Getting new shingles should be a source of comfort but what if
your roof is still leaking after it was replaced recently? A leaky roof
with new shingles is annoying and baffling for a lot of homeowners.
Straight Path Construction receives many calls from Calgary
homeowners wondering why their newly installed roof is leaking. The
reality is, that shingles are just half of a total roof system. Here at
this blog, we will tell you a few reasons your roof could still be
leaking, and how you can resolve it.
Poor Installation Practices
Even with the finest materials, a bad installation can cause roof leaks.
If shingles aren’t aligned properly, nailed, or sealed, water can seep
underneath and into your home. Contractors are sometimes in a hurry
or cut corners leaving out vital steps such as underlayment, flashing,
or ventilation. At Straight Path Construction, we adhere to strict guidelines
to ensure each roof gets installed right the first time.
Flashing Problems Around Chimneys and Vents
Flashing is a thin metal that goes around chimneys, skylights, vents,
and roof lines to prevent water from entering. If flashing is installed
or sealed incorrectly, it can leave openings where water will readily
seep through even on new shingles. Flashing is one of the most
frequently occurring weak points in a roof. Our installers check all flashing
thoroughly during each installation to avoid future issues.
Blocked Gutters or Ice Dams
A leak is not necessarily coming from your shingles. Blocked gutters
or ice dams can push water under your shingles and into your roof.
This is particularly prevalent in Calgary’s winter weather, where snow
and ice accumulate rapidly. Keeping your gutters clear and your attic
well-insulated can help ice dams from forming and keep your new roof dry.
Damaged Roof Decking
If your deck underneath the shingles (roof decking) was damaged before
the new shingle installation, it could still be letting moisture penetrate.
Patching up old or rotten wood with fresh shingles is like putting a
Band-Aid over a cracked bone; it won’t cure the problem. At Straight
Path Construction, we inspect the entire roof structure before new
material installation to ensure that it is stable and water-tight.
Ventilation and Moisture Issues
Inadequate ventilation in your attic can generate excess heat and
moisture. This makes condensation occur on the bottom of your roof,
which may appear to be a leak. With time, it can cause mold, rot, or
water stains. Adequate airflow is essential to a dry, healthy roof. We
check ventilation as part of every roofing project and recommend
if adjustments are necessary.
Final Thought
A new roof should be a clean slate not the start of a new set of
problems. If your roof leaks following recent shingle installation,
don’t turn a blind eye. There could be an underlying problem that wasn’t
caught during installation. Straight Path Construction approaches
roofing as a full-system venture and ensures all aspects from shingles
to flashing to ventilation are done correctly.
Contact us Now
Concerned about a leak in your new roof?
Call Straight Path Construction or visit our website to book your free
roof inspection in Calgary. We’ll find the cause and fix it the right way guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my new roof still leaking?
Leaks can happen even with new shingles if there are mistakes during
installation, flashing issues, or hidden damage to the roof deck. It’s
important to inspect the entire roofing system—not just the surface.
Can poor flashing lead to roof leaks?
Yes. Flashing closes gaps around chimneys, vents, and skylights. It
can permit water to enter if it’s not well-installed or sealed, even
if the shingles are new and unbroken.
Is attic ventilation possibly the issue?
Yes. Inadequate attic ventilation can lead to heat and moisture buildup,
causing condensation and water stains that appear like leaks.
Proper air circulation prevents this.
Can Straight Path Construction check my leaky roof?
Yes! We provide Calgary a free roof inspections. We inspect from shingles
to flashing to ventilation to locate and correct the actual source of leaks.
Will you repair roofs installed by another contractor?
Yes. If someone else installed your roof and it’s leaking, we’re happy
to come take a look and tell you the best course of action. We’ll correct
the issue, not cover it up.
