In Montreal, the harsh climate is a real challenge for the sustainability of roofs. Long periods of heavy snow, freezing rain, and frequent freeze and thaw cycles cause accelerated material wear. These difficult conditions considerably increase the risk of roof damage, making preventive maintenance essential. A regular inspection, ideally twice a year — in the spring to prepare the roof for the hot season, and in the fall to anticipate winter — is essential.
Avoid infiltrations and maintain watertightness
One of the major objectives of preventive maintenance is to maintain the watertightness of the roof in order to avoid water infiltration. These can cause significant damage not only to the roof, but also to the inside of the house. Water that seeps in can cause mold, rots in the frame, or even health problems related to humidity for the occupants. To prevent these risks, it is crucial to keep the gutters clean and clear in order to ensure a good flow of water. In addition, flashings, located around chimneys, skylights or ventilation ducts, must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their perfect tightness. Depending on the type of roof, the application of specific treatments, such as water repellents or anti-foam products, can also contribute to extending the life of the materials and limiting the occurrence of damage-related damage.
Ventilation, snow and winter maintenance
Ventilation plays a key role in the health and longevity of your roof. A well-ventilated roof prevents the formation of ice under the roof, a phenomenon that can seriously damage the roof structure by causing shingles to rise or waterproof membranes to break. In winter, snow accumulation is an additional threat. A layer that is too thick increases the weight supported by the roof, which can lead to subsidence or even collapse in extreme cases. In addition, melting snow that stagnates on the roof can cause seepage if it is not evacuated quickly. Snow removal must therefore be carried out safely and regularly in order to avoid these problems. Calling on professionals for this type of winter maintenance is often the best solution, as they have the tools and expertise necessary to intervene safely.
Entrust the maintenance to experts
While some maintenance tasks can be done by yourself, it is strongly recommended to entrust maintenance and complete inspections to professional roofers. Their know-how allows them to identify signs of degradation that are often invisible to the untrained eye, but which can quickly develop into major problems. In addition, they will be able to carry out the necessary repairs with suitable materials and in compliance with current standards. Preventive maintenance is a wise investment, because it extends the life of your roof, optimizes the insulation and energy efficiency of your home, and above all, avoids costly and heavy work to be done in case of negligence. By taking care of your roof, you are protecting your home and your comfort in the long term.
