Preventing Roof Leaks

Basic Precautions Can Save You Thousands

Your home is your castle and usually your most valuable asset. Problems with your roof system can cause roof leaks and major damage, or increase your energy costs if not discovered early.

Leaking Roof Problems

See the following pages for some basic tips on discovering leaking roof problems before they can cause severe damage:

The Enemy: Water

Your roof is a complex waterproofing system. Each part of the system has the potential to cause either roof leaks, excess moisture, or both, which can lead to a variety of problems, including:

Structural damage

The presence of water can rot wood and even eat and destroy nails and other fasteners.

Blistering or peeling of exterior finishes

Paint, stucco, and siding may all be damaged from excess moisture inside your home.

Damage to inside walls

Wallpaper may start to peel and even drywall can be weakened or ruined.

Damage to flooring

We all know what water can do to carpets and hardwood flooring.

Mould

Roof leaks and moisture can even cause health problems. You may not even realize you have a mould problem until you start experiencing health-related issues, like problems breathing.

Energy costs

Moisture in the attic can reduce the effectiveness of your attic insulation. Even a slight increase in moisture content can have a major effect on your heating and cooling bills.

Prevent Roof Leaks and Avoid Major Repairs

A leaking roof can cause significant damage to your home. Preventing a roof leak is your best defense, but you should also be sure to repair roof leaks as soon as they are discovered.

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The service was great and the roofers were great too.
P. Zabok, Calgary Homeowner
Done Right Roofing The whole process was a pleasure…The young men who dropped off the roofing materials first thing on Monday morning, on an extremely cold Calgary morning…Right through to the final inspection, receipt of invoice/Guarantee etc. The photos for the quote provided to us by email were very helpful and the photos taken when the work was being done really showed us the problem areas. You’ve got a good ground – everyone was courteous, prompt, and very hardworking. Thanks for getting our work done in a timely and efficient manner.5

S. Tharp

S. Tharp, Calgary Homeowner
Done Right Roofing The work was done on time, as promised and the attention to the job at hand was first rate and excellent. My first time with Done Right was just great! Thanks for the Excellent work!
5

Glen

Glen, Calgary Homeowner
The work was efficiently performed and completely satisfactory. The scope of the completed work and bidding was as agreed. We can certainly recommend Done Right Roofing.
The Duzinski’s, Calgary Homeowners, SW
Done Right Roofing gave me a competitive quote. They started on time, worked hard, had good craftsmanship, and respectful roofers. They cleaned up everything each night – there was no mess at all!
Ted & Lori, Calgary Homeowners
Done Right Roofing Excellent customer service! All around great work. 5

T. Schmidt

T. Schmidt, Calgary Homeowner
Done Right Roofing We were impressed with competence of the roofers, the speed at which they progressed, their courteous manner and the cleanup of materials. In this matter I also was pleased to find my driveway void of materials. At this point your team seems to be working together well and all issues are addressed as they arise. There seems to be a strong customer and work ethic within your company.
5

S. Drumand

S. Drumand, Calgary Homeowner, NE
Done Right Roofing Excellent work ethic – nice to see – great clean up on the job as well.
5

Jack

Jack, Bragg Creek Homeowner
Done Right Roofing Good reliable service from quote to the completion of the job.
5
M. Guenter

M. Guenter, Calgary Homeowner, SE
I am thrilled with the job that was completed. It appears to be a first quality job!!! The crew that worked on my roof was very, very, polite and absolutely the nicest young men. They represent your company well.
D. Franklin-Harrison, Calgary Homeowner

Quality Tips

To avoid leaks around roof penetrations use a “Back Pan” shingle over the back of the penetration, but under the main shingle course.
Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that, in high snow areas, ice dam protection is used on roof pitches of 5/12 and under.
A quality contractor should formally inspect every single roof that their company installs. Otherwise, poor workmanship will go undetected, leading to long-term problems.
Roofing is considered a “Skilled Trade” by the Government of Canada. Everyone on the roof should have a minimum of internal Certification to a maximum of Journeyman training.
Using a course of starter shingles up and down both sides of an open valley can insure that the valley is 100% leak proof.
Using a course of starter shingles up and down both sides of an open valley can insure that the valley is 100% leak proof.
Shingle installation instructions vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. They must be followed exactly to protect the homeowner’s warranty.
Nailing the shingle at both the nailing line and at the top of the shingle, on the roof gables, will prevent the wind from lifting up the shingle.
Only tear-off as much old roof area as can be replaced or at least waterproofed with underlayment in one day. Calgary has volatile weather and you never know!