Roofing
Roofing serves as the primary defense against weather elements, protecting the building envelope from rain, snow, wind, and debris. Common roof types include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and tile. Proper installation and maintenance are vital to avoid leaks, structural damage, or weather-related wear.
Warrantability
Alberta Warranty Standards:
- 1-year workmanship warranty: Covers defects like improperly installed shingles or flashing.
- 5-year building envelope warranty: Includes issues like water penetration caused by poor workmanship.
- Exceptions: Damage caused by weather extremes or neglected maintenance is excluded.
Builder's Warranty:
- 1-year warranty: Builders cover installation defects such as leaking due to poor flashing or underlayment
- 5-year building envelope warranty: Includes issues like water penetration caused by poor workmanship.
Manufacturer's Warranty:
- Roofing materials (shingles, metal panels, tiles) typically have separate warranties covering product defects (e.g., cracking or premature wear). Duration ranges from 20 to 50 years, depending on product type.
Maintenance
- Inspect regularly: Check for damaged shingles, flashing, or signs of water stains.
- Clean gutters: Ensure proper drainage to avoid pooling water around the roofline.
- Debris removal: Clear leaves, branches, and snow to prevent excess loading.
- Check attic ventilation: Proper airflow prevents condensation and ice dams.
Common Issues, Causes, Warrantability, and Repair Solutions
1. Leaks in Roof
Causes:
- Damaged or missing shingles, tiles, or membranes.
- Poor sealing around flashing, chimneys, or skylights.
- Clogged gutters causing water to overflow.
- Improper slope or drainage system design.
Warrantability:
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Covered if leaks result from installation errors (e.g., poor flashing or underlayment).
- Builder's Envelope Warranty (5 Year): Includes issues like water penetration into the home caused by poor workmanship.
- Manufacturer's Warranty (Varies): Covering product defects (e.g., cracking or premature wear)
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ to report and replace defective or improperly installed shingles, and provide any warrantable repairs from water damage.
- If outside warranty: Identify the source of the leak (e.g., near flashing, vents, or gutters). Reseal leaking areas with roofing caulk or replace damaged flashing. Consider professional assistance for extensive repairs or structural issue
2. Damaged or Missing Shingles
Causes:
- Extreme weather conditions such as high winds or hailstorms.
- Manufacturing defects.
- Improper installation leading to weak adhesion or fastening.
- Wear and tear over time due to UV exposure or age.
Warrantability:
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Covered if shingles failed prematurely; storm damage is not covered.
- Manufacturer's Warranty (Varies): Covered for defective shingles under the manufacturer's material warranty, typically long-term coverage. Damage from weather is excluded.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty: Contact serviceQ to assess and repair
- If outside warranty: Replace missing shingles promptly to avoid water leaks. Ensure replacement shingles match the original roof to maintain consistency in appearance. Call a licensed roofer if the damage is widespread or affects the roof deck.
3. Ice Dams or Water Pooling
Causes:
- Poor drainage due to improper slope during installation.
- Clogged or blocked drainage systems.
- Surface wear or depressions in the roofing material caused by prolonged water exposure or heavy loads.
Warrantability
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): May be covered within the builder's warranty period if water pooling results from poor workmanship or drainage defects.
- Builder's Envelope Warranty (5 Year): Covered if caused by defective drainage systems; conditions caused by poor attic maintenance are not covered.
Repair Solution
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ to assess and repair
- If outside warranty: Contact professional trade to remove ice dams using de-icing cables and ensure proper attic ventilation. Repair any water-damaged areas under shingles.
4. Sagging or Structural Damage
Causes:
- Undersized or weak roof framing components during construction.
- Age-related wear and loss of structural integrity.
Warrantability:
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Likely covered if poor construction caused roof sagging during the builder warranty timeline.
- Alberta New Home Warranty (10-Years): Covered under the 10-Year structural warranty if sagging is caused by defects in framing or structural integrity.
- Manufacturer Warranty: Not applicable unless material defects in prefabricated roof components contributed to sagging.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ to assess and repair
- If outside warranty: Hire a structural engineer or licensed roofer to evaluate the extent of damage. Reinforce weakened joists or framing or replace affected wood sections entirely. Ensure proper waterproofing to prevent recurrence.
Quick Notes
- Perform annual inspections to address minor issues before they worsen.
- Keep gutters clear and debris off the roof to prolong its lifespan.
- Contact the builder within warranty timelines for installation defects.
- For material defects, check product-specific manufacturer warranties.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, technical, or warranty advice and Qualico and its affiliated companies make no warranty whatsoever with respect to such information, including (but not limited to) for fitness for a particular purpose. Product warranties are governed by manufacturers’ terms and conditions, and proper maintenance is required to uphold functionality and coverage. Qualico and its affiliated companies are not liable for any injury (personal or otherwise), harm, personal damage, or property damage caused by (i) the use or misuse of, (ii) neglect related to, or (iii) unforeseen events related to, the information provided above. For specific warranty and maintenance details, please refer to the manufacturer’s documentation.



