With Calgary’s cold, snowy winters, it’s important to routinely check and maintain your roof each year. From regularly removing snow to inspecting loose or missing shingles, you want to make sure your home is protected from the harsh elements. Plus, these proactive measures can ensure the longevity and durability of your roof.
Not sure what to look for each winter? Our team at Guns N Hoses repairs Calgary rooftops all year long, and we’re here to show you six maintenance solutions for winter to make sure your home stays in great condition.
Regular Snow Removal
One of the primary challenges during winter is snow accumulation on your roof, which is why it’s important to regularly clear any heavy snow that could compromise the structural integrity. Even light snowflakes, which may seem harmless, can lead to heavy build-up over time, causing major roof damage or leaks.
The main thing to remember with snow removal is to do it as safely as possible or hire a professional. Our experts at Guns N Hoses have the specialized tools needed and are trained with the proper techniques for safe snow clearance.
See Also: Working Safely On Your Roof: Tips for DIY Homeowners
Preventing Ice Dams
Preventing ice dams is another serious roof maintenance task that you shouldn’t take lightly. If you don’t know, an ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof, preventing melting snow and water from draining off the roof. To help prevent ice dams, make sure your attic is properly insulated to help protect your home.
If an ice dam does appear, it’s important to try and break the dam, carefully, so that any built-up water doesn’t leak into your home and cause structural damage. If you are not comfortable tackling this yourself, no problem, you can also call a Guns N Hoses expert to come out and break the dam for you.
Checking Flashing and Seals
If you plan to light up your fireplace during winter, make sure to do a check on your chimney. Inspect the flashing around the chimney—the flat, thin pieces of metal that waterproof the perimeter of your roof. If working properly, flashing helps ensure moisture can easily flow away from your rooftop and prevents water from entering through any openings or cracks.
You should also check all of your windows for any broken window seals, which is super important for keeping the winter weather out of your home. If you do need to get a damaged seal fixed, do not try to do it yourself. It’s better to hire one of our Guns N Hoses professionals, since we have all the right tools and materials to get the job done safely and efficiently.
Inspecting for Loose or Missing Shingles
If you’ve encountered a recent snowstorm or heavy winds, now’s the time to check for loose or missing shingles. You’ll want to get shingles replaced or repaired as soon as possible.
If you leave behind any damaged shingles, you’re potentially allowing mold to grow from the water ingress. Plus, it will be more costly to fix the longer you let those loose or damaged shingles sit.
Ensuring Proper Attic Insulation and Ventilation
No matter the season, you want to make sure your attic is properly insulated, but especially during the winter months. Attic insulation plays a crucial role in preventing ice dams, as mentioned above.
Along with proper insulation, you need to make sure your attic is properly ventilated. Ventilation is key to preventing mold from growing and ensuring the structural beams holding up your roof won’t be damaged.
To avoid these issues, be sure heat is able to escape the attic and cooler air is coming in. Adding a solar vent can be an excellent way to improve your attic’s ventilation while providing natural light and improving your home’s energy efficiency.
See Also: Signs That Your Home Has an Attic Insulation Issue
Routine Interior Checks for Leaks
Another thing to keep in mind after heavy snow or rainfall is to check the interior of your home for leaks. It’s better to identify potential issues early before they escalate and cause damage.
In terms of a leaky roof, watch out for musty odors, water stains, or patches on your walls, ceilings, insulation, or other areas. If you do notice any leaks, contact a Guns N Hoses professional immediately to get the source of the issue fixed before any further damage is caused.
See Also: How to Discover Roof Leaks (& What to Do If You Find Them)
Get Professional Roofing Support When You Need It
Following this proactive maintenance checklist for winter will not only ensure your roof is doing its job, but will also make your roof last much longer. These quick maintenance checks are well worth it in the long run and can potentially save you money on costly repairs in the future.
If you would like a peace-of-mind check or professional help with any of these issues, contact us at Guns N Hoses to come inspect or assess your home. We’re here to help when you need us.
With Calgary’s varied climate, it’s important to check your roofing and siding routinely throughout the year. From the super-cold winters to the dry summers, you want to make sure that your home is protected from the elements.
Not sure what to look for each season? Here’s the ultimate checklist for roofing and siding maintenance. Our team at Guns N Hoses repairs Calgary rooftops and siding all year long, and we’re here to show you how to make it as easy as possible to keep your home in great condition.
Spring
When the rainy season hits, it’s all about keeping things nice and tidy. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to make sure everything is still in working order from winter.
Inspect for Winter Damage
Both the interior and exterior of your home should go through its own version of spring cleaning.
Check for any potential winter damage like a leaky roof—watch out for musty odors, water stains or building patches on the walls.
You should also check your roof flashing (the metal pieces surrounding your chimney, vents and any skylights) for any cracks, warped metal or rust.
Clean Winter Debris from Your Gutters
Spring is also a good time to check and clean your gutters of any leaves, dirt or snow. Simply scoop out the debris with your hands (preferably with a glove on).
Without cleaning your gutters, you risk both internal and external water damage to your home. Plus, it could attract some unwanted visitors like rodents, birds and insects looking for a home.
Check for Loose or Missing Shingles
Spring is also the best time to check for loose or missing shingles due to recent snow storms or heavy winds. You’ll want to get shingles replaced or repaired as soon as possible. If you leave behind any damaged shingles, you’re potentially allowing mold to grow from the water ingress.
Summer
When the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the heat. It’s also a time when the sun is beating down on your roof and can cause damage. Here’s what to look out for.
Inspect for UV Damage
Take a good look around your home and check for any UV damage, especially curling on your shingles. That’s typically a sign that there’s heat damage to your roof.
You can also experience UV damage inside your home through your windows. The sun’s UV rays can penetrate your skin and actually accelerate your skin’s age over time.
Check Attic Ventilation
Making sure your attic is properly ventilated is key to preventing mold from growing and ensuring the structural beams holding up your roof won’t be damaged.
To avoid these issues, be sure heat is able to escape the attic and cooler air is coming in. Adding a solar vent can be an excellent way to improve your attic’s ventilation while providing natural light and improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Ensure Siding Isn’t Heat-Warped
You should also check for heat warping—when the sun directs more thermal energy to your siding and the shape begins to change or droop. Dark-colored siding is more likely to be warped in the heat.
Unfortunately, the only way to fix heavily warped or damaged siding is to replace the sections entirely, since it can’t be returned to its original shape. Our team can provide you with new siding made from various high-quality materials.
Fall
The cool-weather season is one of the busiest times of year for roofing maintenance. More than ever, it’s the best time to prepare your home for the upcoming snow and ice, and now you can do it without the hot sun beating down on you.
Prepare for Winter
One of the most crucial things you should do to prepare for winter is trim your trees. Cutting back on any overgrown tree branches will not only keep your roof protected from falling branches, but it also reduces the time you need to spend cleaning out your gutters.
You should also remove any moss or algae that may be growing on your roof. It’s the last chance to check before any snow hits. While you’re on the roof, check for any shingles that may be damaged and need a repair or replacement.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Cleaning the leaves and debris from your gutters is also super important. Be sure that the downspouts aren’t blocked, allowing water to flow freely away from your house.
In most cases, a regular garden hose with a spray nozzle can get the job done, or a dry vacuum—which is definitely tougher after rain or snow appears.
Inspect & Repair Seals & Flashing
Check all of your windows for any broken window seals, which is super important for keeping the upcoming winter weather out of your home. If you do need to get a damaged seal fixed, do not try to do it yourself. It’s better to hire a professional who has all the right tools and materials.
If you plan to light up your fireplace in the near future, go ahead and check on your chimney. Inspect the flashing around the chimney—the flat, thin pieces of metal that waterproof the perimeter of your roof. If working properly, flashing helps ensure moisture can easily flow away from your rooftop and prevents water from entering through any openings or cracks.
Winter
The super-cold weather has officially arrived, and one of the last things you want to be doing is working on home repairs. If you’ve properly prepared for the season, then you won’t have to do much.
Monitor for Ice Dams
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof, preventing melting snow and water from draining off the roof. It’s important to try and break the dam, carefully, so that any built-up water doesn’t leak into your home and cause damage.
Clear Heavy Snow Off the Roof
Help lessen the load on your roof by clearing any heavy snow, but please do it as safely as possible or hire a professional. Even light snowflakes, which may seem harmless, can lead to heavy build-up over time, causing major roof damage or leaks.
See Also:Working Safely On Your Roof: Tips for DIY Homeowners
Check for Interior Leaks
Speaking of leaks, now’s the time to check for any damages that would result in a leak, especially after a big winter storm. Walk through the interior of your home and look for water spots on the ceilings, walls, insulation and other areas.
If you do notice any leaks, contact a professional immediately to get it fixed before any further damage is caused.
See Also: How to Discover Roof Leaks (& What to Do If You Find Them)
Getting Professional Roofing & Siding Support
Following this seasonal checklist not only ensures your roof and siding are doing their jobs—it will also make your roof last much longer. These small to-do items are well worth it in the long run and can potentially save you money on costly repairs in the future.
If you feel like you need professional help with any of these items, contact us at Guns N Hoses to come inspect your home and recommend solutions to any issues we find. We’re here to help when you need us.
