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Caring for Your Roof

We’ve all heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is particularly true when it comes to the roof over your head. Here are important preventive measures that should be done in order to keep your roof in good working condition for many years to come.

Check the roof framing structure to make sure it is not compromised. Visually scan the roof for any sagging or uneven areas. Any sign of sagging can potentially be a problem with the underlying plywood or the structure of the home.

Inspect the gutters to make sure they are not clogged with branches, leaves, or other debris.  Check for leaks as well. Seamless gutters are best, of course.  If your seams are a bit leaky, get out that caulking gun… it’s worth it!  A small leak in your gutter can lead to a big puddle outside your house, and that water can seep into your basement.  Make sure that gutters are properly secured so that they don’t cause overflow and build-up or fall.

Check the valleys of the roof to ensure that they are free of debris that can add weight to the roof and also act as a barrier to rain and snow.  Proper flashing around roof vents, plumbing pipes, skylights, and chimneys is essential.  Inadequate flashing or sealing component is one of the most common causes of roof leaks.

Carefully inspect the roof shingles and look for curling edges, missing granules and both vertical & horizontal cracks.  Danger signs for a failing roof include dark or “dirty looking” areas.  You should also trim any branches that may touch or hang over the roof in windy conditions.  This will keep squirrels and other climbing animals away from the house as well as keep moss, molds and lichen from forming which will reduce the life expectancy of your roof.

In addition, it is wise to do a seasonal inspection, especially when you live in Northern Ontario where roofs are subjected to a wide range of temperatures, heavy precipitation and occasional high winds.