Performing proper maintenance on your roof is the best method for keeping it in good condition for years to come. With our four distinct seasons and wet fall & winter climate, maintaining a roof here on Vancouver Island can be sometimes seem like a complex task. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. By taking a few simple steps, you can have the peace of mind that only comes with having a roof over your head.
Many homeowners often forget about their roof until something is wrong with it. This kind of reactive approach is a natural one, but it can end up costing thousands of dollars in repairs if left unchecked. As a professional roofing company with decades of experience in the industry, we highly recommend that homeowners should instead take a proactive approach when it comes to their roof.
Remembering to care for your roof on a regular basis is vital to keeping you and your family safe as well as extending the lifespan of your home. Sticking to a regular schedule of repair and maintenance throughout the year will help provide peace of mind for you and your family.
To begin with, every homeowner benefits from keeping a simple file folder containing the age of your roof, along with repair and maintenance history inside. Now you won’t have to struggle to remember the age of your roof, the repairs that have already been completed, or the age of specific materials, such as eaves troughs. Choosing which new roofing materials to use for various repairs depends on the type and age of the roof in question. Knowing which aspects of your roof that may require replacing depends on a number of factors as wear and tear as well as the age of your roof all come into play. By keeping a simple file folder with this information, you can budget for major revamps ahead of time.
Making sure the attic is properly ventilated is another primary step towards caring for your roof. If the ventilation is inadequate, it could result in a shingled roof overheating every summer, quickly shortening the life span of your roof. Adequate insulation in and around your roof prevents heat loss and high heating bills in the colder months, while keeping cool air inside your home during the summer.
Additionally, check points of possible water leakage, like roof flashing and air vent creases. Look specifically for any dark spots along attic walls and ceilings. Next, check for missing shingles or holes. A small leak is easier to fix than a huge leak.
Keep roof gutters and valleys free of debris and branches year-round. You don’t want to discover too late that moss and mold are flourishing underneath a pile of old, rotting leaves that weren’t removed. What’s more, keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris so proper drainage can occur year-round also avoids costly problems, such as rusting and excess wear. Most debris can be cleared by hand, with a broom, or using a leaf blower. Take extra care to avoid unnecessary damage by using too much force to ensure a safe clean-up.
Finally, moss removal is central to roof restorations in humid climates. Chemical cleaning products are available to help with the process. Avoid scraping or pressure washing any substances off your roof as these methods can cause more damage than they repair.
If you aren’t comfortable with performing general roofing repairs yourself, then schedule a regular roof inspection with a qualified roofing company. This will ensure small repairs are made before they turn into bigger, more costly repairs down the road. We highly recommend taking the time and attention to maintain your roof — it can pay off exponentially over the lifetime of your home. Some simple repairs can be done by homeowners themselves, but many opt for the security and peace of mind that comes from hiring a roofing professional to get the job done.
Roofpro is your go-to Central Vancouver Island roofing company. Based in Nanaimo, Roofpro offers services to all communities from Duncan to Campbell River, as well as Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet. We provide a wide variety of roofing services catered to your unique needs and specifications. Call us at 250-248-3400 or email us at info@theroofpro.ca today to find out more about how we can put a roof over your head!