After a long Alberta winter filled with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and the occasional Chinook, your roof has likely taken a beating. As the snow melts in Calgary and Edmonton, it’s time to assess the health of your home’s exterior.
At A. Clark Roofing & Siding, we’ve been protecting Alberta homes for over 70 years. To help you get started, we’ve put together this spring roof inspection checklist to ensure your home remains safe, dry, and efficient all year long.
Why a Spring Roof Inspection is Essential in Alberta
The freeze-thaw cycles common in Calgary and Edmonton cause roofing materials to expand and contract, leading to cracked shingles, loosened flashings, and hidden leaks. By following this roof inspection checklist in Calgary or Edmonton, you can catch minor issues before they turn into costly structural repairs.
1. Ground-Level Walkaround
You don’t always need a ladder to spot trouble. Start by walking around your property and looking up.
- Check for missing or damaged shingles: Look for any pieces of shingles on the lawn or visible gaps on the roof.
- Look for granule loss: Check your downspout splash pads for a sand-like texture. This indicates your shingles are losing their protective coating.
- Identify sagging: Look at the ridgeline of your roof. Any dipping or sagging could indicate structural moisture damage.
2. Inspect Gutters and Eavestroughs
In Alberta, gutters often take the brunt of ice damming.
- Clear debris: If it’s safe to do so, remove leftover leaves, twigs, and silt from your roof to ensure spring rains can flow freely.
- Check for secure fastening: Ensure the gutters haven’t pulled away from the fascia due to the weight of winter ice.
- Downspout positioning: Ensure water is discharging at least 5-6 feet away from your foundation.
3. Examine Flashing and Seals
Flashings are the metal strips around chimneys, vents, and skylights. These are the most common points for leaks.
- Check for rust or gaps: Ensure the sealant hasn’t cracked or dried out over the winter.
- Inspect pipe boots: The rubber seals around vent pipes often crack due to UV exposure and extreme cold.
4. Attic Health Check
Sometimes the best way to inspect a roof is from the inside out.
- Look for water stains: Check the underside of the roof deck for dark spots or dampness.
- Check ventilation: Ensure your intake and exhaust vents aren’t blocked. Proper airflow prevents the attic rain phenomenon common in Calgary and Edmonton.
5. Trim Overhanging Branches
Spring is the perfect time to prune trees. Branches that rub against shingles during high Alberta winds can strip away the protective granules and cause premature aging.
Professional vs. DIY: When to Call the Experts
While a DIY walkaround is a great start, a professional roof inspection checklist in Calgary or Edmonton involves a much deeper dive. Professional roofers can identify unseen issues like:
- Subtle membrane splits or blisters
- Inadequate insulation levels
- Minor hail bruises that haven’t fully cracked yet
At A. Clark Roofing & Siding, our team uses advanced techniques and over seven decades of local experience to provide honest assessments. Whether you’ve noticed a small leak or just want peace of mind, our experts are here to help.
Ready for a Professional Assessment?
Don’t wait for the first major rainstorm of the season to find out your roof has a problem. Contact A. Clark Roofing & Siding today to schedule your professional inspection.
