Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against Calgary’s snow, wind, hail, rain, and temperature swings. Over time, even the best roofs begin to show signs of wear. The key to avoiding costly repairs—or premature roof replacement—is catching problems early.
This annual roof inspection guide lays out the most important steps from industry-trusted inspection checklists. Whether you prefer to do a quick DIY assessment or want to understand what the pros look for, this guide will help you stay ahead of roof issues in Calgary’s harsh climate.
Why Annual Roof Inspections are Essential in Calgary
The weather in Calgary is notoriously unpredictable, making an annual roof inspection more than just good practice. In fact, it’s fairly essential, and here’s why:
Catch Problems Early
Minor issues like loose shingles or deteriorated flashing are inexpensive to repair. Left unchecked, however, they can turn into costly leaks, mould, and structural damage.
Extend Your Roof’s Life
Regular inspection and small fixes slow the aging process, preventing premature roof replacements and saving you money in the long run.
Protect Your Home’s Interior
A leaking roof can damage your ceiling, walls, insulation, flooring, and even the electrical systems. Catching these issues early can prevent major damage to your home’s interior.
Increase Insurance & Resale Value
Having a documented history of roof inspections and maintenance shows stability and proper home care—both important for insurance claims and buyer confidence should you choose to sell.
Plan Ahead
An annual roof inspection in Calgary helps you understand how much life is left in your roof so you can budget for future repairs or replacement.
Annual Roof Inspection Checklist
When inspecting your roof, safety should always come first. If you’re unsure about climbing a ladder or stepping onto a sloped surface, leave it to the professionals and call No Payne Roofing.
Step 1: Start from the Ground—Exterior Overview
Begin by walking around your property and observing the roof from a distance. Binoculars are helpful, and even better if you have a drone to use.
Look for:
- Missing, loose, cracked, curled, or blistered shingles
- Granule loss in gutters or around downspouts
- Loose, clogged, or damaged gutters and downspouts
- Rot or damage on soffits, fascia, and eaves
- Sagging rooflines or dips, indicating structural and venting issues
- Damaged or rusted flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Moss, lichen, or algae growth—these trap moisture and speed up deterioration
- Lint around goose necks indicating your dryer vent might need a cleaning
- Signs of wood peckers, such as holes in your sidings or dents on your chimney cap
- Condensation on your skylight glass, indicating you might need a new glass package.
- Lifted or exposed nails which may need sealing or hammering back down.
Step 2: Inspect Up Close (If Safe To Do So)
If your roof is low-sloped and safe to walk on, take a closer look—it will reveal smaller problems.
Check for:
- Loose, lifted, or popped nails
- Damaged flashing in valleys and around penetrations
- Cracked seals or deteriorated caulking around vents, skylights, and chimney bases
- Broken or missing ridge caps
- Ponding water or low spots on flat or low-slope areas
- Obstructed or damaged ventilation components
- Shingles not aligned correctly or hanging too short/long over the eaves
Step 3: Inspect from Inside—Attick & Ceilings
Some roof issues reveal themselves from the inside first.
Look for:
- Water stains, discoloration, or mould on ceiling drywall or roof decking
- Light shining through the roof boards
- Damp insulation or compressed insulation caused by moisture
- Poor ventilation, leading to condensation and wood rot
- Sagging rafters or structural supports
- Trails on the insulation indicating mice or squirrel infiltration
- Dead insects, often indicating a breach somewhere from outside
- Improper bathroom line set up
- Exposed drywall seams on the firewall ( often found in condos )
- Proper seal and insulation on the attic hatch
Step 4: Document & Prioritize Repairs
A few tips to stay organized:
- Take photos of every issue, no matter how small
- Keep notes on what has changed since last year
- Mark anything urgent (leaks, sagging, rotted wood, flashing damage)
- Use your inspection log when speaking with roofing contractors
When to Call a Professional
While some issues are DIY friendly, most roof repairs should be completed by a professional. Call for a roof repair when you notice:
- A few missing shingles
- Isolated leaks
- Rusting of loose flashing
- Minor storm damage
- Rain drops on your insulation
Call for a roof replacement when you see:
- Widespread shingle failure
- Multiple leaks or moisture infiltration
- Sagging or structural concerns
- Roof is exceeding its typical lifespan
- Severe hail or wind damage
If you’re unsure, a professional inspection will give you a clear picture of your roof’s condition.
Tips for Maximizing Your Roof Inspection in Calgary
- Schedule your inspections in spring or early fall—ideal weather conditions, no snow or ice.
- Always check after major storms, especially hail or high winds.
- Maintain clean gutters and remove debris from roof surfaces.
- Trim overhanging branches to protect the roof from falling limbs.
- Keep yearly inspection records and photos for warranties and insurance.
- If your roof is steep, complex, or difficult to access, schedule a professional roof inspection instead of attempting it yourself.
Book Your Professional Roof Inspection in Calgary
A proper roof inspection in Calgary is one of the best investments you can make to ensure the long-term health and stability of your home. If you want peace of mind, expert advice, and a documented inspection report, No Payne Roofing is here to help.
Their certified team provides thorough, safety-focused inspections and honest recommendations you can trust, whether you need simple repairs or it’s time to plan for a complete replacement.
For all your roofing needs, contact No Payne Roofing.
