Fall Roof Maintenance Checklist: 7 Things Ontario Homeowners Should Do Before Winter

Fall is one of the best times to make sure your roof is ready for another Ontario winter.

Snow, ice, freezing temperatures and winter storms can put added stress on your roofing system. Small problems that seem insignificant in September can become leaks, water damage or emergency repairs once winter arrives.

A little preventative maintenance now can go a long way toward protecting your home.

Here are seven things homeowners should check this fall.

1. Look for Missing or Damaged Shingles

Take a look at your roof from the ground and watch for shingles that are missing, curling, cracked or visibly damaged.

Even a small exposed area can allow moisture underneath your roofing system.

If something doesn't look right, have it inspected rather than climbing onto the roof yourself.

2. Check Your Eavestroughs

Leaves, branches and other debris can quickly clog eavestroughs during the fall.

Your eavestrough system helps move water away from your roof and home. When it's blocked, water can back up and contribute to roof, fascia and foundation problems.

Cleaning your eavestroughs before winter is a simple but important part of fall home maintenance.

3. Inspect Flashing Around Chimneys, Skylights and Vents

Some of the most vulnerable areas of a roof are where different materials meet.

Flashing around chimneys, skylights and roof vents helps prevent water from entering your home.

Loose or damaged flashing should be repaired before snow and ice arrive.

4. Watch for Signs of Leaks Inside Your Home

Roof problems aren't always visible outside.

Check ceilings and attic spaces for signs such as:

• Water stains

• Damp areas

• Musty smells

• Mold or mildew

• Discoloured drywall

If you notice something unusual, don't wait for the problem to get worse.

5. Check Your Attic Insulation

Your attic and roof work together.

Proper insulation can help reduce heat loss and improve your home's energy efficiency. It can also help reduce conditions that contribute to ice damming during the winter.

If your home feels difficult to heat or your attic insulation is old or uneven, fall is a good time to have it assessed.

Penney's Roofing also provides blown-in insulation services for homeowners looking to improve their attic insulation.

6. Trim Branches Near Your Roof

Branches hanging over your home can become a problem during heavy wind, snow or ice.

Trimming back potentially hazardous branches can help reduce the risk of damage to your shingles, eavestroughs and roof.

7. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

You don't have to wait until your roof leaks to call a roofer.

A professional roof inspection can identify small repairs, damaged shingles, flashing problems and other areas of concern before winter weather makes them worse.

It can also help you understand the overall condition of your roof and whether you should be planning for a future replacement.

Is Your Roof Ready for Winter?

September and early fall are ideal times to take care of roofing maintenance and repairs while the weather is still favourable.

Penney's Roofing provides roof inspections, roof repairs, roof replacements, eavestrough services, blown-in insulation and other roofing services for homeowners throughout Port Hope, Cobourg, Northumberland County, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Courtice, Peterborough and surrounding communities.

If you're unsure whether your roof is ready for winter, contact Penney's Roofing for a free quote.