Great Roofing Tips & Advice for Kamloops Homeowners & Businesses
Here are answers to some of our clients’ frequently asked questions:
How do I know when I need a new roof or just a repair?
To know if your roof needs a repair or a complete re-roofing, we suggest hiring a roof inspector. Someone who specializes in roofs can tell you whether you need an inexpensive repair or a major renovation project for your roof. Minor leaks near your roof’s ridges, vents, chimneys, or valleys may need only a simple repair, or they could be a more serious leaking problem that needs to be addressed to stop rot and warping.
What’s the right colour for my new roof?
If you’re building a new home, choosing the right roof colour is an important factor. Just like with painting, a small sample can’t really give you the whole picture. But unlike painting, a roof’s colour is a bit more permanent. Keep in mind the colour and style roof you choose will be with you for several years down the road. We suggest choosing neutral colours like black, gray, white or beige.
Are there any advantages to choosing asphalt shingles?
Some benefits of asphalt roofing include the price, durability, and versatility. Asphalt shingles are fairly inexpensive compared to other products. Asphalt shingles have been used for decades and have proven time and again that they have what it takes to stand up against harsh climates. They’re also very easy to maintain and repair. Lastly, asphalt shingles come in a variety of colours, styles, and sizes – you can customize your asphalt shingles to fit your home.
SEASONAL TIPS
Summer
Some quick tips for maintaining your roof during those long summer days include:
- Clearing out leaves, blossoms, and other plant material from drains
- Examining roof after severe wind storms
- Checking for hail damage
- Making sure gutters and downspouts flow freely
Fall
During the fall months, we suggest examining your roof for splits, cracks, or any other signs of fatigue at projections like stacks, vents, walls and joints. When temperatures rise and fall sporadically, these projections take the brunt of the building’s movement. Secondly, keep drains cleared. Leaves fall steadily during October and November and quickly clog up gutters and downspouts. Finally, check for water penetration – examine the perimeter of your roof, looking for any streaks or discolouration in brickwork, siding, or even inside on ceiling tiles and drywall.
Winter
Winter is the time you must really remain diligent on your roof care. Heavy snow falls place a strain on your roof and could cause structural problems. If you suspect damage, seek professional advice. Melting and refreezing ice can create dams, clogging gutters and roof drains. Check your roof periodically to make sure ice dams aren’t forcing water to seep into your home. And as always, check your roof after heavy, strong-winded storms.
