Roof inspections uncover bigger problems
We live in a rainforest in the Lower Mainland, and it's a real important part of the inspection process to ensure that the roof that I inspect in Surrey to West Vancouver is going to do its job! Sometimes it's on the borderline, where a year or two are left on the shingles, or the repair wasn't done properly, and a re-repair can fix the problem.
I've found that roofing problem is now so common that you need to consider it on a routine basis. With the storms we get here in Greater Vancouver, with heavy winds and rain, we see roofs that get damaged, rusty, broken, or can get cracked. Roofs must be maintained well so that the roofing problems will be minimized.
Of course, I understand that everyone worries about the cost of repair and replacement. Believe me, I get it. I've got a 40 year roof (superior shingles) onthe house I built 30 years ago. And every day, I see the roofing companies show up at yet another house.
In the end, you have to do some repair and maintenance throughout the lifetime of your roof. 
1. Climate and Weather problems
Like I said, we're in a rainforest. Our roofs are prone to huge risks that include the causes by the climatic conditions and the weather. The water leakages are the most common problem. This could be due to the barriers that were not installed properly, or the repairing of the roof has not been done on time. When it's not raining here, we've got heat, cold, snow, hail and other weather issues that damage the roofs. Often you'll get blistering, and cracking.
SOLUTION: The roofs must be repaired or upgraded to more insulated and resilient materials that have lower chances of water leaking or blisters forming.
2. Poor Installed Flashing
One of my biggest pet peeves is improper, missing or poorly installed flashing. That and jar lids being improperly screwed on, but that's another story. In regards to roofing, in most cases, flashing was installed poorly when the roof was created. This could lead to the worst conditions — water leakages — as well as the blow-offs. If the flashing was not placed in the right positions that could cause the opening of seams and laps in the roof — causing more issues. Base fasteners were not installed properly will make the roof less resistant to wind pressures.
SOLUTION: The solution of the problem is to repair it immediately with the help of experts or upgrade your roofs into more durable and strong roofing system.
3. Roof installation
When the roof is not installed properly, you have a list of headaches, most of them long lasting and resulting in some expensive repair and renovation.
Don't let your budget direct you too much here. It's a good idea to do some research, check out the companies statistics with the BBB, and the RCABC.org (The Roofing Contractors Association of BC) They have a member list of roofers you can trust, as they are accountable for their work through their association membership. Go to their site for more information about roofs. They also have an online search for a roofing contractor.
4. Irregularities in Maintenance
When the house is not being taken care of and when the maintenance is not done properly on time, it will cause many issues to be raised. Think about some regular maintenance at least every six months to make sure that the roof is in good condition.
5. Lacking Proper Repairs
When the roof demands the repairs, they need to be done properly. Saving money by using an inexpensive contractor will ultimately cause more expenses to be met. This is not where you want to 'hire a friend' who worked as a roofer back in the '70s. Go for the professionals, who have proper liability insurance, are WCB covered, and have accountability through an association, like RCABC.