6 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Roof

Any roof in Quebec is exposed to the elements, natural wear and tear, and the fluctuations of the local climate. These factors combined mean that roof maintenance is absolutely necessary to extend your roof’s lifespan and avoid costly repairs.

In this article, our Montreal roofing professionals offer their best practical advice and strategies for prolonging the life of your roof.

1. Do regular inspections

The lifespan of a roof depends largely on how often you do thorough inspections. Properly examining your roof will allow you to identify problems and resolve them quickly, before they become serious. Inspections help you avoid expensive repairs, but still do what is necessary to extend the life of your roof.

Recommended frequency for roofing inspections

We recommend inspecting your sloped roof at least twice a year: once in spring and once in autumn. These seasons follow the periods of the year when Quebec experiences the most extreme weather conditions, winter and summer, which can cause significant damage to your roof.

We also recommend an additional inspection after major storms or exceptional weather events, to verify whether there is any damage.

Key points to check during a roof inspection:

• Condition of shingles or tiles
• Gutter system
• Roofing materials
• Presence of moss or algae
• Ventilation and insulation

2. Clean and maintain your roof

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your roof will help prevent damage and extend its life. Cleaning gutters and removing moss and debris are particularly important maintenance tasks.

Cleaning your gutters

Gutters are part of your roof’s drainage system, and they also help direct water away from the foundation of the building. When they are clogged with leaves, branches or other debris, water can accumulate and eventually seep under the shingles, causing damage to your roof structure and even to the interior of your building.

Regular cleaning of your gutters, at least twice a year, will keep your eavestroughs functioning properly and prevent problems linked with moisture.

Removing moss and debris

Moss can trap moisture against the surface of your roof, which damages the shingles and shortens the lifespan of your roof. To remove moss, use a soft bristle brush or roofing rake to gently loosen it from the surface without damaging the shingles. After brushing, apply an anti-moss product designed especially for roofs, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Leaves, branches and other debris can accumulate on your roof and in your gutters, promoting damp and the growth of moss or algae. Use a leaf blower or a soft brush to tidy up the surface. Make sure you work safely at heights, using a safety harness as needed.

If you need help cleaning your roof, you can always consult certified roofers.

3. Prevent weather damage

Extreme weather conditions (especially in Quebec) can take a toll on your roof. Wind, rain, snow or hail – they can all do damage, and you should take preventive measures!

Tips to protect your roof from weather-related damage

• Do an inspection after storms: Inspect your roof for damage after any major weather event. Look for missing, damaged or lifted shingles, which can result from exposure to strong winds or hail.
• Reinforce your roofing materials: When replacing or repairing your roof, consider using materials that are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Some shingles are specially treated to withstand high winds, hail and extreme temperature variations.
• Prune trees: Tree branches hanging directly overhead can break off and fall on your roof during storms, causing significant damage. Regularly prune the trees around your building to reduce the risk.
• Use an efficient drainage system: Make sure your gutters and drainage system are in good condition. It’s important to prevent water build-up, as it can weigh down your roof and even infiltrate your building.

4. React to minor roofing problems before they get worse

The key to keeping your roof in good condition and extending its lifespan is to be vigilant and take action when you notice a minor problem. Here are our tips for identifying and dealing with minor roofing problems, and advice about when to call in a professional.

Identify and repair minor problems quickly

• Damaged or missing shingles: Damaged, lifted or missing shingles are a common problem that is easy to spot.
• Minor leaks: Signs of moisture in the attic or on ceilings could mean you have a small leak. Find and repair the source of any leaks as soon as they appear to avoid more extensive work.
• Clogged or damaged gutters: Functional gutters help direct water away from your home or building. Clean gutters regularly and repair any damage to keep water off your roof.
• Moss and algae: Although they do not cause immediate damage, moss and algae can retain moisture on your roof which can makes your shingles wear out more quickly. Special moss- and algae-cleaning products can help keep them under control.

5. Use the right materials and installation techniques

Choosing the right materials and installing them properly are key to having a strong, long-lasting roof. When you invest in high-quality materials and install them correctly, you prevent many future problems.

Recommended roofing materials for a long roof lifespan

• Asphalt shingles: Popular for offering good value for money, some high-quality asphalt shingles offer excellent weather resistance and can last up to 30 years.
• Metal: Metal roofing is known to be highly durable, with a life expectancy of 50 years or more.
• Slate: Natural slate is one of the most durable roofing materials and can last over 100 years. Although it is more expensive, its appearance and longevity make it a popular choice for upscale buildings.

Impact of installation quality on durability

Proper installation maximizes the lifespan of your roof. When you hire experienced, certified roofers, you can be confident that your roof covering will be installed according to industry best practices.

The best professionals will offer warranties on their work, so you have the option to benefit from follow-up services if there are problems. These services can include periodic inspections to verify that the roof is still in good condition.

6. Apply preventive treatments and protection

To extend the life of your roof and keep it working properly, you will need to take a few preventive measures, such as applying sealants and protective coatings, and using anti-moss and anti-algae treatments.

Sealants and protective coatings

• Sealants: Roof sealants provide an extra layer of protection against water, sun and, in some cases, chemicals. They can extend the life of roofing materials by preventing premature degradation due to UV exposure and moisture.
• Protective coatings: Coatings go one step further by improving a roof’s reflectivity, which reduces how much heat is absorbed by the roof and, consequently, cuts air-conditioning costs. Some coatings are specifically designed for specific roof coverings, like metal or elastomeric membrane roofs.

Advantages of anti-moss and anti-algae treatments

Mosses and algae thrive in damp environments, and they can cause significant damage to roofs by holding moisture against the surface. In time, this moisture causes materials to rot and can even weaken the roof structure. Anti-moss and anti-algae treatments can therefore help preserve the integrity of your roof.

Moss and algae can also make your roof look dull and make it look neglected. Preventive treatments help maintain the appearance of your building, and may even preserve or increase its value.

Duro-Toit Roofers can extend the lifespan of your roof

By following the tips and practices recommended in this article, you can significantly extend the life of your roof so it can continue to protect your home or commercial building. Remember that experienced roofing professionals have the expertise to guarantee that maintenance work is carried out to the highest standards.

For over 15 years, Duro-Toit roofers have specialized in the installation, repair and maintenance of commercial and residential roofs. Our team of certified professionals has the experience and skills to keep your roof in top condition, year after year.

Whether you need a roof installation or regular roof maintenance, Duro-Toit is ready to meet all your roofing needs. Contact us today to discuss your project and find out how we can help protect your investment for years to come.