Roofing Red flags: What every homeowner should know!

Because some things on a roof are funny… until they’re not.

Welcome to Elevra’s little corner of “what in the roofing world is going on up there?”

These are real examples found right here in our community — and while we keep things lighthearted, the lessons will protect your home (and your wallet) from some very not-so-funny problems.

Below are the most common roofing red flags we encounter, what they mean, and why they matter.

Laugh a little… learn a lot… and if you spot any of these on your own roof, just call us. We’ve seen it all.

1. The Great Shingle Overhang:

When 2 Inches Is 2 Inches Too Much

A 2-inch overhang might be perfectly acceptable on Uncle Johnny’s belly after Christmas dinner —

But on your roof, it’s a ticket to wind damage, lifted shingles, and a manufacturer warranty saying,

“nope… you’re on your own.”

Proper overhang should sit somewhere between ¼” and ¾”.

When shingles stretch out like they’re trying to escape the house, wind catches them like sails, water channels backward, and suddenly your roof is doing impressions of a badly installed roller coaster.

Why it matters:

• High wind vulnerability

• Water intrusion

• Voided warranty

• Shingles saying “goodbye forever” in storm season

Elevra installs your shingles by the book and then some, because tomorrow’s roof shouldn’t be hanging on by a thread… or by an extra inch and a half.

2. Roof Ventilation:

When A Roof Starts Looking Like Swiss Cheese

So many vents, so little air flow!

Some roofs have so many vents that you start counting them like constellation stars.

North Vent, South Vent, East Vent… “Is that Orion’s Belt or just three turtle vents in a row?”

Too many vents — or vents installed without a proper airflow plan — can actually cancel each other out, creating competing air currents that do absolutely nothing to cool your attic or extend your shingle life.

Meanwhile, your roof looks like someone got carried away with a hole punch.

Why it matters:

• Shortens shingle lifespan

• Causes heat buildup

• Voids warranty

• Leads to moisture problems and mold

• Costs you more in energy

Elevra assesses your airflow like roofing meteorologists —

so your roof breathes properly, not chaotically.

3. The case of the missing Drip Edge:

The Silent Destroyer of Fascia Boards

Drip edge is one of the cheapest pieces of roofing material — yet missing it can cost homeowners thousands.

Without it, rainwater curls back under the shingle, saturates the fascia, and quietly rots your wood from the inside out.

It’s basically the “slow burn horror movie” of roofing issues.

If your drip edge is missing, installed wrong, or looks like it was borrowed from a 1970s tool shed…

your roof is inviting water to a party it absolutely shouldn’t be hosting.

Why it matters:

• Fascia rot

• Soffit damage

• Hidden water intrusion

• Pest entry points

• Reduced roof lifespan

Elevra includes drip edge on every single roof, because it’s not optional — it’s foundational.

4. Shingle Quality:

When Cheap Roofs Age Like Milk, Not Wine

Here’s a fun fact: A properly installed, premium shingle roof at 10 years old should still look great — confident, composed, maybe a little wiser…

kind of like someone named Michael or Tammy.

Cheap shingles at the same age?

They often look like they’ve lived through six hurricanes, a forest fire, and three seasons of a reality show they never signed up for.

You’ll see:

• Curling

• Cracking

• Bald spots

• Granule loss

• Early leaks

• “I’m only 10 but feel 50” energy

Why it matters:

• Cheap roofs cost more long-term

• Insurance claims get complicated

• Energy efficiency drops

• Water intrusion risks skyrocket

At Elevra, we install materials engineered for Vancouver Island’s moss, rain, wind, and sideways weather — because you deserve a roof that ages gracefully, not dramatically.

Final Word: Don’t Ignore the Red Flags

Every one of these issues starts small… until suddenly they aren’t.

If something on your roof doesn’t look quite right, or you just want a professional (and friendly) inspection, Elevra is here to help. We combine building science, storm restoration expertise, and a dash of humor — because protecting your home doesn’t have to be stressful.

Need peace of mind? A second opinion? A roof that lasts?

Reach out to Elevra Roofing.

Tomorrow’s roof starts today.