/ The Danger of Damage

Don't Wait—Damaged Shingles Lead to Expensive Water Damage

Asphalt shingles are your home's first line of defense against Ottawa's rain, snow, and ice. The moment one fails, water finds its way in.

A single missing shingle might seem minor. It's not. Within days, water soaks into your roof deck and insulation. Within weeks, you have mold growing in your attic. Within months, you're facing $5,000+ in water damage repairs.

This happens fast in Ottawa because:

Our freeze-thaw cycles crack shingles and create gaps
Ice dams force water backward under shingles
Spring and summer storms rip shingles away
UV damage from intense sun weakens the seal

The difference between a $400 shingle repair today and a $15,000 water damage repair next year is just a phone call.

Get a Free Inspection

The Most Common Asphalt Shingle Problems We See in Ottawa

Missing Shingles

Looks like: Large gaps exposing roof deck

Why it happens: High winds, ice/snow loads in winter, summer storms

CRITICAL

Cracked Shingles

Looks like: Visible splits or tears

Why it happens: Freeze-thaw cycles, extreme temperature swings, age (10+ years)

HIGH

Curling Shingles

Looks like: Edges curl up from surface

Why it happens: Sun damage, moisture trapped underneath, poor ventilation

MEDIUM-HIGH

Bald Spots (Granule Loss)

Looks like: Shingles look worn, smooth, faded

Why it happens: Normal aging, hail damage, water sitting on surface

MEDIUM

Lifted or Buckled Shingles

Looks like: Shingles don't lie flat

Why it happens: Ice dams, moisture buildup in attic, inadequate ventilation

HIGH

Loose Fasteners

Looks like: Shingles move or flap

Why it happens: Wind exposure, improper installation, age

MEDIUM

How to Know Your Asphalt Shingles Need Attention

On the Roof

Visible missing, cracked, or split shingles
Shingles that look faded or weathered compared to surrounding area
Shingles curling at the edges or center
Shingles that appear lifted or bubbled
Large amounts of black granules visible on roof surface

In Your Attic

Water stains or wet wood
Damp insulation
Mold or mildew smell
Daylight visible through cracks

Inside Your Home

Water stains on ceilings or upper walls
Peeling paint near roofline
Soft spots on walls adjacent to roof
Musty smell in rooms below roof

In Your Gutters

Large quantities of black granules (like coarse sand)
Shingle fragments
Gutters pulling away from roofline

Our Expert Asphalt Shingle Repair Process

1

Free, Detailed Inspection

We examine your entire roof, not just the damaged area. We identify all problem shingles, check the underlying roof deck, and assess your attic ventilation. We take photos and explain exactly what we see. Cost: Free

2

Clear Quote

You'll get a written estimate that breaks down which shingles need replacement, whether the underlying deck needs repair, material costs, labor, timeline, and any additional issues we found. No surprises. No hidden fees.

3

Material Matching

If your roof is less than 15 years old, we'll match your existing shingle brand, color, and style so repairs blend seamlessly. If your shingles are discontinued, we'll find the closest match.

4

Professional Installation

Our crews remove damaged shingles carefully to avoid damaging the underlying deck. We inspect the deck for damage. We install new shingles using roofing cement, proper fastener placement, and technique that meets manufacturer specifications.

5

Clean-Up & Inspection

We sweep the entire work area, collect all old nails and debris, and inspect our work before we leave. We also use a magnet to check for any stray fasteners in your yard.

6

Your Satisfaction

We walk through the job with you. If anything isn't right, we fix it immediately. Timeline: Most asphalt shingle repairs are completed in 1 day or less.

How to Decide: Repair or Full Roof Replacement?

When Repair Is All You Need

Your roof is 10 years old, a storm knocked off 4 shingles in one area, the underlying deck is solid, and this is your first issue. Repair is the smart choice.

When Replacement Is Necessary

Your roof is 22 years old, you've had three separate leak repairs in the past 18 months in different areas, and your attic shows moisture buildup and mold. Your roof has reached end of life—replacement is the answer.

Not Sure? We'll Tell You Honestly

We don't recommend replacements to boost profits. If your roof can be fixed with a repair, that's what we'll recommend. Our 35 years of experience means we know which roofs have life left and which ones don't.

Why Ottawa Weather is Tough on Asphalt Shingles

The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Ottawa experiences 50+ freeze-thaw cycles per winter. Water gets into tiny cracks in shingles, freezes, expands, and cracks the shingle further. By spring, you have new damage you didn't have in fall.

Ice Dams

When attic heat melts snow on your roof, water runs down until it hits the cold edge and freezes. This ice dam forces water backward under your shingles—directly onto your roof deck. Even intact shingles can't prevent this water intrusion.

UV Damage

Summer sun in Ottawa is intense. It hardens asphalt shingles, making them brittle and prone to cracking. Combined with freeze-thaw cycles, UV damage accelerates shingle failure.

Heavy Wet Snow

Our spring storms drop 10-20+ cm of wet, heavy snow. This weight stresses shingles and their fasteners. Poorly installed roofs or roofs with weak fasteners fail under this load.

What This Means

Ottawa homes need more frequent shingle inspections and repairs than homes in milder climates. What would be a 30-year roof in Texas might only last 20 years in Ottawa. This isn't poor quality—it's climate reality.

Our Solution

We size roof repairs to survive Ottawa winters. We use roofing cement rated for freeze-thaw cycling, proper fastener placement, and ventilation improvements to reduce ice dams.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does asphalt shingle repair cost?

A single shingle replacement costs $75–$150 depending on location and difficulty. Most repairs involving 2-10 shingles run $300–$800. Storm damage repairs might cost more. The only way to know is a free inspection. Call (343) 321-0218 or get your free estimate online.

Can I just leave it? Does one missing shingle really matter?

Yes, it matters. Water will find that gap. You might not see leaking for a few weeks, but inside your roof, water is soaking insulation and rotting wood. By the time you notice a stain on your ceiling, you have a big problem. Fix it immediately.

Will the new shingles match my old ones?

Usually, yes. If your roof is relatively new, we source matching shingles from the original manufacturer. If your shingles are older and discontinued, we find the closest match. There may be a slight color difference as shingles fade over time—this is normal and will blend within 6-12 months of weathering.

How long will the repair last?

If done correctly, a shingle repair should last as long as the rest of your roof—another 10-20 years depending on your roof's age and condition. We use proper installation techniques and roofing cement to ensure longevity. We don't take shortcuts.

Should I get my whole roof replaced if there's damage?

Not necessarily. If your roof is 10-12 years old, in otherwise good condition, and you have isolated damage, a repair is fine. If your roof is 20+ years old and you're seeing multiple problems, replacement makes sense. We'll give you an honest recommendation.

Why Ottawa Homeowners Trust Burnham Brothers With Their Roofs

⭐

35 Years of Experience

We've repaired thousands of Ottawa roofs. We know what works in our climate.

✓

BP Platinum Installer

We're certified by BP Canada, one of the largest roofing manufacturers. We install to manufacturer specs.

💼

Honest Assessments

We tell you what you actually need—not what makes us the most profit.

⚡

Fast Service

Roof damage can't wait. We respond quickly and complete most repairs in 1 day.

💰

Fair Pricing

No surprises. You get a quote before work starts and pay exactly that price.

🛡️

Quality Materials

We use premium shingles from trusted manufacturers like BP, not cheap alternatives.

📋

Licensed & Insured

Full liability coverage and WSIB compliance. You're protected.

🧹

We Clean Up

Your property looks better than when we arrived. No debris, no nails in your lawn.

Asphalt Shingle Damage? We'll Fix It Fast