Roof Repair – Cambie Roofing

Vancouver Roof Prep & Gutter Cleaning for the Rainy Season

Cambie Roofing Team — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:54:44 +0000

If you’ve lived in Vancouver long enough, you know what fall means: rain, rain, and more rain. While cozy nights indoors are a perk of the season, your roof and gutters are working overtime to protect your home from the rain. One of the best things you can do to prevent costly damage this fall is to make sure your gutters are clean and your roof is ready for the months ahead.

Why Gutters Matter More Than You Think

Gutters aren’t just an add-on to your roof—they’re a critical part of your home’s drainage system. When they’re clogged with leaves and debris, water backs up and can seep into your roof, siding, or even your foundation. In a city known for its heavy rainfall, clogged gutters are one of the top causes of leaks and water damage.

Protect Your Roof From Water Damage

Pooling water on your roof is a recipe for trouble. Clean gutters ensure rainwater flows where it should—away from your home. Without proper drainage, even a small leak can become a major problem once the steady fall downpours begin.

Extend the Life of Your Roof and Home

Regular gutter cleaning doesn’t just protect your roof—it helps preserve your siding, landscaping, and even your basement. By making this a part of your seasonal routine, you are investing in the long-term health of your home.

Don’t Forget About Roof Prep

Gutter cleaning is just one piece of the puzzle. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to have your roof checked for loose shingles, cracked flashing, and moss growth. These small issues are much easier to handle in the fall than in the middle of a winter storm.

Book a Professional Roof & Gutter Service

Cleaning your gutters may sound simple, but it can be dangerous work. Instead of climbing ladders yourself, let our experienced team at Cambie Roofing handle the job. We’ll make sure your gutters are flowing freely and your roof is ready for the rainy season.

Why Roof Inspection Are Best Performed in the Fall

Cambie Roofing Team — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:35:46 +0000

Leaves start to change and the air gets crisp, Vancouverites know that heavy rain, wind, and cooler temperatures are not far behind. Fall is a beautiful season – it’s also an important time of the year to think about your roof. Looking into some of the small issues now and how it will save you from bigger problems when winter arrives.

Mild Weather Makes Inspections Easier

Unlike summer or winter, fall offers moderate conditions that are ideal for roofing professionals to get up on your roof safely. It’s also easier to spot potential issues like loose shingles, small leaks, or clogged gutters.

Prevent Small Problems From Becoming Big Ones

Minor damage, like cracked shingles or blocked drains can turn into serious leaks once the heavy rain arrives. A quick fall inspection can catch these issues early which can save you from emergency repairs and costly water damage later.

Prepare Your Roof for Vancouver’s Rainy Season

We all know that fall and winter in Vancouver mean one thing – rain. A roof inspection ensures your drainage systems are clear, flashing is secure, and your roof is ready to handle downpours. Preventing pooling water is especially important for flat and low-slope roofs, common on many commercial buildings.

Extend the Life of Your Roof

Regular seasonal maintenance isn’t just about avoiding problems now—it also helps extend the life of your roof overall. When issues are caught and addressed early, your roof performs better and lasts longer.

Book Your Fall Roof Inspection Today

If you haven’t scheduled your fall inspection yet, now is the perfect time. Whether you own a family home, strata property, or commercial building – our experienced team at Cambie Roofing can help make sure your roof is ready for whatever the season brings.

Ignoring Your Roof This Fall Could Cost You This Winter

Cambie Roofing Team — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:31:09 +0000

It’s easy to put off roof maintenance when life gets busy – but ignoring your roof in the fall can lead to serious issues once heavy rains and winter storms roll in.

Small Issues Become Big Problems

A missing shingle or a small leak might not seem urgent – but by the time winter hits, those small problems can quickly turn into costly repairs.

Water Damage Is Expensive

When water seeps into your home, it can damage insulation, drywall, and even your foundation. What starts as a small roof repair can turn into thousands of dollars in interior damage.

Energy Efficiency Suffers

A poorly maintained roof can also affect your home’s insulation. Gaps, leaks, and moisture reduce your energy efficiency, leading to higher heating bills during Vancouver’s colder months.

Peace of Mind Through Prevention

Booking a professional roof inspection in the fall is one of the best ways to avoid winter emergencies. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is protected from storms, leaks, and rising energy costs.

Book Your Inspection With Cambie Roofing

Don’t wait until a leak appears—by then it’s often too late. Schedule your fall roof inspection with Cambie Roofing today and make sure your home is ready for winter.

Is Your Roof Ready for a Vancouver Summer?

Cambie Roofing Team — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:11:50 +0000

The bottom line: if you live in greater Vancouver, your roof takes a beating – and not just in the winter and fall, when rain and snow put your roof to the test. UV exposure, thermal expansion, and the occasional summer storm can all take a toll on your roofing – no matter whether your roof is shingled, flat, or metal.

So the question is: is your roof ready for a Vancouver summer? And what can you, the homeowner, do to make sure it is?

The Summer Stressors

The heat of the sun is harder on your roof than you may realize:

UV Radiation

Though Vancouver’s sunshine is less intense than what you’d find in other areas of BC – such as the Okanagan – consistent exposure to UV rays can still age your roof faster than you might expect. Shingles may dry out, crack, or become brittle, reducing their effectiveness in protecting your home.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Temperature swings—especially warm days followed by cooler nights—can cause roofing materials to expand and contract. Over time, this repeated movement can create small cracks, loosen fasteners, or weaken seals. This is particularly important to remember if your roof is on the older side.

Sudden Summer Storms
Even in the dead of summer, Vancouver is no stranger to the occasional surprise downpour, If your roof has minor vulnerabilities—like missing shingles or clogged gutters (things that may not seem like a big issue when the sun is shining)—these quick, unexpected storms can truly ruin your summer, leading to leaks or water damage inside your home.

What Can You Do?

Before summer hits, it may be worth getting out and giving your roof a quick inspection. For this, we would highly recommend bringing in a professional with the proper safety equipment, training, and an expert eye. If you’re a hardcore DIY-er, however, here are some things you can do:

Start in Your Attic

Even a quick peek inside your attic can tell you a lot. Look for water stains, signs of mold, or daylight coming through where it shouldn’t. Your roof may need immediate attention.

Inspect Your Roof from the Ground

Look for curling shingles, patches of missing granules, moss growth, or anything that looks “off.” You don’t need to climb up—binoculars or even a drone can give you a clear view of your roof’s condition.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts.

Blocked gutters are a drainage nightmare. They can lead to water backing up under your shingles during a summer storm. Make sure downspouts are clear and directing water away from your foundation.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Trees provide shade, but branches that hang over your roof can cause damage in wind or drop debris that accelerates moss and algae growth. Summer is a great time to trim back foliage.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Even if your roof looks fine at a glance, a professional can spot problems early and recommend preventative measures. Look for RCABC-certified contractors (like us!) to ensure high standards and potential warranty benefits.

The Long-Term Payoff

It’s always better – and cheaper! – to maintain your roof than to repair it. If you can stay ahead of summer roof stressors, that could mean fewer emergency repairs and a longer overall lifespan for your roof. Don’t wait until you see water stains on your ceiling. A little preparation now can save a lot of money and stress later.

Need a hand inspecting your roof or preparing it for summertime? We’d love to help you out! We’ve been in business for over 75 years – get in touch today to schedule a consultation!

Why You Should Trim Plants and Trees Away from your Roof

Cambie Roofing Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:44:34 +0000

Why should you trim plants and trees away from your roof? From a health and maintenance perspective, it’s pretty much a no-brainer.

Plants, Trees, and Roofs: A Complicated Relationship

Never underestimate the curb appeal of plants and trees.

Vancouver is well-known for its tree-lined streets and immense greenery; even in its most urbanized areas, Vancouver is full of tall, old trees, widespread parks, and impressive green spaces. The benefits of this green-forward mentality are widespread and numerous – environmentalism, mental health, and recreation are among the most prominent – but one of the main benefits is the curb appeal that a lush landscape lends to your home, not to mention the increased home value that goes hand-in-hand.

That said, all those plants and trees can cause their fair share of problems – especially in regards to your roof. Let’s take a look.

The Drawbacks of Plants and Trees Growing Near Your Roof

When trees and plants encroach too closely on your roof, they can become a costly headache. Overhanging branches, creeping vines, falling leaves – all pose serious risks to your roofing system. Here’s why you should keep plants and trees at a safe distance from your roof—and how to do it right.

Branch Damage

Overhanging branches are one of the biggest culprits of roof damage. Even small branches can scrape against shingles, wearing down protective granules and exposing your roof to leaks. During storms, heavy branches can snap and cause significant structural damage, leading to expensive repairs—or even a full roof replacement. Trees can even fall on houses during particularly nasty storms.

The solution: trim back any branches that hang over your roof. If branches are big or out of reach, call a professional. Ideally, trees should be at least six to ten feet away from your home.

Leaves and Debris Clog Gutters

The more deciduous trees surround your house, the worse it can be. Falling leaves, twigs, and organics can quickly pile up in your gutters, causing clogs, pooling, and water overflow. When water can’t drain properly, it seeps under your shingles, rotting wood and causing mold growth. In winter, trapped water can freeze and create ice dams, leading to even more extensive damage. The best way to combat this is to clean your gutters at least twice a year. Installing gutter guards can also help reduce buildup.

Moss and Algae Thrive in Shaded Areas

Trees that cast too much shade over your roof create the perfect conditions for moss and algae growth. Moss and algae retain moisture and disrupt shingles, which can lead to deterioration and leaks. Moss, in particular, can lift shingles and allow water to seep underneath. The best way to fight moss and algae growth is to trim large trees and plants to ensure that your roof is getting enough sunlight and to remove organic growth as it appears.

Animals Use Branches to Get On Your Roof

Rodents, squirrels, and raccoons use branches as a bridge to get onro your roof.

Once they reach your roof, they can chew through vents, rip up shingles, and make their way into your attic—causing costly infestations. Again, the best way to aboud this problem is to keep branches and vines well away from your home – and to speak to a professional to help look for weak spots.

The Bottom Line

Trees and plants are immensely beneficial to your property, but they shouldn’t put your roof at risk. The good news? It’s still possible to have it both ways! By maintaining a safe distance and keeping up with regular pruning, there’s no reason to avoid having a full, lush landscape. You can protect your roof from costly damage while still enjoying natural greenery. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way in preserving the integrity of your home’s most important shield — your roof.

Need roof maintenance services, inspections, or roofing tips? Get in touch today – and stay tuned for more insights on keeping your home safe and sound!

Cedar Shakes

Cambie Roofing Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:13:59 +0000

In Vancouver, where rainfall conditions mean that homeowners need roofs with above average durability and waterproofing, cedar shakes continue to be a popular choice among homeowners. But what exactly are they, where do they come from, and how do they perform in our often-demanding climate?

What Are Cedar Shakes?

Cedar shakes are a type of roof in which small pieces of cedar lumber are cut and attached to your roof to somewhat resemble shingles – even though cedar shakes and cedar shingles are not the same thing.

The difference? Cedar shakes are cut individually, meaning that a roof made of cedar shakes often showcases a custom-built, irregular look that’s hard to imitate due to the fact that each shake is often a different size. Cedar shingles, however, are milled more precisely and are meant to appear more unified.

A Brief History

Cedar shakes are a staple of roofing (and siding) due to their durability, insulation properties, and their natural, woodsy aesthetic that suits our coastal rainforest climate all too well. Believe it or not, they’ve been used in North American roofing for literal centuries, with roots in early North American settlements wherein indigenous peoples and European settlers relied on the abundant forests of cedar for building materials and tools. The practice of splitting cedar logs into shakes and shingles dates back hundreds of years, particularly in regions rich with Western Red Cedar (such as the Pacific Northwest).

Cedar is popular because it is naturally resistant to decay, has an above-average capacity to withstand extreme weather conditions, and can take in water without rotting. So, as communities grew, the demand for cedar shakes increased, leading to the development of more refined production techniques. Even today, many traditional methods—such as hand-splitting—are still used, although modern sawmills have massively streamlined the process.

What Sets Cedar Shakes Apart?

While often used interchangeably with cedar shingles, cedar shakes have distinct characteristics that set them apart:

Manufacturing Process: Cedar shakes are typically hand-split or sawed from cedar logs, creating a more rugged and textured surface compared to the uniform look of shingles, which are machine-cut.
Thickness and Texture: Shakes tend to be thicker than shingles, with a more irregular and rustic appearance that adds depth and character to a roof.
Durability: Because of their water resistance, thickness, and the way they are split, shakes often have better resistance to wind and impact than their shingle counterparts.

The Benefits of Cedar Shakes

Natural Beauty

One of the biggest benefits of cedar shakes is their visual appeal. Their rich, warm tones and texture give homes a classic, beautiful look that blends incredibly well with Vancouver’s natural surroundings.

Excellent Insulation

Cedar is a naturally insulating material, offering better energy efficiency compared to asphalt shingles. A cedar shake roof helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Durability and Longevity

When properly maintained, cedar shake roofs can last 30 to 50 years. Their natural oils help resist moisture, decay, and insect damage, making them well-suited for the wet conditions of the Pacific Northwest.

Wind and Impact Resistant

The thickness and strength of cedar shakes provide excellent wind resistance, reducing the risk of roof damage during storms.

They Can Be Eco-Friendly

Cedar shakes are a renewable resource when sourced from sustainable forestry operations. Unlike asphalt shingles, which contribute significantly to landfill waste, cedar is biodegradable, making it a more environmentally responsible option overall.

The Cons of Cedar Shakes

Despite their advantages, cedar shakes are not without their own set of drawbacks.

High Initial Cost

Cedar shakes are expensive – more than most other roofing options, including asphalt shingles. The cost of materials and labor can be very steep, especially for high-quality, hand-split shakes. While their longevity does help offset this initial investment, the upfront price can be a big deterrent for some homeowners.

Maintenance Requirements

Cedar shake roofs require regular maintenance to remain in top condition. Without proper care, they can become susceptible to moss, mildew, and rot due to Vancouver’s damp climate. Regular cleaning, sealing, and periodic inspections are essential to prolong their lifespan. All that said, all roofs need maintenance, so you may consider this a small deterrent.

Fire Risk

Although cedar contains natural oils that offer some resistance to decay, it is still a wood product and inherently more flammable than other roofing materials. Fire-resistant treatments can mitigate this risk, but they add to the overall cost.

Susceptibility to Moisture Damage

Cedar’s greatest strength – its capacity to hold water – can also become a great weakness over time. Cedar shakes can soak up water like a sponge, which means they can be affected by prolonged exposure to rain and humidity. Without adequate ventilation and maintenance, cedar shakes may warp, crack, or develop mold over time.

Sustainability Concerns

As demand for sustainable building materials grows, so too have concerns about overharvesting and the environmental impact of cedar logging. Homeowners should make sure that their cedar shakes come from certified sustainable sources to minimize ecological harm.

Synthetic Alternatives

With advancements in roofing technology, synthetic alternatives to cedar shakes have emerged. These materials mimic the look of natural cedar while offering greater durability, fire resistance, and lower maintenance requirements. For Vancouver homeowners who love the aesthetic of cedar shakes but are concerned about upkeep, synthetic roofing materials may provide a viable alternative.

Is a Cedar Shake Roof Right for You?

Cedar shake roofing offers a unique combination of beauty, durability, and eco-friendliness that appeals to many homeowners. However, the high cost and maintenance requirements may not be ideal for everyone.

If you are considering cedar shakes for your home, give us a call! We’d love to help you weigh the benefits and challenges to determine whether this classic material is the best fit for your needs.

The Pros and Cons of Green Roofs

Cambie Roofing Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:12:34 +0000

Green roofs in our daily lives are becoming more and more commonplace. Developers, architects, and even residential homeowners are searching for ways to improve their carbon footprint and provide sustainable (and beautiful) building solutions; green roofs are one of the best ways to do that.

That being said, there are some serious pros and cons to consider about green roofs. Let’s take a look.

Green Roofs: Defining and Understanding How they Work

Simply put: a green roof refers to any roof that intentionally includes vegetation – meaning, sadly, that the moss growing between your shingles doesn’t count!

A green roof can be as simple as a grass roof or as complex as large, physically deep installations featuring trees, gardens, and pathways that look more like a park than a roof. And, while they can be beautiful and functional, there’s a lot to consider before you go that route.

The Pros and Cons of Green Roofs

Believe it or not, green roofs have been around for thousands of years – in one form or another. Research suggests that the practice of growing trees atop buildings dates back to ancient Rome. Sod roofs date back to the middle ages in Scandinavia.

Now, green roofs are becoming more and more common in urban spaces across the world because they offer many environmental, social, aesthetic, and even financial benefits. But are they more beneficial than other kinds of roofs? This blog aims to explain the unique benefits of green roofs while also breaking down the main categories one can choose to install.

Let’s start with the pros.

Pros

Green roofs look great. There are many, many ways to customize your roof, from simple, low growing plants to entire park systems, including full sized plants and even trees. You’ll see these on many apartment buildings in Vancouver, including the library and the courthouse [links].

Green roofs offer great insulation. Even a simple, shallow green roof offers excellent insulating properties, meaning your heating and cooling bills are likely to be lower.

Green roofs are environmentally friendly. They can reduce air pollution, improve air quality, provide natural stormwater management and remediation, cool cities, and improve biodiversity.

Green roofs are socially beneficially. When a green roof is like a park, it can provide a green space for recreation, which helps promote physical activity and social interactions.

Green roofs can increase property value. They improve cub appeal and positively influence the perception of potential buyers.

Cons

All that said, there are certainly some drawbacks to green roofs as well. Let’s take a look.

Green roofs are made of plants, and plants are high maintenance. Even a small sod, sedum, or pollinator green roof requires a great deal of maintenance. If your green roof includes an entire park system, it requires even more. That means hiring a qualified company to take care of the plants, drainage, and membranes.

Green roofs are still roofs, and roofs need all the usual maintenance, too. If you have three feet of soil, grass, plants, and trees on top of your membrane, it’s going to be subject to a lot of wear and tear. Roots from the trees can disrupt membranes and drains, for example, causing massive problems that will cause thousands and thousands of dollars to fix because you’ll have to dig everything up in order to repair any issues, then put it all back when you’re done. This requires the coordination of many different contractors over an extended timeline.

Green roofs are expensive. Installation, maintenance, repairs, landscaping – the list goes on. The larger the green roof, the more costly it is,

What’s left to consider?

Just ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the costs. Green roofs offer many, many benefits – socially, environmentally, and aesthetically, but they also have plenty of drawbacks.

It’s also worth checking local bylaws and guidelines. Many cities, including Vancouver, have begun to mandate green roof installations for buildings of a certain type and size. It’s easy to see why by the environmental benefits alone, but, like most things, a lot of research is needed if you want to decide for yourself!

Got any questions?

To be clear: at Cambie Roofing, we do not install green roofs. However, we can certainly help with membrane repairs and inspections wheen needed. Get in touch with us for more information – we’d love to hear from you!

The Science of Slopes: Why Your Roof Needs to Have a Proper Slope

Cambie Roofing Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:01:33 +0000

If you live in (or near) Vancouver, you’re no stranger to heavy rain and seasonal snowfall, making a well-installed roof a vital part of protecting your home or building. You’re no doubt aware that any roof – even a “flat” roof – must still be installed with some sort of slope.

Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or strata manager, understanding why roof slope matters can save you from costly repairs and structural issues down the line.

The Importance of Roof Slope

Roof slope—also known as pitch—determines how efficiently water and snow can drain off your roof. A properly sloped roof helps prevent leaks, structural damage, and excessive wear on roofing materials. The wrong slope can lead to ponding water, ice buildup, and an increased risk of leaks – especially in a climate like Vancouver’s.

If you’re getting a new roof, it’s extremely important to be aware of local and federal building codes – both of which have a minimum slope requirement.

Minimum Slope Requirements

First things first: it’s important for you to know that flat roof systems, such as TPO, torch-on, or EPDM, are never truly flat. This is especially important to know if you’re a residential or commercial building manager, because commercial and industrial roofs are much more likely to utilize a flat roofing system than shingles or metal roof.

What does that mean? It means that the material you choose to install your roof with dictates what slope you need to have, because different roofing materials have specific slope requirements to function effectively. Canadian building code generally recommends a minimum slope of 2:12 (2 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run) for low-slope roofs, but this depends on the roofing material. For example:

Asphalt shingles require at least a 2:12 slope, though most manufacturers recommend 4:12 for optimal performance.
Metal roofing can function effectively with as low as a ¼:12 slope, making it ideal for modern, low-slope designs.
Flat roofing systems (such as torch-on, EPDM, or TPO membranes) require a minimum of ¼:12

All that said, there is also a maximum allowable slope for roofs. While a steeper roof helps with drainage, too much slope can present other challenges:

Installation complexity – Steeper roofs require more specialized labor, equipment, and safety standards for roofers, which increases installation and maintenance costs.
Wind resistance – Excessively steep roofs aree more vulnerable to high winds, which can be a factor in certain exposed areas of Vancouver.
Material limitations – Some roofing materials are less likely to physically adhere to a steep roof over the long term.

Choosing the Right Roof for Your Property

Different buildings require different roof designs. Homeowners often opt for gable or hip roofs with slopes ranging from 4:12 to 12:12 for maximum durability. Business owners and strata managers may prefer low-slope or flat roofing systems to maximize usable space while ensuring proper drainage through tapered insulation or built-in slope design.

How Can We Help?

The right roof slope is very important for protecting your property from a wet climate – especially if you’re a commercial or industrial building manager. Making sure you have the proper minimum slope will save you money on repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof. If you’re unsure whether your roof’s slope is adequate, we’d be happy to help! Get in touch to speak with a professional about fixing and issues with your roof’ slope – including ponding, pooling, and more.

Roofing Colours

Cambie Roofing Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 02:51:07 +0000

Let’s be honest: how often do you see a roof colour other than grey, brown, or black?

Even here in Vancouver, where many older homes boast bright paint colours like pink, green, or blue, it’s rare that a homeowner will elect to choose a bold, colourful roof – even though they do exist.

What you may not be aware of, however, is that roof colour can affect more than just the overall aesthetics of your home.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

If you’re getting your home re-roofed, colour is likely one of the last things on your mind. You’re busy finding the right contractor, finding the right budget, and choosing a timeline for the work to be completed. At this point, why should you be thinking about anything other than price?

Most homeowners, when given the option to choose their colour, probably quickly opt for a “generic” colour like grey or black – which makes perfect sense! There’s nothing wrong with choosing the most reliable, common colour. After all, there’s a good reason it’s so popular: it’s functional and looks good without drawing attention to itself or drawing your eye away from other elements of the home.

However, there are more factors to consider other than looks.

The DIfference that Colour Makes

There’s no straightforward answer to which colour is “best” – or even if one colour is significantly better than another. What makes a bigger difference in properties is whether the colour you’re choosing is light or dark. Here are some of the properties you can expect from both – good or bad!

Dark Colours

A dark-coloured roof, such as brown, black dark gray, dark brown, green, blue, etc, is a classic choice for a shingled or cedar roof. Darker colours absorb more of the sun’s heat, which can increase indoor temperatures. Great for winter, not so great for summertime!

Dark roofs can also contribute to the urban heat island effect in urban areas like Vancouver, which sees overall temperatures rising in cities due to roofs and concrete surfaces absorbing and retaining heat.

Light colours

Lighter colours, such as light brown and grey, reflect more sunlight, which helps keep your indoor spaces cooler in the summer, but lack the insulating properties offered by dark colours that benefit you in the winter. A lighter roof is perfect for a warm client, as they can help save you air conditioning costs. They’re also likely to help minimize heat buildup in urban areas.

Material Considerations

If you’re looking into something other than shingles or cedar shakes, such as metal or synthetic materials, there are a few other considerations that transcend your colour choice:

Asphalt shingles: Typically absorb more heat, but lighter shades with reflective granules are more reflective.

Metal roofing: Naturally reflective, but darker metal roofs still absorb more heat than lighter ones.

Clay & concrete tiles: Are often naturally insulating and available in energy-efficient light colors.

Synthetic roofing: Some high-tech synthetic materials incorporate reflective properties regardless of color.

Other things to consider

First and foremost: if you’re considering colourful shingles (such as green, red, or blue), you should expect that you’ll likely have to pay more for them since they’re often considered a designer product. And remember that, whatever colour you’re considering, the colour itself makes little difference to the function of the roof, but take a close look at whether the colour you’re consider

Remember also: a shingle’s colour is not a stand-in for proper insulation and well-installed roof. A darker shingle colour will certainly help keeping your house warmer, but if your roof isnt insulated and installed properly, it makes no difference whatsoever.

How Can We Help?

We’d love to help guide you in your install process! Get in touch with us if you need anything – our team is knowledgeable and well-trained and ready to help you anytime. We look forward to hearing from you

Roof Inspections: What’s the Difference Between Blistering and Alligatoring?

Cambie Roofing Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 02:43:02 +0000

Blistering and alligatoring are two of the most common problems that plague Vancouver roofs (of any kind), but most people aren’t sure what they look like – or what the difference is.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Blistering and Alligatoring on Vancouver Roofs

Here in rainy Vancouver, regular roof maintenance is key to keeping your homes, businesses, and possessions dry. It can be easy to forget that a roof, like any other part of your house, requires regular maintenance, care, and inspections. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.

Perhaps a larger problem, though, is that many homeowners and property managers don’t even know how to maintain or inspect their roof – or even what to look for once they’re up there. You can check out our other blog post about roof maintenance here, but today, let’s take an in-depth look at two specific problems that often plague Vancouver home and business owners, offering guidance on how to recognize, identify, and solve it.

Inspecting Your Roof

First, a quick plug: we highly, highly recommend having a professional perform your roof inspections. Not only are professionals trained to spot things that the average person would not, we’re also able to offer advice on how to fix it and ideas for next steps. If you need any assistance with a roof inspection, please get in touch! It’s all about proactive damage prevention, and having a roof inspection done properly can minimize or eliminate costly repairs down the road.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk safety. Inspecting a roof can be tricky and time consuming, depending on the size of your roof. Slopes, shingles, steep drops, and ease of access all add dimensions of difficulty – and danger – to the overall process. It’s important to remember that inspecting a roof can be dangerous. Remember to adhere strictly to all necessary safety precautions when on your roof.

If your roof has a steep slope or leading edges, you might want to consider hiring a professional company to perform periodic inspections on your behalf. Any good company has the safety equipment, qualifications, and insurance to perform safe and efficient inspections and maintenance.

That said, if you elect to do it yourself, make sure you use proper safety gear, such as non-slip shoes, a safety harness, and a sturdy ladder (which you should inspect for cracks or damage before using). If the roof is wet or icy, best to wait for another day.

Now, without further ado, here’s a guide on the difference between blistering and alligatoring.

Blistering and Alligatoring: Recognizing the Differences

Blistering

Blistering refers to when bubbles appear in your roof membrane. It can occur on any type of low-slope, flat roofing, or conventional roofing system, but it usually happens beneath the membrane of a flat roof. They get their name due to their resemblance to – you guessed it! – actual blisters. They are pockets of air or moisture that have become trapped, and the more they expand and stretch over time, the worse the problem is likely to become because when a membrane stretches, it can’t be un-stretched.

Blisters are typically caused by:

Poor installation. This is by far the most common reason for blisters to appear. If your installer hasn’t used enough adhesive, blisters can form over time.

Moisture. Condensation, poor drainage, pooling water, or leaks can lead to water getting trapped beneath the membrane.

Temperature changes. As temperatures change, your roof will expand and contract, adding stress to the roofing material and causing blisters.

Substrate. Debris or contaminants that have found their way into the underlying surface can cause weak spots, which bubble up as time passes.

Preventing Blisters through Maintenance

If you have a new roof, one of the best ways to prevent or limit blistering going forward is to simply keep the roof clean. If you have trees nearby, remove leaves as much as possible. If you have plants growing near or on your house, trim them away in order to prevent their foliage from clogging gutters, drains and downspouts.

And, if you see that a blister has already formed, do your best to limit foot traffic. Someone stepping on a blister can cause it to pop, in which case you’ll need to have it repaired immediately before leaks occur.

When to Call a Roofer to Fix a Blister

In general, a blister isn’t an emergency and doesn’t need to be repaired right away. That said, we recommend keeping a very close eye on it, or even calling a professional to assess if you’re unsure. However, the following types of blisters should be repaired immediately.

-Roof blisters in seams

-Blisters that have broken open

-Blisters with cracking around it

-Blisters in high-traffic areas

-Widespread blister formation on your roof

Alligatoring

Much like blistering, alligatoring is exactly what it sounds like, referring to networks of cracks that appear in the surface of your roofing that resemble an alligator’s skin.

Alligatoring, simply put, is a sign that your roof is aging. The longer any item is exposed to the elements, the worse shape it’ll be in, and your roof is no different. Prolonged exposure to rain, wind, sun, and snow causes the coating of your roof to develop small cracks, which spread over time – and can spread across your entire roof if left unchecked.

If left unfixed, alligatoring not only looks bad – it can allow water to seep slowly into your home or building. Moreover, it can cause problems with energy efficiency and proper insulation

Alligatoring can be caused by:

Sun exposure. During hot summers, a roof’s exposure to UV light causes it to dry out. Without regular maintenance, roofing materials will split and crack like the earth under the desert sun.

Temperature fluctuations. Extreme shifts in temperature can cause the roofing material to expand and contract, leading to cracking and alligatoring.

Poor installation. Roofs that hold areas of water, known as ponding, can lead to increased alligatoring due to the water on the roof surface heating up and migrating through the membrane. This can be especially problematic in Vancouver’s climate, which often gets rain even in the summer.

Preventing Alligatoring through Maintenance

By keeping up with your inspections and maintenance – and calling a professional roofer when necessary – you can stay on top of any problems that alligatoring may cause. The best way to prevent cracks from spreading is to get in touch with a roofing company, who can apply a primer to the area to help prevent further cracking.

What Can We Do?

As we said above, inspections and maintenance can be tricky, and we’d love to help you in any way we can. Our techs and inspectors are very professional and have a trained eye for these issues. Get in touch today!