For most homeowners, the spring melt is a welcome change from blustery winter winds. But with warmer temperatures also comes spring rains, and with them comes the risk of roof leaks.
Winter storms, ice build-up, and the wear and tear that comes during periods of frequent freezing and thawing all place a significant amount of stress on your roof, and when the thermometer rises and the water flows, this can lead to nasty surprises.
If you want your roof to stay leak-free this spring, there are a few preventive steps you can take as soon as the snow melts to ensure that any potential problems are dealt with promptly and effectively. Here are the three most important:
- Replace Broken Shingles
For good reason, asphalt shingle is the most common residential roofing material in Canada and the northern United States: not only are these roofs cheap and easy to install, they generally offer at least twenty-five years of protection from the elements.
But asphalt shingles are also prone to damage, and high-speed winds, rapid changes of temperature, and ice dams can all conspire to cause shingles to crack or fall away, exposing the roof deck to water damage and rot that will eventually lead to serious leaks.
If the damage is minimal, you may be able to fix it yourself, but it is important to know when to hire an expert roofer in the event that damage is more extensive than you’d expected. If you live in the GTA, call roof repair Toronto experts to help you figure out whether you need professional help.
- Clean Your Gutters
A well-designed roof should channel water away from your roof deck in the most efficient way possible. This cannot happen if your gutters are filled with dead leaves, dirt, and other debris, and in the worst case scenario, clogged gutters will cause water to pool on the roof itself, drastically increasing the chances of a leak.
If you want to preserve your roof’s integrity this spring, make sure your gutters are clear and your drains and downspouts are directing the water away from the foundation of your house.
- Install Proper Ventilation
It is all but inevitable that some moisture will make it through to your roof deck at some point in the season — between shifting temperatures, internal condensation, and heavy rains, you can’t expect to keep moisture out completely.
This is why it is important to ensure that your roof is properly ventilated. A well-ventilated roof allows moisture to dry out quickly, and keeps it from rotting your roof deck and causing water damage to your insulation and beams. Roof ridge vents are an increasingly popular way of dealing with this problem, but to find out which solution is best for you, consult roofing Toronto experts.
Most homeowners won’t notice that their ceiling has sprung a leak until heavy spring rains are causing water to actually fall into their living area. By this point, the damage is likely to be extensive, and the solutions costly. For this reason, all homeowners should make a plan to inspect and repair their roof as soon as it is safe to do so.
This kind of preventive care won’t simply ensure you avoid a ceiling leak; it will also save you potentially thousands of dollars in repair costs.