Roof Maintenance Checklist: 10 Steps to Protect Your Roof

Top 7 Roofing Companies in Kelowna
May 14, 2025
Top 7 Roofing Companies in Kelowna
May 14, 2025
roof maintenance

Most homeowners don’t think about a roof until there’s a problem. But it’s one of the most important parts of your home. It keeps water out, holds warmth in, and protects everything underneath. Over time, though, weather, debris, and plain old wear and tear can chip away at that protection.

You don’t need to be a roofing expert to give your roof the care it needs. A few minutes here and there can make a big difference in how long it lasts and how well it performs. So, here’s a practical roof maintenance checklist that’s easy to follow and will help you stay ahead of costly repairs.

1. Look at Your Roof from the Ground

Start with a simple walk around your home. Stop at different angles and really look at your roof. You’re watching for things like missing shingles, bent flashing, sagging spots, or dark discolouration.

There’s no need to climb a ladder for this step. A ground-level check is safe, quick, and often enough to spot trouble early. If you see anything that looks out of place, make a note so you can follow up.

2. Clean Out Your Gutters

When gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, or dirt, water can back up under your shingles or run down your siding. Neither is good for your home.

Make gutter cleaning part of your spring and fall routines. If you have a lot of trees around, you may need to do it more often. Clean gutters keep rainwater moving away from your roof and foundation, which helps prevent leaks and water damage.

3. Watch for Moss and Algae Growth

Green patches or black streaks on a roof may look harmless, but they can hold moisture against your shingles and shorten their lifespan.

For small spots, a gentle, roof-safe cleaner will usually do the trick. If it’s widespread, consider calling in a pro. Skip the pressure washer — it can damage shingles and cause more harm than good.

4. Inspect the Flashing Around Roof Features

Flashing is the metal or rubber material around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof edges. It keeps water from sneaking in.

If flashing is loose, cracked, or missing, leaks can happen fast. From the ground, check for areas that look pulled away or bent. If something doesn’t look right, this is one of those times it’s smart to call a roofer to take a closer look.

5. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

Branches rubbing against your roof can scrape off granules, damage shingles, and drop debris straight into your gutters. In a storm, those same branches can break and cause major damage.

Keeping trees trimmed back at least three feet from your roof will protect the shingles and make it harder for animals to use the branches as a bridge to your home.

roof maintenance

6. Check the Attic or Crawlspace

Sometimes the first signs of a roof problem aren’t outside at all. Head into your attic or crawlspace and look for water stains, damp insulation, mould, or even light shining through the roof boards.

These signs mean water is getting in somewhere, and the sooner you find the source, the less damage it can do.

7. Do a Quick Check After Big Storms

Heavy winds, hail, and heavy rain can all cause damage that isn’t obvious right away. After a big storm, take a few minutes to walk around your home and look for damaged shingles, fallen branches, or flashing that’s come loose.

If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, take photos and share them with a roofer. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s a quick fix or something more serious.

8. Prevent Ice Dams in Winter

In cold weather, melting snow can refreeze along the edges of your roof, forming ice dams. These block water from draining properly, forcing it under shingles.

To avoid this, make sure your attic is well insulated and ventilated. After heavy snowfalls, use a roof rake to clear the lower section of your roof. If ice dams keep happening every winter, installing heat cables along the edges can be a long-term solution.

9. Check Ceilings and Walls for Water Damage

Inside your home, keep an eye on ceilings and upper walls. Water stains, peeling paint, or bubbling drywall can all point to a roof leak.

Even if the spot seems small, it’s worth investigating right away. A slow drip can turn into a big repair bill if left alone.

10. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

You can do a lot yourself, but a roofing contractor will always see more than the untrained eye. They know where problems tend to hide and can often spot small issues before they become expensive roof repairs.

Plan for a professional inspection at least every two years, and once a year if your roof is older than 15 years.

Keep Your Roof in Great Shape Year-Round

Regular roof maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular roof checks, a bit of seasonal upkeep, and help from a professional when needed, you can extend the life of your roof and avoid major headaches.

A well-maintained roof is one of the easiest ways to protect your home and keep your family comfortable, no matter what the weather throws at you.

Need a hand?

If your roof’s giving you trouble, we’re here to help. Serving Kelowna and surrounding areas, we offer expert repairs and free estimates, so you can relax knowing your home’s in good hands.

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