Like most upkeep and maintenance, the best way to approach roof repairs is to spot problems early. It is best to inspect your roof at least twice a year, especially after winter weather and summer storms have done their best.
How to Inspect Your Roof in Ottawa
The absolutely least safe way to inspect your home roof is to climb up and wander around. Professional roofers wear specially designed shoes for traction. For the ordinary person, stand back and look at it. Get different perspectives, which may mean using your neighbour’s yard, with permission of course. Use some binoculars. Record the pictures from a drone.
Best of all is to call a professional roofing company in Ottawa to complete an inspection. They know what to look for and take the appropriate precautions.
What to Look For
Start with the shingles. See if there are any missing. Look for any damage including buckling or bare spots. The flashing should be shiny not rusty. Check the paint on the overhangs to see if it is peeling.
Maintenance
There are some regular maintenance chores that you can do or have done that will also extend the life of your roof.
- Clean the gutters at least twice a year. Pay particular attention to what has collected. If you notice loose gravel from asphalt shingles, you have significant wear on the roof. If the gutters and downspouts have debris, leaves, birds’ nests, etc., they will not move the water from rain and melting snow. That water will back up and cause the roof and its fascia to begin to rot.
- Have tree branches pruned if they are overhanging the roof. As the wind blows, those branches will start to erode the roof shingles. Tree limbs that are heavily laden with snow will trap moisture on the roof.
- Replace any worn or missing shingles or tiles promptly. For metal roofs replace anything that is corroded, loose or damaged.
- Around the chimney, vents, pipes, and skylights, reseal around all the edges to prevent moisture seeping into your home.
Remember to check inside too. Head up to the attic to see if there are any water stains, sagging, cracks or light coming in from the roof.
If you have concerns or would like to schedule an inspection, please feel free to contact us at Vanity Roofing. We are happy to have one of our Ottawa roofing professionals speak to your issues and help determine whether you need a roof repair or replacement.
