7 Tips to Keep Your Roof Safe in Saskatchewan

Like most homeowners in Saskatchewan, the last thing you want to do is spend money on a new roof. Taking care of your roof is important, especially if you want it to withstand the temperamental Saskatchewan weather. Not taking care of your roof could cost you more than just a few bucks to replace it. It could end up compromising the structural integrity of your entire home. Fortunately, if you take some simple precautions and do a little maintenance now and then, it's easy to keep your roof in excellent condition for decades without having to shell out for an expensive replacement job—and that's good news for everyone! We have put together 7 tips to keep your roof safe in Saskatchewan to help ensure it lasts its expected lifespan! Keep reading to learn more!

Trim Overhanging Branches.

We all know how windy it can be in Saskatchewan. If tree branches are hanging over your roof, they have the potential to break off in the high winds. Fallen branches can damage your roof and cause leaks, prevent the roof from draining correctly, promote mould and mildew growth on your shingles, and even cause shingles to become brittle and break off prematurely. If you have trees or other overhanging branches, you should trim them before they have a chance to damage your roof.

Inspect and Repair Broken Shingles Regularly.

Broken shingles can lead to leaks. They're also a sign of roof damage, so you must take action quickly. If you notice any cracked or missing shingles, inspect the rest of your roof to ensure that the issue isn't causing damage to the structural integrity of your roof. Most homeowners don't worry about small cracks on their shingles, but it is important to take them seriously. Over time, the cracks can become bigger and the weaker the shingle becomes. If you find any cracked or missing shingles, you should call a local roofer for repairs as soon as possible. 

Clean Your Roof Regularly.

Cleaning your roof is essential in ensuring it stays in good condition. You will want to clean your roof at least once a year, but more often if you live somewhere with frequent storms or high winds, like Saskatchewan. To clean the surface of asphalt shingles, use a soft brush and garden hose or rags soaked in warm water (no soap) to scrub off any dirt or moss accumulated over time. For cleaning between slate or clay tiles, dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and rub gently on clumps of dirt until they come off quickly. For cedar shakes, you can use a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water applied with a pump sprayer and then rinsed off with a garden hose. We don't recommend using a pressure washer on your roof as the high pressure can cause damage. 

Clean Gutters and Downspouts Regularly.

If you don't clean your gutters, they can overflow and cause water damage to your home. You should clean your gutters out twice a year during the spring and fall to remove all the debris and dirt from the season. Downspouts should be cleaned twice a year as well. Keeping gutters and downspouts cleaned out and clear of debris will promote better drainage and prevent ice dams from forming in the winter. 

Ensure that Your Roof has Proper Drainage.

Proper drainage is key to keeping your roof in good condition. Your roof should have a pitch of at least 4 inches per foot, meaning the top of the roof should be four inches higher than it is wide. This will allow rainwater and snow melt to flow down and off the sides rather than pooling on the shingles. If you have a flat roof, ensure it has been appropriately pitched so that water can drain through gutters and downspouts into storm drains. Proper roof drainage is essential for the Saskatchewan weather, especially in the spring when the snow starts to melt.

Get a Professional Roof Inspection Annually.

You should get a professional roof inspection annually. A roof inspector will check for problems like leaks and missing shingles and can tell you if your roofing system can be repaired or needs to be replaced. You can perform a roof inspection by yourself. Still, it's usually better to have a roofing contractor inspect it for you. Having your roof inspected yearly will help ensure any problems are spotted and repaired quickly. 

Contact United Roofing & Exteriors For Your Roofing Needs

The roof is one of the most crucial parts of your home. It protects you from the rain and sun, keeps your family warm and dry during the winter, and helps keep your home cool on hot summer days. If you want to keep it in good condition for years to come, follow these tips! At United Roofing & Exteriors, we know how important it is to take care of your roof. We offer roof maintenance services that will help ensure your roof lasts as long as it's supposed to! If you need roof maintenance, repairs or a replacement, contact us today!