Roof Inspection - When should you intervene to prevent further damage?

In Quebec, the harsh climate puts roofs to the test every year. Between snow accumulation, freezing, thawing, and heavy rains, roofing materials face challenges rarely seen elsewhere. Regular roof inspections are no longer just a preventative measure but a necessity to avoid costly damage and ensure the safety of residents.

How can you tell if your roof will withstand the next season? When should it be inspected, and what warning signs should alert you?

In this article, discover when and how to take effective action, along with best practices to extend the lifespan of your roof.

When should you get your roofing inspected?

Residential roof covered with gray asphalt shingles and ventilation vents under a clear sky.

Source : Menuiserie Roy et Flis s.e.n.c

What is the ideal frequency according to experts?

The Association des Maîtres Couvreurs du Québec (AMCQ) recommends inspecting your roof twice a year to prevent damage caused by seasonal climate changes. These roof inspections are essential for ensuring the longevity and safety of your home. In Quebec, two key periods are recommended:

In the Spring

Quebec’s winters are particularly harsh. A spring inspection helps identify damage caused by these extreme conditions. Key elements to watch for include:

• Missing, cracked, or curled shingles often caused by the weight of snow or strong winds.

• Cracked flashing and sealant joints due to temperature fluctuations.

• Water or debris buildup on flat roofs, which can lead to leaks.

• Clogged gutters with debris or ice chunks.

In the Fall

Before the first frost, it’s crucial to prepare your roof for winter conditions. A fall inspection helps you:

• Clean gutters to prevent blockages from fallen leaves.

• Check shingle condition and repair damaged ones to prevent water infiltration and freeze-related damage.

• Inspect roof ventilation to prevent excessive condensation during winter.

Additionally, an inspection is recommended after any extreme weather event, such as:

• Strong winds: They can tear off shingles or damage flashing.

• Heavy rain: Risk of water pooling on flat roofs or leaks in sealant joints.

• Hail: Can cause cracks in roofing materials or damage shingles.

According to Roof Age and Type (Flat or Sloped)

The frequency of inspections also depends on the roof’s age:

• Newer roofs (less than 10 years old) require less attention unless an extreme event occurs.

• Older roofs (15 to 20 years old) should be inspected more frequently, as they are more prone to issues like curling shingles or reduced waterproofing.

The type of roof plays an important role in the frequency of necessary inspections. Flat roofs, due to their vulnerability to water accumulation and leaks, require a thorough examination. Sloped roofs, although they allow better water drainage, must still be inspected regularly to identify potential missing or damaged shingles, as well as issues with flashing.

Why have your roof inspected?

Source : Bâti-Toit Plus inc.

A roof inspection is not just about prevention; it's a concrete way to protect your home, your budget, and your peace of mind. Here are the main reasons why this maintenance step deserves your full attention:

Prevent Costly Damages and Repairs

A regular inspection helps detect minor issues, such as a missing shingle or a deteriorated sealant, before they become major problems. For example, replacing a few shingles is much less expensive than having to redo an entire section of the roof due to water infiltration that went undetected.

Extend the Roof’s Lifespan

Regular preventative maintenance can significantly increase the longevity of your roof. Inspections help identify signs of premature aging and allow for intervention before they affect the overall structure of the roof. With proper care, an asphalt shingle roof can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, or even longer in some cases.

Maintain the Value of Your Home or Building

A well-maintained roof is a major asset in preserving—and even increasing—the value of your property. A roof in good condition reassures potential buyers and can make selling your home easier. Furthermore, it contributes to the building's energy efficiency, which is especially important in the Quebec climate.

How to perform a roof inspection?

Source : Option toiture

Inspecting your roof doesn't necessarily require expertise, but it's crucial to know what to look for and what precautions to take. Whether you're on the ground, in the attic, or decide to climb onto the roof, each level of inspection can reveal important signs of deterioration. Here's how to proceed safely and effectively:

Visual inspection from the ground: What can a non-expert observe?

• Missing, broken, or curled shingles

• Accumulation of water or debris on the roof

• Loose or cracked flashings around chimneys and vents

• Visible sagging or deformation of the roof

• Presence of moss or organic matter on the shingles

Inspection in the attic: Spotting leaks, moisture marks, and mould

• Look for signs of moisture or dark spots on the walls and ceiling

• Check for mould, often related to poor ventilation or a leak

• Examine the insulation for signs of moisture

• Observe for excessive condensation, a sign of poor ventilation

Climbing onto the roof: Safety precautions to take

• Wear non-slip footwear and use a safety harness

• Choose a proper, stable ladder

• Avoid inspections during windy, rainy, or winter conditions

• Don’t walk directly on fragile shingles to prevent damage

It is highly recommended to hire a professional for this task, as climbing onto a roof can be dangerous, especially in Quebec's weather conditions.

What should you know about professional roof inspection?

Source : Groupe J.M Poulin Inc.

Who can inspect a roof?

A certified inspector or a qualified roofer with an RBQ license is recommended to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

What elements are checked?

Equipment Used by a Professional Inspector

The equipment used includes:

• Thermal cameras to detect moisture

• Drones to inspect hard-to-reach areas

• Secure ladders and specialized equipment

What is the cost of a roof inspection in Quebec?

In 2025, the average cost ranges between $250 and $500, depending on the size and type of roof and the services included (photos, detailed report).

The report includes:

• Detailed photos of problematic areas

• Complete diagnosis with recommendations

• Condition of the roofing material, eavestroughs, and flashings

When to consider replacing your roof completely?

Source : 9398-7410 Quebec inc.

What are the signs of roof wear?

Some signs of wear are unmistakable: when several of them appear together, it often indicates that simple repairs are no longer enough — it’s time to replace the roof entirely.

One of the first elements to examine during an inspection is the overall condition of the roofing material. Whether it's asphalt shingles, elastomeric membrane, or metal, signs like cracks, deformations, lifting, or missing sections indicate a loss of performance. For instance, with shingles, an accumulation of granules in the gutters is a sign that the protective surface is deteriorating. A membrane that is peeling, blistering, or torn is also concerning. In all cases, when the roofing material no longer functions as a barrier against the elements, it’s often more cost-effective — and safer — to consider a complete roof replacement.

Water infiltration — noticeable by ceiling stains, the presence of mould, or moisture marks in the attic — is also a serious indicator of advanced waterproofing issues. When the flashings are rusty or the sealant joints are cracked, water can easily seep in at critical points. The appearance of moss, algae, or mould, especially at the junction between the roof and walls, is a sign of advanced degradation, often linked to persistent moisture.

It’s also important to pay attention to the roof’s structure: visible sagging or undulations, especially on a flat roof, are signs of deformation that jeopardize the integrity of the entire roof.

When one or more of these signs appear, it is strongly recommended to consult a roofer to assess whether a full roof replacement is necessary.

If in doubt, check our article How to Determine Whether Your Roof Problem Is Urgent.

What factors to consider?

The Lifespan of Materials

For more information, please refer to our article on the lifespan of roofing materials.

The Quebec Climate

The Quebec climate places particularly demanding conditions on roofs. Harsh winters often come with heavy snow accumulation, while freeze-thaw cycles are common in the spring and fall. During the summer, heat and humidity set in, putting additional thermal stress on materials. This is compounded by significant temperature variations from season to season, which test the durability of roofing materials.

Preserving Your Roof: Recommended Preventive Maintenance

Roof inspections in Quebec should be part of a proactive and well-informed approach. Waiting for leaks or missing tiles to appear before taking action risks causing significant damage to your building's structure and expensive repairs. With increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, scheduling inspections in the fall and spring, or after a major weather event, becomes an essential habit. By hiring a qualified professional and incorporating roof maintenance into your annual routine, you not only protect your investment but also the peace of mind of your entire family. When it comes to roofing, it’s better to prevent than to repair.

Roof Inspection FAQ

Tenant or Landlord: Who is responsible for roof maintenance?

In Quebec, according to the Civil Code, it is generally the landlord (property owner) who is responsible for the structural maintenance of the dwelling, including the roof. This means it is their responsibility to have the roof inspected regularly, ensure its repair, and maintain its compliance to keep the dwelling in good livable condition.

However, the tenant may be held responsible for routine maintenance (such as clearing gutters) or minor repairs resulting from negligence. For example, if they fail to report an early sign of water infiltration and the situation worsens, they may be partially responsible for the damages.

Which drone for a roof inspection?

In 2025, the use of drones to inspect roofs is becoming increasingly common in Quebec, especially in hard-to-reach residential areas or on sloped roofs. For an effective inspection, choose a drone with the following features:

• 4K camera or higher to obtain clear images and detect cracks, lifted shingles, or weakened joints.

• Thermal sensor (infrared camera), ideal for spotting heat loss or water infiltration that is invisible to the naked eye.

• Image stabilization (3-axis gimbal) for precise shots even in moderate wind conditions.

• Hovering mode and obstacle avoidance sensors to ensure safety when flying near chimneys, power lines, or trees.

How long does a roof inspection take?

Depending on its size, accessibility, and complexity, a roof inspection typically takes 1 to 2 hours.