It’s officially fall and the days are growing shorter and getting cooler. With another Alberta winter on the horizon, we recommend an exterior inspection of your roof system before the snow arrives. Your roof is the main component in protecting your home from water damage and an annual inspection could prevent a small problem from turning into a winter emergency.
The weather in Southern Alberta can be interesting (to say the least) and the chinook winds we experience can cause high winds and extreme temperature changes. If your gutters are clogged or your shingles are loose/lifting, these weather changes may be the recipe for an leak.
We recommend the following eight steps be completed during an inspection of your roof system:
1. Inspect
Your roof should be inspected for missing, loose, cracked, broken, curling, lifting, or otherwise damaged shingles. Some of these issues may be visible from ground level, but others will require a closer look from on top of the roof.
2. Replace
Any issues with your shingles or shakes should be addressed right away. You can replace damaged shingles/shakes if it is a minor issue and the original shingle can be matched.
3. Re-Seal
Caulk around flashings, vents, chimney stacks and anywhere else that may have been caulked previously. Even though new shingles often come with a lifetime warranty, most waterproofing products are rated to last only 5 years.
4. Remove
Cut back/trim tree branches at least 2 feet from the roof and gutters. It only takes one branch rubbing your roof in the wind to cause damage to shingles. Trimming trees can also reduce the amount of debris that collects in your gutters.
5. Clean
Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned seasonally of all debris. Clogged gutters can cause standing water and in the winter months it can freeze and cause damage to the roofing system, gutters, soffit, fascia, siding and even your foundation.
6. Target
Ensure downpipe extensions are directed 5 feet from the foundation. Pooling water around the foundation of your home can cause serious damage.
7. Ventilate
Have your attic inspected for balanced ventilation. In the winter months, an overheated attic will lead to excess moisture causing damage to the attic and roofing system. See our page on Ventilation for more information on this complex system.
8. Insulate
Your attic should have the proper R value to effectively guard against heat loss, which is the leading cause of ice damming and attic condensation problems.
Do you think your roof system is in need of a inspection? Hubbard Roofing & Exteriors offers a free roof inspection and can provide a roof tune-up to address minor issues.
Have a question you would like answered? Contact Us using our online submission form, send an e-mail to info@hubbardexteriors.com, or leave us a comment below.
