You’ve seen the snow. You’ve felt the chill. With colder weather on approach, homeowners and building stakeholders are wise to review the health of their roofs before the winter hits. This includes conducting a pre-winter roof inspection and tackling a little preventative maintenance to ensure their assets are ready for the Canadian cold.
“Conditions can get rough in Canada, and if you aren’t proactive about identifying and addressing potential roof issues, odds are it’s going to cost you in repairs and discomfort before the season is done,” says Marco Ferrazzo, Process Manager with Artistic Skylight.
Getting ready to winter-proof your home, office, or facility? Consider the following for your roof inspection:
- Head in the gutter: Fall is a great season to look at, but it can also wreak havoc on your roof gutters. Before they freeze up, make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris so they won’t overflow when the snow starts to build (and melt later on).
- Mind the critters: Gutters are a hot spot for squirrels, raccoons, birds, and insects who see them as a safe place to hide out or raise a family. When checking your gutters, keep an eye out for signs of infestation. If found, it’s best to call in a professional who will determine the best (and safest) way of dealing with them.
- Check for leaks: The worst time to notice a roof leak in the winter is when the attic and/or ceiling starts to drip. Take advantage of these early winter months to investigate your roof for leaks and take action before it gets too cold.
- Test your shingles and flashings: Ensure your pre-winter roofing inspection includes a close look at these important roofing components. Check for missing or damaged shingles, as well as dents, rust, or other signs of damage among your flashing. Spotting and repairing issues with your shingles and flashings prevents further degradation and higher repair bills down the road.
- Seal the deal: Double-check that your asphalt sealants are in good condition and ready to protect your roof. That means checking to ensure they aren’t cracked, dried out, or in need of re-application.
- Visit the attic: The winter cold creeps in without proper insulation. Inspect your attic to verify that it is well ventilated and properly insulated. This will keep your house, office, or facility warm and cozy while saving heat bills and preventing things like ice dams that can damage your roof.
‘Tis the season to put the roof on your radar. And as always, it pays to have a roofing professional by your side who knows what to look for and how to get your home ready for the worst that Canada’s winter can bring.
