5 Signs Your Kelowna Home Needs a Roof Inspection

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against Kelowna’s harsh weather conditions – from scorching summer heat to heavy winter snowfall. But how do you know when it’s time to call in the professionals for an inspection?

As a local Kelowna roofing company, we’ve seen it all. Catching roof problems early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent serious damage to your home’s interior. Here are five telltale signs that your Kelowna home needs a roof inspection right away.

1. Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles

Take a walk around your property and look up at your roof.
Do you notice any shingles that are:

• Missing entirely
• Cracked or broken
• Curling at the edges
• Covered in granules (looks like dark patches)

Kelowna’s intense summer sun and UV exposure can cause shingles to deteriorate faster than in other parts of BC. When shingles start failing, your roof becomes vulnerable to water infiltration, especially during spring melt or sudden rainstorms.

What to do: Even a few damaged shingles can lead to bigger problems. Schedule an inspection to assess the extent of the damage before the next weather event hits.

2. Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls

Notice any brown or yellow stains on your ceiling, especially near the roofline? This is often the first visible sign of a roof leak.
Water stains can appear in:

• Attic spaces
• Upper-floor ceilings
• Around chimneys or skylights
• Near exterior walls

In Kelowna, roof leaks often develop during spring when melting snow and ice dams cause water to back up under shingles. Even small leaks can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage if left unchecked.
Important: If you see water stains, don’t wait. The damage you can see inside is usually just the tip of the iceberg.

3. Sagging Roof Deck

A sagging roofline is a serious red flag that requires immediate attention. If you notice any dips, sags, or uneven areas on your roof, this could indicate:

• Water damage to the roof decking
• Structural problems with rafters or supports
• Excessive weight from snow accumulation
• Age-related deterioration

Given Kelowna’s significant snowfall in winter months, snow load can stress an already weakened roof structure. A sagging roof isn’t just an aesthetic issue – it’s a safety concern that needs urgent professional evaluation.

4. Granules in Your Gutters

When cleaning your gutters (or after a heavy rain), check for asphalt granules that look like coarse, dark sand. These granules protect your shingles from UV damage and weathering.
Losing granules is normal as roofs age, but excessive granule loss means:

• Your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan
• UV protection is compromised
• Your roof is more vulnerable to Kelowna’s intense summer sun

If your gutters and downspouts are consistently full of granules, especially if your roof is over 15 years old, it’s time for a professional assessment.

5. Your Roof is Over 20 Years Old

Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, age matters. Most asphalt shingle roofs in Kelowna last 20-25 years, depending on:

• Quality of original installation
• Exposure to weather extremes
• Maintenance history
• Ventilation quality

Kelowna’s climate – with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters – can accelerate roof aging. If you’re not sure when your roof was last replaced, or if you know it’s approaching the 20-year mark, a proactive inspection can help you plan and budget for replacement before an emergency strikes.

Why Regular Roof Inspections Matter in Kelowna

Our Okanagan climate presents unique challenges for roofing systems:

• Summer heat can reach 35°C+, causing shingles to crack and become brittle
• Winter snow loads stress your roof structure and create ice dams
• Rapid temperature fluctuations cause expansion and contraction that loosens fasteners
• Wildfire risk makes ember-resistant roofing and maintenance critical
• Hailstorms, while infrequent, can cause significant damage in minutes

Regular inspections catch small problems before they become expensive disasters. Most insurance companies also require proof of proper maintenance if you need to file a claim.

What Happens During a Professional Roof Inspection?

A thorough roof inspection includes:

• Exterior examination of shingles, flashing, valleys, and roof penetrations
• Structural assessment checking for sagging, damage, or wear
• Attic inspection looking for leaks, ventilation issues, and insulation problems
• Gutter and drainage evaluation ensuring water flows away properly
• Detailed report with photos, findings, and recommendations

Professional inspections typically take 45-90 minutes and can identify issues invisible from the ground.

Don’t Wait for a Leak – Schedule Your Free Inspection Today

At Big Guns Roofing, we’ve been protecting Kelowna homes for over 15 years. We understand the unique challenges of Okanagan roofing and provide honest, thorough inspections with no pressure.
We’re currently offering FREE roof inspections for Kelowna homeowners.

Our certified inspectors will:

✓ Thoroughly examine your entire roofing system
✓ Provide a detailed written report with photos
✓ Answer all your questions
✓ Give you honest recommendations (repair vs. replace)
✓ Provide a free, no-obligation quote if work is needed

Ready to Get Peace of Mind About Your Roof?

Call us today at 604-774-8769 or fill out our online form to schedule your free inspection.
Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a major expense. Whether you need a simple repair or complete replacement, we’ll give you the straight facts about your roof’s condition.

Serving Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, and the Central Okanagan. Licensed, bonded, and insured. 15+ years of local roofing experience.