Even with our milder winters in the lower mainland, winter storms can bring heavy rains, active windy days, and snow and ice. Storm damage can range from a few missing shingles to the first stages of roof failure. This brief guide outlines how to protect your home’s exterior from the elements and deal with any winter storm damage to your roof.
Preventative Measures
The best way to deal with winter storm damage to your roof is not to have to deal with it! Preventative measures that will help protect your home and extend the lifespan of your roof include:
- Removing blockages and keeping the gutters free of debris
- Checking downspouts for clogs; ensuring they are still attached to the gutter outlet and exterior walls
- Repairing damaged roofing shingles
- Replacing missing shingles
- Paying attention to water stains (on roof; interior ceilings) and mold growth
- Tracing the source of suspected leaks and repair ASAP
- Regularly trimming back limbs and branches of trees growing close to the house
- Scheduling a professional roof inspection once every two years or after severe storms
Regular home maintenance is a cost-effective way to avoid expensive repairs and potential structural damage.
Identifying Roofing Emergencies
You might be reluctant to call roofing contractor for a few drips – a bucket will do until you decide on a long-term solution. Situations considered to be roofing emergencies and require immediate action are:
- Stains that spread rapidly across ceiling or down interior walls
- Persistent dripping sounds two to four days after an active storm
- Water pouring in from somewhere
- Bulging or sagging areas on the roof or inside the house (attic, ceilings)
- When water steadily drips near wiring, electrical sockets, or light fixtures.
Treat the situation as an emergency if it causes flooding, significant water damage to interior walls, or structural instability.
Homeowner Roof Inspections
After active and severe winter storms conduct a roof inspection. Use binoculars from the ground or when standing on a ladder to look for:
- Missing or cracked shingles
- Sagging areas
- Ice dams (places where ice that has formed at the roofline prevents water from running into the gutters)
- Displaced or damaged flashings
- Compromised or cracked seals around roof protrusions such as skylights
Once you’ve assessed any damage the roof might have sustained, identify damage that requires immediate action or can wait until you can get an appointment with a roofing company.
Make sure the gutters and downspouts are still attached to the house, there’s no missing gutter or downspout sections, and the gutter system is free of blockages. Gutters affected by winter storms don’t function properly and can cause water to back up onto your roof.
When a Tree Falls
Vancouver weather in the last three years has been unpredictable due to climate change issues such as heat domes, atmospheric rivers, and intense winds. These conditions can directly impact the trees growing on your property, weakening root systems and making then susceptible to windy days. When a tree falls on your roof:
- Get everyone out of the house as soon as possible – even if the tree hasn’t broken through into the interior, there most likely has been structural damage
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt
- Call BC Hydro if you see exposed wires/sparks or FortisBC if you smell gas
- Document the damage – take as many relevant videos and pictures that will help settle a claim with your insurance company
- Arrange for tree removal with a licensed arborist
Consult with a roofing contractor – they will asses the damage and give you an estimate on the cost of repairs or roof replacement
