- Condition
- CE 3.1: Leaks Due to Snow or Rain Driven Into Building Through Louvres, Grilles or Vents
- Article Type
- Common Element
- Article Number
- 3.1
- Performance
Vents, grilles and louvers must be designed and constructed to prevent the entry of rain, snow and insects into the building (unless they are designed to accommodate such penetration and incorporate drainage). Vents, grilles and louvers shall be installed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code.
- Warranty
One -Year – Ontario Building Code Violations. Two -Year – Building Envelope Water Penetration. Water penetration resulting from improper maintenance or an act of God is excluded from the statutory warranty
- Action
Defective material or improper installation resulting in water penetration into the building shall be repaired.
- Condition
- CE 3.2: Roof Leaks
- Article Type
- Common Element
- Article Number
- 3.2
- Performance
Roofs shall allow no water penetration.
- Warranty
One -Year – Ontario Building Code Violations. Two -Year – Building Envelope Water Penetration. * Water leakage resulting from improper maintenance or an act of God is excluded from the statutory warranty.
- Action
Defects allowing water penetration through the roof shall be repaired.
- Condition
- CE 3.3: Water is Trapped Under Roofing Membrane
- Article Type
- Common Element
- Article Number
- 3.3
- Performance
Water shall not become trapped under roofing membrane.
- Warranty
One -Year – Work and Materials. Two -Year – Building Envelope Water Penetration
- Action
Roofing not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- CE 3.4: Roofing Membrane is Defective
- Article Type
- Common Element
- Article Number
- 3.4
- Warranty Year(s)
- Two Year
- Performance
Membrane system must be installed in a good workmanlike manner free from damage and shall meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the design.
- Warranty
One -Year – Work and Materials. Two-Year - Building Envelope Water Penetration. Damage resulting from improper maintenance or additions, deletions or alterations made by the homeowner is excluded from the statutory warranty.
- Action
Membrane systems not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- CE 3.5: Roof Ballast Not Sufficient Or Not Evenly Distributed
- Article Type
- Common Element
- Article Number
- 3.5
- Performance
Roof ballast must be installed in a good workmanlike manner meeting the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the design.
- Warranty
One -Year – Work and Materials
- Action
Roof ballast not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- CE 3.6: Roof Counter Flashings Missing, Poorly Installed, Damaged, Not Secure
- Article Type
- Common Element
- Article Number
- 3.6
- Performance
- Counter flashings must be installed in a good workmanlike manner meeting the requirements of the design.
- Warranty
- One -Year – Work and Materials
- Action
- Counter-flashings not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- CE 3.7: Standing Water on a Flat Roof
- Article Type
- Common Element
- Article Number
- 3.7
- Performance
- Flat roofs shall be installed to drain water. Standing water on roofs designed for water retention is acceptable.
- Warranty
- One -Year – Work and Materials
- Action
- Roofs not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 4.7: Cedar Shakes or Shingles Have "Bled" Through paint or stain applied by builder
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 4.7
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Where full-covering or opaque stains are used over cedar shakes or shingles, bleed-through of resins or extractives shall not be visible when viewed, without magnification, from a minimum perpendicular distance of 6 m under normal lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials. · Damage resulting from normal wear and tear is excluded from the statutory warranty.
- Action
Cedar shakes and shingles that do not meet the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.1: Roof Trusses, Ridges or Rafters Have Bowed
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.1
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
- Roof framing members shall be sized and installed in accordance with the Building Code.
- Warranty
- One-Year - Work and Materials. Two-Year - Ontario Building Code Health & Safety Violations. · Damage resulting from improper maintenance or additions, deletions or alterations made by the homeowner is excluded from the statutory warranty.
- Action
- Roof framing members not meeting the acceptable performance shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.2: Roof Appears Wavy
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.2
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
- Roof sheathing shall be sized and installed in accordance with the Building Code.
- Warranty
- One-Year - Work and Materials. Two-Year - Ontario Building Code Violations
- Action
- Roof sheathing not meeting the acceptable performance shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.5: Inadequate Attic Ventilation
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.5
- Warranty Year(s)
- Two Year
- Performance
Attics shall be ventilated in accordance with the Building Code.
- Warranty
Two-Year - Ontario Building Code Health & Safety Violations. · Damage caused by dampness or condensation due to failure by the homeowner to maintain adequate ventilation is excluded from the statutory warranty.
- Action
Attics not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.6: Ice Buildup on the Roof
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.6
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Roofs and attics shall be constructed with sufficient ventilation (if designed to include ventilation), air sealing and thermal insulation to minimize ice buildup on roof surfaces.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials One-Year – Ontario Building Code Violations Two – Year – Ontario Building Code Health and Safety Violations • A complete list of “CONDITIONS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY” is on p.15 of the Guidelines.
- Action
Ice buildup resulting from a Building Code violation or a defect in work or materials supplied by the builder shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.7: Roof Shingles Have Blown Off
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.7
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Roof shingles shall be installed according to the Building Code and the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials. · Damage resulting from acts of God is not covered by the statutory warranty.
- Action
Roof shingles not meeting the acceptable performance shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.8: Tabs on Asphalt Shingles Are Not Lined Up
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.8
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Shingles shall be installed to provide a generally uniform pattern when viewed from a normal viewing position on the ground from any given location.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Shingles not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.9: Asphalt Shingles Not Sealed
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.9
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Asphalt shingles and self-sealing asphalt shingles shall be secured according to the Building Code.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Shingles not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.10: Asphalt Shingle Edges Are Curled or Cupped
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.10
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Asphalt shingle edges and corners need not be completely flat. Edges and corners that curl or cup to expose the uncoloured portion of the shingle below are not acceptable.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials. · Damage resulting from normal wear and tear is not covered by the statutory warranty.
- Action
Shingles not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.11: Asphalt Shingles Either Do Not Overhang The Edge Of The Roof or Hang Over too Far
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.11
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Asphalt shingles shall overhang roof edges by not less than 12 mm according to the Building Code; they shall not overhang the roof edge to the extent that they curl.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Shingle overhangs not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.12: Shading Pattern Is Visible on an Asphalt Shingle Roof
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.12
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
At installation, asphalt shingle roofs shall be installed so that any dye lot difference is minimized to provide a uniform roof appearance, when viewed from a normal viewing position on the ground without magnification by reflected light.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Shingles not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.13: Variation In Colour After Repairs
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.13
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Shingles used in local repairs shall be of similar type, texture and colour. Variation resulting from fading or different dye lot is acceptable.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Shingles not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.14: Uneven Roof Sheathing Causing Visible Irregularities in the Roof Surface
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.14
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Asphalt shingle surfaces need not be completely flat. The roof sheathing shall provide an even surface free from thickness variations, holes, and debris that produce visible irregularities in the finished roof. The roof shall be viewed from a normal viewing position on the ground without magnification by reflected light.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Roofs not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.16: Temporary Safety Straps Left on Roof
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.16
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Performance/Condition: Safety straps intended to be used only during construction shall not be left on the roof.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Temporary safety straps shall be removed.
- Condition
- FH 5.18: Asphalt Roll Roofing Is Blistered But Does Not Admit Water
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.18
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Roll roofing may blister under normal weather conditions. Blisters that result in water penetration are not acceptable.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Roofing not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.19: Standing Water On a Flat Roof
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.19
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
- Flat roofs shall be installed to drain water. Standing water on roofs designed for water retention is acceptable.
- Warranty
- One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
- Roofs not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.20: Eavestroughs or Downspouts Leak
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.20
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Eavestroughs and downspouts shall not leak at joints.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Eavestroughs and downspouts not meeting the acceptable performance shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.21: Eavestroughs Overflow During Normal Rain
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.21
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Eavestroughs shall be installed in accordance with municipal requirements (where applicable) with a slope to downspouts or drains. Eavestroughs may overflow during a rain as a result of converging water flows.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials. · Damage resulting from normal wear and tear or an act of God is excluded from the statutory warranty.
- Action
Eavestroughs not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired. Overflow resulting from inadequate slope or non-conformance with municipal requirements is subject to the statutory warranty.
- Condition
- FH 5.22: Eavestroughs or Downspouts Not Performing Properly
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.22
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Where provided, eavestroughs and downspouts shall collect water from the roof and drain it to grade. Where downspouts are not connected to a sewer, extensions shall be provided to carry rainwater away from the building in a manner that will prevent soil erosion.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
- Action
Eavestroughs and downspouts not meeting the acceptable performance shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.23: Eavestroughs Don't Drain Completely
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.23
- Warranty Year(s)
- One Year
- Performance
Eavestroughs shall generally slope to drains.
- Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials. · Damage resulting from improper maintenance is not covered by the statutory warranty.
- Action
Eavestroughs not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
- Condition
- FH 5.24: Skylight Leaks
- Article Type
- Freehold
- Article Number
- 5.24
- Warranty Year(s)
- Two Year
- Performance
Skylights shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and shall not allow water penetration.
- Warranty
Two-Year - Building Envelope Water Penetration. · Damage resulting from dampness or condensation due to failure by the homeowner to maintain adequate ventilation is not covered by the statutory warranty.
- Action
Skylights not meeting the acceptable performance shall be repaired.
Under some conditions, slight amounts of precipitation may be driven into roof vents, grilles and louvers and may subsequently dry without causing damage. This condition is warranted only where there is a demonstrated defect in work or materials supplied by the builder that result in water damage or ponding.
Water penetration includes entry into occupied spaces and into concealed areas of the assembly or attic intended by the design to remain dry. Roofs include all components of the roof: shingles, membranes, flashings, drainage systems etc. The owner/Condominium Corporation should take immediate steps to prevent damage to their property and report any losses to their home insurance provider.
Membrane thickness, number of layers, reinforcing etc. are generally defined by the manufacturer’s specifications if not covered by the design documents. These attributes affect the durability of the system.
Ballast load, distribution and physical attributes (fines, rounded stone etc.) are usually specified in the design.
Some bleed-through of knots or other naturally occurring features can be expected in cedar shakes over time. The reoccurrence of these features through full-covering or opaque stains may be dependent on the direction the roof faces and/or exposure to sunlight.
Roof vents should be kept free of obstructions. Inadequate attic ventilation can lead to heat and moisture problems. Snow covering roof vents can obstruct ventilation. See Also: 8.4 CONDENSATION IN ATTIC SPACE
Ice buildup on roofs may occur when the roof surface is warm enough to melt the snow, but the air temperature is cold enough to re-freeze the melt water. The roof surface temperature may increase due to building exposure, orientation, or elevated attic temperatures resulting from the insulating effects of snow accumulation on the roof, air leakage and/or heat loss from the interior of the building into the attic space. Precipitation patterns and roof design may also contribute to snow and/or ice buildup on roofs. Where ice buildup on the roof is the result of a Building Code violation or a defect in work or materials provided by the builder, the defect shall be repaired. For a list of contributing factors to ice buildup on roofs that are regulated by the Building Code, see Appendix A7 “OBC Requirements & Construction Considerations to Minimize Ice Buildup on Roofs." Eavestroughs and downspouts should be kept clear of debris and dirt by the homeowner to ensure efficient water flow and drainage from the roof. This prevents water accumulation that can freeze and contribute to the formation of ice buildup on the roof. Cleaning these components is recommended during both fall and spring as part of the home maintenance routine. For articles in the Guidelines on conditions relating to these components, please refer to the “See also” section below. For areas in the province with frequent and heavy snowfalls, where snow removal from roofs is part of winter home maintenance, professional removal of snow accumulation can help reduce the likelihood of ice buildup and water ingress into building assemblies. For water leakage or leakage resulting from ice buildup on roofs, please see section 5.4 “Roof or Flashing Leaks.” See also: 5.4 ROOF OR FLASHING LEAKS 5.5 INADEQUATE ATTIC VENTILATION 5.22 EAVESTROUGHS OR DOWNSPOUTS NOT PERFORMING PROPERLY 5.24 SKYLIGHT LEAKS 8.7 INSUFICIENT INSULATION 13.2 ROOF FLASHING LEAKS AT CHIMNEY Appendix A7 “OBC Requirements & Construction Considerations to Minimize Ice Buildup on Roofs". Notes Words in italics are defined in the “TERMINOLOGY” section on page 19. This article was revised on May 24, 2024.
Severe weather and wind gusts can sometimes exceed the design limitations of the shingles. Different shingle types and materials have varying abilities to resist these forces.
The primary role of roofing is to protect the building from the weather. Slight variation in the appearance of the roof is acceptable.
Asphalt shingles installed in temperatures below 5°C will seal when warmer temperatures return. In the short term, unsealed shingles should not affect the weather protection provided by the roof. Where asphalt shingles intersect metal flashing, shingles may not seal. This condition is not a defect in work and materials.
Adequate attic ventilation is necessary to prevent excessive solar heat buildup in the attic that can contribute to curling and cupping. Shingles on top of flashing may not adhere and can lift. See Also: 5.5 INADEQUATE ATTIC VENTILATION
The edge of the roof includes the entire perimeter of the roof including gables.
Shading variations resulting from dye lot difference are acceptable.
The primary role of roofing is to protect the building from the weather. Slight variation in the colour of the roof after a local repair may be unavoidable. See Also: 5.12 SHADING PATTERN IS VISIBLE ON AN ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOF
Visible irregularities shall be significant enough to suggest a defective condition. See Also: 5.1 ROOF TRUSSES OR RAFTERS ARE BOWED 5.2 ROOF APPEARS WAVY
Temporary safety straps are used during construction and there is no need for them to remain on the roof after construction, unless required by other authorities.
Surface blistering of roll roofing may be caused by solar heating and humidity.
Water hitting and dripping off the outside of eavestroughs and downspouts should not be mistaken for leakage. Seasonal conditions may affect the timing of repairs.
The homeowner shall keep eavestroughs and downspouts free from environmental debris or physical damage that could cause blockage or restrict water flow.
Normal home maintenance includes keeping the eavestroughs and downspouts free of debris that can clog the system. Extensions may include splash pads set on the ground. See Also: 5.23 EAVESTROUGHS DON’T DRAIN COMPLETELY
Some minimal amount of standing water is normal. Normal home maintenance includes keeping the eavestroughs and downspouts free of debris that can clog the system. See Also: 5.22 EAVESTROUGHS OR DOWNSPOUTS NOT PERFORMING PROPERLY
Condensation on the interior surfaces of a skylight may occur if indoor relative humidity is high. Condensation is not considered indicative of a defective condition. To test for water penetration, see Appendix A5 “How to Conduct a Water Test”. See Also: 5.4 ROOF OR FLASHING LEAKS