms, the attics might just not have sufficient insulation. Today it is preferred to have at least 10 inches of insulation.

For moisture or water penetration to not become a problem, you should check the caulking and flashings on your roof. When considering what product to use to seal roof items, I recommend any product with a bitumen base such as ‘Black Jack’. Make sure you wear your oldest clothing, because this material jumps out of the can, and will usually adhere to the nearest thing it comes in contact with, such as clothing and exposed skin. I also suggest that when you apply any bitumen roofing material, do so with throwaway metal or wood strips you don’t intend to keep.

Make sure all roof items such as vent penetrations, chimneys, flues and bathroom vents are checked at least once a year. Naturally this is more difficult to check on two story homes. Perhaps you can use binoculars to accomplish this task?

During periods of heavy rain, it is important to review the condition of your eaves troughs to make sure they do not leak and are free flowing. Eaves troughs should be checked at least twice a year if you live in a wooded area. Also it is important to make sure all eaves troughs are clean and the down spouts extend at least four to six feet away from your foundation wall. While reviewing the condition of your eaves and down spouts make sure they do not create a possible tripping hazard by crossing over any usable sidewalk. In some cases it may be prudent to install the downspout overhead of the sidewalk using a post to support the newly relocated downspout.

Most people will consider asphalt shingle replacement when the shingles start to show signs of curling, or the grit has started to wear down. Solar action on the south and west side of roofs also causes quicker wear on roofs. Asphalt shingles are made to last from a minimum of 15 years to as long as 40 years. The most common life span for asphalt shingles is 25 years. Because we live in an area prone to hail storms, home owners insurance will usually cover the replacement cost of a new roof. It is important to see that the grit material is not prematurely wearing. Often by checking the eaves troughs you can reveal the amount of granules wearing from the shingles.

When shingles start to badly curl or you are experience-leaking areas in your home, it is time to consider their replacement. Costs vary by the type and thickness of the asphalt shingle you plan to install. Labor costs for most types of shingles are almost the same.

Should you be replacing shingles, please, make sure you consider having all the valleys installed with metal flashings. Valleys get the most wear, and it is a pity if you have to replace your entire roof because the asphalt roof is wearing badly in the valleys.

Some other types of roofs found in the Calgary area are: flat roofs with tar and gravel, cedar shingles and cedar shakes, treated and untreated pine shakes, concrete tile and clay tile, and metal and rolled roofing (commonly referred to as selvage).

Summing up, it is very important to have your roof checked at least annually. I do not suggest you personally climb ladders onto any roof unless you feel confident and have done it before. Even then, I suggest roof climbing be left for the experts. Roof falls are one of the biggest dangers to most trades’ people and the province has initiated some stringent steps for better workers’ safety. New homes have devices installed on the roof for workers to tie off with safety ropes, and most professional home inspectors carry binoculars for checking roofs due to the dangers of working at heights associated with more than a single story roof.

-The opinions and ideas expressed are solely those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Calgary Real Estate News. Paul Tobolski RHI, DIPL. A.A. & T. (Architectural Technology) is the owner of Ability Home Inspections and can be reached at 519-6038 or 286-HOME(4663). Paul has over 35 years experience in the areas of design, construction, maintenance and inspection of homes. He has been a member of CAHPI (Ab.) since 1993 and is the past president of CAHPI (Ab.).