IS YOUR ROOF READY FOR THE FALL? HERE ARE 10 GREAT TIPS THAT WILL HELP MAKE SURE YOUR ROOF CAN WEATHER THE NEXT BIG STORM.
A well-built roof can withstand most strong storms, but as you have probably seen over the past 12 months, here in Ottawa, we get storms that don’t compare to most places. Whether it’s 100km/h winds during a -30C blizzard during the winter or tornadoes like we saw last summer, even the best roofs can be at the mercy of Mother Nature. Here are the top 10 things for you to look for when inspecting your roof.
- The first thing to look for is loose or missing shingles. These are relatively easy to spot, but even one out-of-place shingle can spell disaster for your home.
- Ridge caps and vents can become loose during a good storm. It’s important to check and make sure these are tight and that all seals are in good shape.
- Be sure to clear your roof of fallen debris or broken tree limbs. They might seem harmless but they can occasionally become lodged between shingles and act as a pry bar or even worse, they can fall down onto cars, pets or even other people.
- Be certain that all gutters are clean and check to see if they are in good shape.
- Check all of your vent covers to be sure there are no signs of cracking or damage.
- Take a close look at your skylights or solar tubes to be sure the seals are still in good shape. Also, keep an eye out for condensation buildup which is an early sign that something isn’t right.
- If your home is equipped with a roof-mounted air-conditioning unit, make sure no fallen debris has damaged the unit and that the water lines are still properly connected.
- Pop your head into the attic and look for signs of light protrusions within the plywood.
- Any flat roof should be inspected regularly to be sure that all drains are clear of debris and are showing no signs of water pooling.
- Homes with solar panels need to be routinely inspected for damage and cleared of debris.