Now that you have a new roof system, it is important that you protect you investment by properly caring for and maintaining you roof. The following tips are designed to provide you with the necessary information that will help you to get the longest life possible from your roof.

Year after year, Canadians homes suffer some of the toughest weather conditions. Wind, rain, snow, hail and sun take their toll on even the best roofing products. With proper maintenance and care, however, you can ensure that your roof will maintain its life expectancy – and possibly even exceed it.

MOST COMMON CAUSES OF ROOF LEAKS:

• Damaged flashing around vents, chimneys, plumbing stacks, skylights, etc.
• Missing or broken shingles
• Roof valley tears
• Ice damming due to improper run-off, forcing water back up under the shingles
• Improperly hung eaves trough
• Damaged chimney caps
• Severe damage caused by wind or hail

INSPECTING YOUR ROOF:

The best preventative maintenance for your roof is to perform visual inspections of the roof surface at least twice a year (Spring/Fall), and after any major storm (wind, rain, hail, snow) or construction project. This will help you to identify any potential problems that may come up. It is important to remember that traffic on your roof should be kept to a minimum as shingles are brittle, especially in extreme hot or cold temperatures. Instead of walking the roof, use a pair of binoculars to get a closer view of the roof surface. Here is what you should be checking:

• SHINGLE SURFACE: Inspect the general surface of the roof. First, look for signs that the shingles may be lifting, loose or even missing. Check to make sure that the roof surface is free of all debris (leaves, garbage, twigs etc.). It is important that you do not power wash your roof! This can cause significant damage. Use a leaf blower or garden hose to remove debris. Look for mold, moss or algae – these occur more commonly in damp climates and often accumulate along the ridge or near the eaves or shaded areas of the roof. Look for exposed nails, hail marks, or missing granules (bald spots).
  
  
• FLASHINGS: Inspect all flashings around chimneys, vents, plumbing stacks, skylights, walls and valleys looking for rust, cracks, or other openings where water may enter. Look also for flashings that may have lifted from the surface of the roof. If you can see deterioration, call us right away to provide a more thorough inspection or repair.
  
  
• SURROUNDING VEGETATION: Look for areas where vegetation has grown over or is touching the roof surface. Trim back any overhanging branches. Shaded areas encourage moss and fungus growth and can encourage ice dams and run-off problems.
  
  
• BULDING EXTERIOR: Check your home for signs of shifting or settlement. Cracks in the structure (inside or out) are signs that there could also be cracks in the roof. Look to make sure that overhangs, soffit, fascia and downspouts are in good condition. Check your eaves-trough to make sure they are unclogged and free of debris.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Know your Guarantee! Familiarize yourself with what is and is not covered under both your Workmanship Guarantee and your Product Manufacturers Warranty.
• Never paint shingles. This will most certainly decrease the life of your roof. If your roofing material is starting to look worse than desired, it may be time to get a new roof.
• Never allow unqualified personnel to perform repairs to your roof system. This also includes the installation of any antennas or other roof equipment.
• Keep roof traffic to a minimum. Only walk on your roof if absolutely necessary. This is especially important if temperatures are below freezing.
• Have professional inspections. If you roof is more than 10 – 15 years old, call us or another professional contractor to inspect and provide maintenance (caulking etc.) to your roof every two to three years. For a minimal cost, you can catch leaks before they happen. Also, if you call us just before your five year guarantee is up – we would be happy to stop by and look things over for free.
• Downspouts: Down spouts should not be discharged onto the roof surface. To prevent premature wear, downspouts should be extended to the eaves-troughs of the lower roof.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO RE-ROOF

• Call us first! It is advisable to go with a contractor you trust. Always make sure you are hiring someone who is qualified and professional.
  
  
• Is it really time? If you have a contractor who suggests that a new roof is in order – make sure that it is really necessary. Roof systems with occasionally last for years after the warranty is expired and can sometimes be maintained with relatively inexpensive repairs. Ask lots of questions and get a second opinion if you are in doubt.
  
  
• Don’t go with products that have unproven quality. Also, do not be taken in by cure-all products that can be applied by anyone. If it’s too good to be true – it probably is.
  
  
• Never re-roof over an existing roof system. This can cut the life of your roof in half.
  
  
• The lowest price is not always best. Especially in this industry – it is best to check out a contactor thoroughly before hiring them. Get multiple quotes until you find a contractor and price you are happy with.

If you have any questions about your roof – please feel free to contact us anytime for free advice. Call 403-891-3678
or 403-479-7283.