Urgent
Missing or lifted shingles after wind
Likely cause: Wind uplift, often where the starter strip or nailing was weak.
What to do: Cover exposed areas if safe from the ground, photograph for insurance, book an inspection now.
Tap any layer
The eave is where most Canadian roofs fail: ice, meltwater and wind all meet here.
What are you seeing?
Pick everything that applies. Results are sorted by urgency.
Select one or more symptoms to see likely causes and what to do.
Urgent
Water stain on a ceiling
Likely cause: An active leak: flashing, a vent boot, or an ice dam backing up.
What to do: Catch the drip, move valuables, and book an inspection before the next rain or thaw.
Urgent
A sagging roofline
Likely cause: A structural issue: rot in the deck or framing, or overloading.
What to do: Keep people out from under the area and book an inspection right away.
Book an inspection
Heavy icicles or ice dams
Likely cause: Attic heat melting snow; insulation or ventilation falling short.
What to do: Don’t chip the ice. Book an assessment of eave protection, insulation and venting.
Book an inspection
Curling or cupped shingles
Likely cause: Age, heat or poor attic ventilation.
What to do: Book an inspection; a roof near the end of its life is planned, not rushed.
Book an inspection
Granules in the eavestrough
Likely cause: Shingles shedding their UV-protective surface as they age.
What to do: Book an inspection to see how much life is left.
Book an inspection
Rust or loose fasteners on a metal roof
Likely cause: Worn coating or failed washers letting water in.
What to do: Book a metal roof review; coatings and fastener replacement can extend its life.
Book an inspection
Water ponding on a flat roof
Likely cause: Low spots or blocked drains.
What to do: Book a flat-roof assessment; standing water shortens membrane life.
Book an inspection
Cracked or bubbling roof coating
Likely cause: Coating at the end of its service life or poor adhesion.
What to do: Book a review before water reaches the substrate.
Monitor
Moss or dark streaks
Likely cause: Shade and moisture; streaks are usually algae.
What to do: Keep trees trimmed and eavestroughs clear; have it looked at during the next inspection.
General guidance only. If water is coming in or the roof is visibly damaged, stay off it and call a professional.
Next course
Know your roof before you re-roof.
Check urgency, size the job, then book a free inspection.