8 Most Common Home Exterior Issues for GTA Homeowners
(Plus, Next Steps)
Figure out the problem
Noticed something unusual about your roof? Or, maybe you spotted watermarks on the ceiling?
Before calling a contractor, it's important that you understand what you might actually be seeing.
After all, some issues might be temporary and minor, while others might be warning signs you shouldn't ignore.
Either way, being informed first will help you make the right decision for your home or business.
We've put together this quick guide to help you narrow down the root cause of the problem, so you can understand what's happening and take the right steps with confidence.
Here are some of the most common issues our clients in the Greater Toronto Area face with roofs, skylights, eavestroughs, soffts & fascias, and siding.
01 Water Damage on Ceilings
02 Missing Asphalt Shingles
Watermarks and/or peeling on the ceiling usually mean water might be finding a way through your roof.
Common causes include:
→ missing or damaged shingles
→ an improperly sealed attic vent
→ poor nail placements that allow water to seep in
→ a roof slope issue that causes water to pool
Next Step: Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either.
When left unchecked, even small leaks can lead to more extensive and costly damage over time.
If you’re seeing these signs, it’s best to have an experienced, licensed contractor inspect the roof to identify the source and stop the leak properly.
A professional roof inspection typically includes a hands-on assessment, photos of concern areas, and a clear plan to address the issue. Each step is explained, so you know exactly what’s happening and why.
If you're seeing a bald patch on your roof with plywood peaking through, you're missing shingles.
In Ontario, missing shingles are usually the result of high winds and storm damage.
What matters most is how long they've been missing and whether the plywood underneath was exposed long enough to start rotting. Catching it early can prevent bigger problems down the road.
Next Step: Book a consultation. Most shingle repairs can be completed the same day, keeping disruptions to a minimum.
Our asphalt shingle repair costs typically range from $250 to $750 plus HST, depending on how many shingles are missing.
If the plywood underneath is damaged, a replacement may be required. We'll discuss your options and agree on the best approach before any work begins.
03 Skylight Leaks and Condensation
Skylights and sun tunnels are a beautiful way to bring in natural light, but they can also cause water leaks or condensation if they aren't installed or maintained properly.
You might notice:
→ water stains on the ceiling or walls near the skylight
→ pooling water after rain
→ persistent condensation on the glass
→ mold or mildew forming around the skylight
→ drafts that make the room feel colder
Next Step: Check the seals and flashing around the skylight for wear, and ensure the room has proper ventilation.
If you're unsure about the cause, it's best to book an inspection with a qualified contractor. They can identify the problem and recommend the safest, most effective solution for your home.
04 High Energy Bills and Changing Temperatures
Most homeowners assume higher heating or cooling costs mean their doors and windows are leaking.
But often, our clients are surprised to find the culprit is something else entirely.
Increased energy bills can also be caused by:
→ skylights without energy-efficient features
→ poor attic ventilation that traps heat
→ gaps, cracks, or holes in siding letting warm or cool air escape
→ water-damaged or saturated insulation
→ lack of shading on skylights, causing unwanted heat gain
Next Step: Start by checking your attic insulation, vents, siding, and skylight features. Make sure there isn't any exterior damage allowing water to enter your home.
Keep an eye on your energy bills, note rooms that feel unusually hot or cold, and document any drafts or water stains. This will help you better understand what's happening before calling us.
05 Leaking Gutters
If gutters (eavestroughs) aren't guiding water away from your home or business properly, there are a few common reasons why.
Common causes of leaky gutters:
→ worn or aged adhesive between joints
→ debris clogging downpipes and causing overflow
→ improper sloping, causing water to seep toward your home instead of away
→ holes or cracks in the gutter system
→ corrosion
→ misaligned gutters
Next Step: Start by removing any debris and inspecting the system for cracks, rust, holes, or compromised joints.
If your gutters keep clogging, a gutter guard can help keep debris out all year round.
Small cracks or holes can usually be patched with sealant, while larger damage may require replacing sections of gutter. Gutter repairs typically start at $350 plus HST, depending on the extent of the damage.
A good habit is to inspect your roof and gutters 1–2 times a year; catching problems early can save you from bigger headaches later.
06 Ice Damming in Gutters
Let us guess. It's winter, and your gutters are frozen solid.
Ice damming happens when snow on your roof melts, then refreezes at the edges. That ice creates a barrier, trapping water behind it, eventually working its way under shingles and into your home.
Usual causes of ice dams:
→ poor attic insulation causing snow to melt and refreeze at the roof edge
→ clogged gutters that prevent proper drainage
→ frequent freeze-thaw cycles
→ heavy snowfall over short periods
Next Steps: Safely remove excess snow from the roof edge by using a roof rake, and keep gutters clear.
Improving attic insulation and ventilation can significantly reduce ice damming over time.
*Heat Cables: While they’re often suggested, heat cables are usually a short-term fix in Ontario. They don’t address the root cause and can sometimes create new ice problems instead.
If ice damming keeps returning, an inspection can help pinpoint what’s really causing it and how to prevent it long-term.
07 Warping, Buckling, or Faded Siding
If your siding looks warped, buckled, faded, or even flaps in the wind, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right beneath the surface.
These issues tend to develop gradually, often due to sun exposure, moisture, or improper installation.
Common causes include:
→ moisture trapped behind siding
→ tight installations restricting natural expansion and contractions
→ prolonged exposure to heat and harsh sunlight
→ aging materials nearing the end of their lifespan
Next Step: Walk around your home and note where the issue appears. Is it isolated to one area or spreading?
Look for loose panels, visible gaps, soft spots, or movement during windy conditions.
Siding repairs can range from small spot fixes to more involved work, depending on the cause and extent of the damage. For that reason, repair costs can only be determined after a full inspection, once what’s happening beneath the siding is understood—not just what’s visible.
Addressing siding issues early can help prevent moisture damage, heat loss, and more costly repairs.
08 Mystery Leaks that Keep Coming Back
Sometimes the shingles look intact. The skylight isn’t leaking. The gutters are clear. And yet, water still finds a way in.
The issue? Probably, your flashing.
Flashing is the metal protection installed where your roof meets walls, chimneys, vents, and other transitions. When flashing fails, water can seep in—even when everything else seems fine.
Common flashing-related issues include:
→ lifted or loosened flashing after high winds
→ cracked or deteriorated sealant
→ rusted or corroded metal
→ improperly installed flashing
Next Step: Flashing issues aren't always apparent. So, look for visible gaps, rust, or metal pulling away near roof edges, chimneys, and wall transitions.
When caught early, flashing repairs are usually straightforward.
While costs vary based on what’s discovered during inspection, identifying the real cause is what keeps the problem from coming back.
Ready to find out what's going on?
You’ve seen the most common causes of leaks, drafts, and damage. And now, it’s time to understand exactly what’s happening to your property.
Our fully certified team has the experience to perform a thorough inspection, pinpoint the root cause, and provide clear, no-obligation recommendations tailored to your home. We’ll help you see the full picture from what’s immediately urgent to what can wait, so you can make informed, confident decisions.
No guesswork. No unnecessary repairs. Just straightforward guidance and *practical solutions to protect your home, maintain its value, and give you peace of mind for years to come.
*Typical repair costs vary depending on what’s discovered during inspection. We’ll always explain your options, so you feel clear and confident at every step.