Roofing Calgary: How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter

Roofing Calgary: How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter

Just like how we can’t possibly brave the winter without our puffer jackets, your roof needs some prepping too before it can start battling the freezing temperatures.

Jamieson Roofing—one of the leading roofing companies in Calgary—is here to share expert tips on how you can effectively prep your roof for the coldest season of the year.

From checking for damaged shingles to inspecting the insulation and installing snow guards, here are 13 ways to make your roof winter-ready.

Table of Contents | Roofing Calgary: How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter

Pre-Winter Maintenance: 13 Tips From Expert Calgary Roofers

Trim Any Branches Hanging Over the Roof
Check for Damaged or Missing Shingles
Check the Flashing and Seals
Inspect and Clean Eavestroughs
Ensure Your Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts are Clean
Clear Any Obstructions from Soffits and Vents
Check For Moss and Algae Growth
Inspect the Insulation & Ventilation of Your Roof
Be on the Lookout for Interior leaks
Protect Your Roof with Snow Guards
Have A Snow Removal Plan
Look Over Your Insurance Plan
Hire a Professional to Inspect Your Roof

A Winter-Ready Roof Courtesy of Jamieson Roofing

Pre-Winter Maintenance: 13 Tips From Expert Calgary Roofers

1. Trim Any Branches Hanging Over the Roof

While overhanging tree branches might seem like the perfect spot to hang those aesthetic Christmas lights, they tend to pose a threat to Calgary roofing in case of winter storms. From strong winds to heavy snow, these branches can easily break off and cause some pretty costly injuries to your roof. That’s why you’ll want to trim them as part of preparation for the colder months.

2. Check for Damaged or Missing Shingles

If you notice that the roof’s shingles are curling, buckling, or showing other signs of wear, this is a huge indicator that these specific spots are exposed and vulnerable to harsh winter conditions. If this is the case, you’ll want to call in Calgary roofers right away to carry out repairs.

3. Check the Flashing and Seals

Your roof’s flashing is in charge of diverting water away from critical areas. You’ll recognize them as the flat, thin pieces of metal that waterproof the perimeter of your roof, which are typically located on the chimneys, vents, and skylights. If the flashing has any signs of cracking or rusting, it could eventually cause leaks.

At the same time, be sure to check if the flashing’s sealant or caulking is intact. If it seems dried out or cracked, it may need to be replaced to prevent water intrusion.

4. Inspect and Clean Eavestroughs

Designed to collect and redirect rainwater away from the foundation, eavestroughs are bound to have large amounts of debris when winter time comes around. Beyond the water that accumulates over time, all the fallen leaves from the autumn season can build up on the eavestroughs as well.

Standing water on eavestroughs can overflow onto the rest of the house or even freeze during the winter and expand, causing damage to your roof.

Also, double-check to see if the eavestroughs are properly sloped toward downspouts and securely attached to the house; sagging eavestroughs can lead to improper drainage. Remember to call Calgary roofing experts to carry out repairs in case you notice any issues.

5. Ensure Your Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts are Clean

Besides eavestroughs, ensure that the entire drainage system, including gutters and downspouts, is clean and free from obstructions to allow for a seamless flow of melting snow and ice.

6. Clear Any Obstructions from Soffits and Vents

A roof soffit is the exposed underside of a roof overhang, eaves, or cornice. It’s typically constructed with wood, metal, or aluminum. Functionally, a roof soffit helps to ventilate the attic space, preventing moisture buildup and reducing the likelihood of mould or rot. It’s essential to keep soffit vents clear to maintain proper airflow under the roof. This also helps to reduce the risk of ice dams by keeping the roof temperature more uniform.

You’ll also want to check the soffits & vents’ seals and possible openings that pests could use to enter the attic.

7. Check For Moss and Algae Growth

Because it’s not every day that you check your roof, you never know just how big of a party moss and algae could be throwing up there. These moisture-holding organisms can cause serious damage to your roof’s shingles and siding.

To prevent further growth, consider asking Calgary roofing companies to install zinc or copper strips.

8. Inspect the Insulation & Ventilation of Your Roof

To ensure that your roof maintains its energy efficiency throughout the winter season, keep its insulation and ventilation properties in check.

As such, inspect your attic to see whether it’s well-insulated enough to maintain consistent temperatures in the winter, which will help prevent ice dams—the main culprits that cause water to back up under shingles. As for your attic’s ventilation, check to see if there’s adequate airflow, which regulates temperatures and prevents moisture build-up & ice formation.

The key here is to maintain proper balance—ensure there is adequate insulation to keep heat from escaping, while also providing enough ventilation to allow excess heat and moisture to escape from the attic. If you aren’t quite sure whether the balance is right, reach out to Calgary roofing companies for assistance.

9. Be on the Lookout for Interior leaks

Before winter time comes around, make it a point to inspect your attic and the rest of your home for any interior leaks. If you notice any water stains or mould on ceilings, these could indicate a leak.

When not addressed promptly, these issues could escalate even further during the city’s harsh winter conditions—so make sure to call for roof repair in Calgary as soon as possible.

10. Protect Your Roof with Snow Guards

Have you ever watched your roof have a sudden avalanche of snow? Not only is this damaging to your roof, but it’s also very dangerous for you and your family.

Don’t just watch an avalanche like that happen all over again. Instead, install snow guards. Also called snow fences or snow stops, these devices control the way in which ice and snow fall off from sloped roofs. Don’t welcome winter without them!

11. Have A Snow Removal Plan

Also, don’t flip your calendar to the colder months without having a clear snow removal plan in mind.

Start with knowing just how much snow your roof can safely hold—and then have a clear plan on how to remove it before that point. Alternatively, you could always leverage the services of Calgary roofers to take care of snow removal instead.

Then it’s time to go shopping for the right tools for snow removal; add a roof rake and an extendable arm to your cart.

12. Look Over Your Insurance Plan

When was the last time you went back to review your insurance plan? The end of autumn is the perfect time to review your insurance policy to have a clear understanding of what types of roof damage are covered by your provider.

Here’s a pro tip: Once your roof’s pre-winter maintenance is completed, take date-stamped photos of your roof. If you ever need to file a claim for repair in Calgary, these images can be used as evidence to prove your roof’s condition.

13. Hire a Professional to Inspect Your Roof

Ultimately, climbing up to inspect your roof isn’t an easy feat. This can be a dangerous task, especially for those who aren’t equipped with the right tools and strategies.

Rather than putting yourself at risk, just leave it all up to reliable roofing companies in Calgary to do all the heavy lifting for you. Being true experts, they’ll be able to carry out a thorough inspection and make the right recommendations as well.

A Winter-Ready Roof Courtesy of Jamieson Roofing

After nearly a decade of providing reliable roofing services, you can always count on Jamieson Roofing to make your home winter-ready.

From maintaining the highest levels of customer service to ensuring our expert roofers work to consistently exceed expectations, we consistently set the bar high—and that’s how we’ve become a leading roofing company in Calgary.

Discover more about our reliable roofing services:

Explore our other blogs for more helpful information on roof repair in Calgary.

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Jamieson Roofing Inc.