12 Roof Care and Maintenance Tips for Southern Ontario

You Should Periodically Check Your Roof

A roof lasts longer when it’s checked regularly for wear, weather damage, and blocked drainage. Most homeowners should plan a visual inspection every spring and fall, after major storms, and every five to seven years by a professional.

Early detection of issues such as lifted shingles, cracked caulking, or granule loss helps prevent leaks before they reach the attic or drywall. A simple walk around your home can reveal fallen shingles, clogged downspouts, or sagging eavestroughs—signs that water isn’t flowing where it should.

Periodic checks also protect your investment by maintaining manufacturer warranties and keeping your home’s structure dry and stable. Over time, Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rain put strain on even well-built roofs. By spotting problems early, you avoid costly repairs later and extend the life of your roofing system.

You Should Do Routine Maintenance On Your Roof

Routine maintenance keeps your roof performing the way it was designed to. Tasks like cleaning eavestroughs, trimming overhanging branches, and re-caulking flashings after the five-year mark all reduce the risk of leaks and ice buildup. Roofs shed water by design, but when gutters clog or sealants fail, water can back up and enter your home.

Maintenance is especially important in Southern Ontario, where seasonal temperature swings test every roof. Keeping vents open, removing debris, and scheduling inspections ensure your roof can breathe and dry properly year-round. Regular upkeep is simple, practical, and the surest way to avoid major damage.

12 Roof Care Maintenance Tips for Southern Ontario

Southern Ontario’s weather demands attention to your roof through every season. The following twelve maintenance tips outline how to keep your roof in good condition and prevent common homeowner headaches.

1. Keep Eavestroughs and Downspouts Clear

Water needs a clear path off your roof, and clogged eavestroughs are one of the most common causes of roof leaks and ice buildup. Leaves, twigs, and debris prevent proper drainage, causing water to back up under shingles or freeze in place during winter. A simple cleaning after the fall leaf drop can prevent damage to both your roof and your home’s foundation.

Tips:

• Clean gutters and downspouts once a year, ideally in late fall.
• Use a gutter scoop or hose to remove debris safely from a ladder.
• Check for sagging or disconnected joints that could restrict flow.

2. Trim Back Overhanging Branches

Branches hanging over your roof can damage shingles, block sunlight, and fill gutters with leaves. During storms, they can scrape surfaces or break off entirely, causing punctures. Keeping a clear perimeter around your roof reduces both physical wear and debris buildup.

Tips:

• Maintain at least one metre of clearance between trees and your roof.
• Trim branches before storm season or heavy winds.
• Watch for moss or shade growth caused by low-hanging limbs.

3. Visually Inspect Shingles Each Spring and Fall

Regular inspections help you identify small issues before they lead to leaks. Look for shingles that are curled, cracked, missing, or misaligned—these are signs of age or wind damage. Ontario’s shifting temperatures can loosen seals and allow moisture to enter, especially after winter.

Tips:

• Inspect using binoculars from the ground for safety.
• Pay attention to ridge caps and edges, where wear appears first.
• Replace or repair any visible damage promptly.

4. Check for Granule Loss

Granules protect asphalt shingles from UV damage and water infiltration. When they start to wear off, shingles lose durability and dry out faster. You’ll often find these granules in eavestroughs or at the base of downspouts.

Tips:

• Look for bald spots or uneven colour patches on your roof.
• Check the bottom of gutters and splash areas for buildup.
• Heavy granule loss signals the roof is nearing the end of its life cycle.

5. Examine Caulking and Flashings After Five Years

Caulking and flashing seal critical joints around chimneys, skylights, and wall trims. Over time, sunlight and temperature changes cause sealants to crack or pull away, opening pathways for leaks. Around the five-year mark, it’s wise to check these areas closely.

Tips:

• Re-caulk small gaps with high-quality exterior sealant.
• Replace damaged flashing where rust or lifting is visible.
• Focus on roof-to-wall transitions and vent pipes, where leaks often begin.

6. Monitor Attic Ventilation

Good ventilation keeps your attic dry and your roof healthy. Poor airflow traps heat in summer and moisture in winter, leading to warped sheathing, mold, and ice dams. A properly vented attic should match the outdoor temperature—if it’s cold outside, your attic should be cold too.

Tips:

• Ensure soffit vents and ridge vents are open and unblocked.
• Avoid mixing vent types (e.g., turbine with static vents) as they can cancel airflow.
• Check for frost or condensation in the attic—both indicate ventilation issues.

7. Inspect After Major Storms or High Winds

Severe weather can dislodge shingles, damage vents, and blow debris onto your roof. Even minor wind damage can allow water to penetrate and cause long-term deterioration. After a major storm, a quick visual inspection from the ground can save you from larger problems later.

Tips:

• Look for shingles on the lawn or loose flashing around chimneys.
• Check gutters for debris that may indicate surface damage.
• If damage is visible or suspected, contact a professional before the next rainfall.

8. Keep Roof Surfaces Free of Debris

Leaves, branches, and moss trap moisture and create breeding grounds for rot. Keeping your roof surface clean allows it to dry properly after rain or snow. Light debris can often be removed from the ground using a roof rake or blower, but never use metal tools that can damage shingles.

Tips:

• Clean roof surfaces once or twice a year, especially after fall.
• Remove debris after high winds or storms.
• Avoid pressure washing—gentle cleaning preserves shingle integrity.

9. Check Interior Ceilings and Attic for Moisture

A leak often starts small and spreads unseen beneath the surface. Damp insulation, stained drywall, or musty odours signal hidden water problems. Checking inside your attic and upper ceilings helps detect issues before they require expensive repairs.

Tips:

• Inspect attic insulation for dampness or dark spots.
• Check ceiling corners for staining after rain or melting snow.
• Early detection prevents drywall damage and mould growth.

10. Avoid Walking on the Roof Unnecessarily

Every step on a shingled roof wears it down. Walking can break granules loose, bend shingle edges, or crush vents and caps. Unless you’re trained or using safety gear, it’s better to stay off and inspect visually from the ground.

Tips:

• Use binoculars, a camera, or drone for safe inspection.
• If access is needed, step only where shingles overlap and distribute weight evenly.
• Never walk on icy or wet roofs—call a professional instead.

11. Look for Signs of Animal Activity

Wildlife can cause serious damage in a short time. Raccoons, squirrels, and birds often pull apart ridge caps or chew through vents seeking warmth. Entry points can allow water and pests into your attic. Regularly checking for animal activity keeps small issues from turning into major repairs.

Tips:

• Look for loose shingles, droppings, or nesting materials.
• Repair chewed or broken vent covers immediately.
• Consider wire mesh guards over vulnerable vents or soffits.

12. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection Every 5–7 Years

Even well-maintained roofs need a professional eye periodically. Experienced roofers can identify early signs of failure in shingles, flashing, and underlay that homeowners might overlook. A full inspection helps preserve warranty coverage and ensures your roof remains structurally sound.

Tips:

• Schedule inspections after the first five years, then every five to seven years.
• Choose a reputable, insured roofing company familiar with Ontario’s building codes.
• Ask for photo documentation of problem areas and suggested maintenance steps.

Chouinard Bros Specializes in Roof Repair and Maintenance

Your roof protects everything beneath it—keeping it strong starts with proper care and expert attention.

Chouinard Bros has served Ontario homeowners for decades, offering trusted inspections, maintenance, and repairs that extend the life of your roof. If you’ve noticed wear, leaks, or seasonal damage, don’t wait for problems to grow.

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