When inspecting their roofs for damage, most homeowners know how to spot the warning signs of ageing asphalt shingles. When shingles start to curl up, crack, and lose their grit, most people understand that this means it is time to call a local Toronto roofing company to have their roof replaced.

But what many don’t know is that shingles are only one component of a roof system, and even if the shingles look fine, other parts of the roof may be letting in damaging leaks. If you are planning a full inspection of your roof this spring to make sure it is still in good condition, here are the three biggest problem areas you should make a point of monitoring:

Gutters

Gutters play a vital role in channelling water away from the foundation of your house. Without effective gutters, water will simply run off the roof and pool beside external walls, seeping into the soil, leaking into your basement, and eventually causing your foundation to crumble.

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year (once in the spring, once in the fall), and it is also important to check whether or not the gutter troughs have started to pull away from the roof itself. If you have noticed problems with your gutters, it is a good idea to hire expert roof repair services you can count on to deal with it, as installing new gutters is often more complicated than it seems.

Soffit and Fascia

Soffit and Fascia may seem to simply be decorative flourishes designed to give your roof cleaner lines and to make the connection between roof and house more seamless. But they are actually an essential part of the roof system, one that ensures that water and moisture don’t reach the roof deck or the roof beams.

When they are working well, soffit boards provide good ventilation and keep water from blowing back inside the attic; fascia, in turn, protects the ends of the roof beams, extending the life of your house. When inspecting your roof for problem areas this spring, make sure the soffit and fascia show no signs of rot, and if the paint is starting to flake, considering giving them a new coat.

Flashing

Roof flashing provides a vital extra layer of protection for the joints of your house. You’ll find it wherever different parts of the roof are meeting: in valley gutters, along with chimneys and plumbing stacks, and beside dormer windows.

Because flashing is made from aluminum or other kinds of metal, it may not need to be replaced every time the house is re-roofed. But over time, wear and tear can cause flashing to puncture and rip, which is why it important to check that damaged flashing isn’t compromising the integrity of your roof.

A roof is a complex system, and in order to keep your house dry, all the different components of a roof need to be working in concert. This is why it is important not to take any chances with your home: when inspecting your roof, check that the gutters, soffit and fascia, and flashing are all in good condition this spring.