Not every roofingissue needs a ladder and a contractor right away. In fact, some of the mostcostly roof repairs in Ontario start with small problems that homeowners couldhave spotted early. The challenge is knowing what to look for.

Think of this as yourhomeowner’s checklist—10 simple ways to tell if your roof needs attention.Whether you live in Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, or anywhere across Ontario,these quick checks can help you decide when it’s time to call a professional likeMaple Ridge Roofer for a full inspection.

1. Water StainsIndoors

Check your ceilingsand walls. Any yellow rings, peeling paint, or bubbling plaster are warningsigns that water has already found its way inside. Even a faint stain can meana slow leak.

2. Shingles Out ofPlace

You don’t needbinoculars—just a careful look from your yard. Missing, curling, or crackedshingles are an open pathway for leaks. If your roof looks patchy or uneven,rainwater will find the weak spots.

3. Moss and DarkStreaks

Notice green moss orblack streaks on the surface? Moss traps moisture and speeds up deterioration.Algae streaks not only look unsightly,  theycan also signal poor drainage or ventilation.

4. Attic Check-Up

Pop into your attictwice a year. Is it damp? Do you notice a musty smell? Wet insulation or moldgrowth is one of the clearest signals your roof isn’t keeping water out.

5. Gutters NotFlowing Smoothly

Rain should movethrough your gutters easily. If water spills over, or if gutters look saggy andloose, they’re not doing their job. Left uncheck, clogged gutters can rotfascia boards and even damage your foundations.

6. Flashing AroundChimneys and Skylights

The thin metal stripsaround chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys are common leak points. Rust,gaps, or peeling sealant mean the flashing isn’t watertight anymore.

7. Signs of Ice Damsin Winter

Icicles may lookpretty, but heavy ice on your eaves is a red flag. It can block melting snowfrom draining properly, pushing water back under your shingles.

8. Sagging Rooflines

Step back from yourhouse and look at the overall roof shape. Any dips, uneven areas, or saggingspots suggest possible structural issues or rotten decking.

9. Roof Age

Every roof has alifespan:

• Asphalt shingles: 15–20 years
• Metal     roofing: 40-70 years
• Flat roofs: 10–15 years

If your roof isreaching these ages — even without visible damage—it’s wise to schedule aprofessional roofing inspection.

10. Wild AnimalDamage

Squirrels, raccoons,and birds often nest in roofs. Scratches, small holes, or droppings near ventsand eaves are clear indicators. Once pests break through, leaks follow quickly.

Why These ChecksMatter

Many of the roofingprojects we handle in Toronto could have been simple, low-cost repairs if homeownershad spotted the problems sooner. A quick look every spring and fall, especiallyafter big storms, can save thousands in the long run.

When to Call MapleRidge Roofer

If your self-checkreveals anything concerning, don’t wait until water is dripping onto yourfloor. At Maple Ridge Roofer, we specialize in OntarioRoofing servicesthat combine:
✔ Certified GAF, BP, and Owens Corning materials
✔ Free on-site evaluations and quotes within 24hours
✔ 10-year workmanship warranty + 25–50 yearmanufacturer warranties
✔ A transparent process with no hidden costs

Your roof protectseverything beneath it. With a little vigilance—and the right roofingpartner—you’ll keep your home safe, dry, and worry-free.

📞 Ready for peace of mind? Contact Maple Ridge Roofer today foryour free roof evaluation.

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