Rainfall, storms, and windy days test a roof’s resistance and durability. Maintaining your home’s exterior is a cost-effective way to protect your property from roof failure and structural damage. As you’re doing seasonal home maintenance tasks, here are some smart ways to protect your roof this spring.
While it might be tempting to DIY, hire a pro.
A small leak, a few missing asphalt shingles, or loose flashing? No problem for a weekend of DIY projects. While it might seem like the best way to go easy on your budget, avoid DIY roof repairs that appear simple. Correctly replacing shingles, using the right cleaning solutions, and properly applying sealants are crucial in preventing water infiltration and mould growth.
Experienced roofing technicians are trained to complete repairs in a timely manner and spot any hidden damage. Many roofing companies offer free estimates. Consult a professional roofer before attempting to make the repairs yourself – it could save you time and money in the end.
Don’t walk on your roof unless you have to.
While a roof is designed to be strong and durable, it can be damaged or weakened when additional weight is applied directly. Walking on an asphalt roof can disturb or remove the protective granules from shingles, break tiles, or puncture the underlayment.
Even if you’re careful not to access the roof when it’s windy or after it rains, it still poses safety risks. Particularly if your roof is 15 years or older, walking on aging shingles can worsen soft spots.
Use a garden hose with a pistol grip nozzle.
Metro Vancouver’s temperate climate promotes moss, fungi, and algae growth. When it does appear on your roof, it might seem quicker to clear away the ugly patches with a pressure washer. But under certain conditions, pressure washing can hurt more than help, removing the protective granules from asphalt shingles, forcing water underneath flashings, and driving water into cracks and holes not visible to the naked eye. Before applying any water or liquid cleaning solutions, brush the debris and dust off with a broom. Then use a garden hose with a pistol grip nozzle when applying water to roofing shingles.
Conduct regular roof inspections.
Conducting visual homeowner inspections of your roof after storms and in between roof cleanings and cleaning the gutters, will help you catch any problems before they become expensive issues.
Don’t forget to periodically inspect flashing.
Flashings, typically strips of metal but can be manufactured from other materials as well, are found around chimneys, vents, valleys, and other protrusions such as dormer windows and skylights. Flashing is designed to offer additional waterproofing to areas vulnerable to moisture infiltration. Do not remove or alter them in any way.
In addition to visual inspections, having a professional roof inspection done at least once every two years ensures the longevity and health of your roofing system.
Keep up with regular roof maintenance.
With the amount of annual rainfall Metro Vancouver has to deal with, neglecting to regularly maintain the roof and the gutters is a game you do not want to play.
Simply sweeping debris off the roof can prevent damage to roofing shingles if it is allowed to hang around and collect moisture. Cleaning the gutters twice a year reduces the occurrence of blockages, standing water, and overflowing gutters causing damage to soffit and fascia.
Don’t wait to make roof repairs.
