Roofing Maintenance: Complete Checklist

Whether it’s your house, your condo or your business premises, the condition of your roof has a direct impact on your building and your well-being.

A worn out and unmaintained roof can cause a lot of problems, including leaks and insulation defects, which can lead to high heating costs.

Being aware that your roof needs to be taken care of is a good thing, but how do you go about it? And when should you do it?

Find out now with Duro-Toit Montreal’s roofers practical roof maintenance checklist.

The 6 essentials of roofing maintenance

Do you want to protect your roof, but aren’t sure where to start? From cleaning and snow removal to regular inspections, discover 6 roof maintenance tips that will save you time and money!

1. Clean the roof with the right equipment

The roof of your home is the first line of defense against wind, rain, temperature changes and, of course, snow. Consequently, even a top-quality roof covering will be exposed to bad weather and possible damage. A few things must be done to ensure that your roofing retains both its appearance and its insulating properties.

Cleaning is an essential element of regular maintenance. When done on a regular basis, it gets rid of damaging debris such as leaves, branches, sand and moss. There are various ways to clean your roof. However, you should avoid using high-pressure jets or brooms, which can cause damage. For more information on the best cleaning  solutions for your type of roof, consult a roofing professional.

2. Waterproofing

Homeowners can protect their roof against moisture and leaks by applying a waterproofing product. This type of water or acrylic based protection is available in two forms:

• Film-forming: once dry, it will form a protective film that prevents air and water from penetrating below its surface.
  
  
• Pearl effect: as its name indicates, this environmentally friendly product helps to form droplets that run off the roof more easily.

Again, there are many different products on the market and it is important to consult a professional to choose a water repellent that is compatible with your choice of roofing membrane or asphalt shingles and will not alter its color or composition.

3. Moss treatment

As indicated earlier, the geographical location of your home, the amount of vegetation on the property and above all the humidity can often produce moss on the surface of the roof. Formed by algae or lichens, these mosses are extremely damaging because they store water, create cracks when it freezes and make the materials more porous and therefore more vulnerable to bad weather. A comprehensive roofing maintenance effort should include moss treatment.

4. Gutter maintenance

Maintaining gutters and downspouts is essential because all unwanted dirt and debris is drained through your gutters. If you neglect your gutters for a long period of time, the pipes can become blocked and damage your roof, exterior walls and other structural elements. A simple flush may be enough to clean them out. However, if there is too much buildup, a manual or high-pressure cleaning may be necessary to ensure proper drainage from your roof.

5. Snow removal

Ice and snow build-up is probably the most common cause of roof leaks and water damage in Quebec homes. This is in addition to the extra weight that often causes roof structures to collapse. Consequently, snow removal during storms is an essential step for maintaining your roof!

If you live in the Greater Montreal area, you can have your pitched roof snow removal or flat roof snow removal done by Duro-Toit.

6. Roof inspection

Remember, sometimes the signs of deterioration of a roof are imperceptible. You’ll need a roofing expert to determine the health of your roof. A quarterly inspection is recommended to verify whether your roof needs maintenance, and whether you have:

• Peeling flashing
• Granular loss
• Missing shingles
• Curling shingles
• Cracked shingles

If a professional inspection results in the detection of damage, you will be able to take action more quickly to avoid the spread of any weakness or flaws that could result in the need for more complex roof repairs or a complete roof replacement.

When should your roof be serviced?

Doing maintenance on your roof is essential for effective building management, whether for a house, condo, building or commercial space. Maintenance done by professional roofers will extend the life of your roof and thus help maintain the integrity of the building, making it a truly worthwhile investment that will save you money in the long run.

Roofing maintenance should be done at the following times:

When your roof shows signs of wear

As soon as your roof appears to show signs of wear, which could be indicated by an uncomfortable change in temperature, abnormally high heating costs, visible deterioration of the coating or traces of moisture, you should have a roof inspection done. Professional roofers will be able to tell you what type of roof maintenance makes the most sense for the building.

Depending on the case, you may be able to fix the problem by repairing only the damaged portion of the roof, by removing the obsolete components and replacing them with new materials. The work may also involve simply sealing leaks or installing new sealants or better insulation.

Repairing or adding vents is also a great solution for roofing systems that are prone to ventilation problems. Investing in the installation of a new unit will be much less expensive than having to do a complete roof restoration.

Before winter arrives

Quebec’s climate is harsh on roofs, which need to survive strong winds and the weight of snow and ice in winter. To avoid Mother Nature’s wrath, roofing maintenance begins with careful winter preparation. Some roofing companies, like Duro-Toit, offer roof winterization services. Avoid any unpleasant surprises and make an appointment before the first snow storms hit!

During winter, snow can often build up in large quantities. It is common to see cracks, leaks, structural deformities or even complete roof collapses. We recommend hiring a professional to remove snow and ice from your roof, to limit the risk of injury.

At regular intervals

Roofing maintenance involves a certain amount of vigilance. You should have an expert inspect your roof every three to six months, or after bad weather.

Cleaning the gutters is important, as well as checking the storm drains, to be sure they are doing their job and draining water and debris.

Adding gravel to asphalt roofs is a sure way to protect them from the sun’s destructive rays. In fact, this simple roof maintenance trick will slow down the contraction of the asphalt during major temperature variations and make your roofing last longer.

Let experienced roofers take care of your roof!

In short, regular roofing maintenance is essential if you want to keep your roof in good condition for years to come! That said, roofing work has to be done at height, so it is safer to rely on professional roofers. To learn more, contact the experts at Duro-Toit today!

For more information on our roof maintenance services or to make an appointment with one of our technical advisors, contact us today at (514) 755-8648.