The complete guide to roof maintenance in Quebec

Your roof is like your car: if you take care of it, it'll last a long time. If you ignore it, problems will pile up until the bill is steep. The good news? Basic roof maintenance is neither complicated nor expensive. But you have to do it.

We estimate that a regular maintenance program can add 30% to 50% to the lifespan of your roof. On a $15,000 investment, that means 7-10 extra years. Not bad for a few hours of attention per year.

Spring: the post-winter inspection

Spring is THE time to check the condition of your roof. The Quebec winter is brutal — freeze, thaw, ice storms, snow load, wind — and now is when the damage reveals itself.

If you're comfortable getting up on a ladder, here's what you can check yourself from the ground or the ladder's steps (do NOT go up onto the roof if you don't have safety equipment):

Look for shingles that are missing, lifted, cracked or buckled. Check the metal flashing around the chimney, the vents and the walls — it should be well sealed and rust-free. Take a look at the gutters: are they securely fastened? Are there a lot of granules at the bottom? Are any tree branches touching your roof?

Inside, go up into the attic (if you have access) and look for signs of moisture, mould or light coming through the decking.

Summer: cleaning and prevention

Summer is the time to clean. Remove the debris built up on the roof — leaves, branches, moss. Make sure the ventilation vents aren't blocked (a blocked vent means condensation in the attic and eventually mould).

If you have trees near the house, cut back the branches that hang over the roof. Besides keeping branches from falling on your shingles, it reduces the buildup of leaves and moss.

Also check the caulking around the penetrations (vents, pipes, chimney). Caulking dries out and cracks over time, and that's often where water gets in.

Fall: winter preparation

Before the first snow, do one last round. Clean the gutters thoroughly — clogged gutters are the perfect recipe for ice dams in winter. Make sure the attic insulation and ventilation are adequate (good ventilation reduces the risk of ice dams).

If you spotted defects in the spring that you put off... it's now or never. Repairs are much harder (and more expensive) once winter has arrived.

For flat roofs: make sure the drains are completely clear. A clogged drain in winter means a pool on your roof in spring.

Winter: monitoring and caution

In winter, your job is to keep watch. Keep an eye on snow accumulation and have it cleared when it exceeds 60 cm. Be alert to ice dams forming at the edge of the roof. And regularly check the inside of the house for signs of water infiltration.

Important: DO NOT climb onto your roof in winter. It's dangerous and you risk damaging your roof. If something worries you, call a professional.

We're here to help

At Toitures VNC, we offer complete inspections with a detailed report and photos. We tell you honestly what's urgent and what can wait. And if minor repairs are needed, we take care of them on the spot.

Book your inspection at 438-494-1665. It's the best investment you can make in your roof.