As we say farewell to summer and enjoy the last of the warm days, it isn’t uncommon to see a few early snowstorms before winter comes into full swing in Calgary. During summer months, you may have spent time gardening and tending to other parts of your home. Are you now wondering whether your roof needs attention, too? There may be some roof repairs you have been putting off. Now is the perfect time to get them done before we head into the long winter months.
Assessing Your Roof
Calgary is no stranger to extreme weather conditions, including snow, ice, hail and wind storms. Hail and strong winds are common culprits associated with roof damage. Depending on how old your home is, a roof repair will be inevitable. Make sure you get it done before the situation becomes urgent.
First, you’ll want to complete a roof inspection to see what roof repairs are necessary. This will help give you an idea of what actually needs to be fixed and the cost. Annual roof inspections and doing little fixes can extend the life of your roof.
Inspecting your roof can be done by simply getting a ladder and going up yourself. However, if you feel queasy just thinking about it, there are two other possible ways you can safely assess your roof. One way is by taking a walk around your home to check for any damage from below. You can also grab a pair of binoculars and take a look at your roof from a distance.
Here are some things to add to your checklist when assessing your roof.
- Look Up To See If There Are Visible Signs Of Sagging Or Drooping
- Missing Or Broken Shingles
- Torn Or Warped Shingles
- Look For Visible Damage Around Chimneys
- Check Gutters For Any Debris
It is good to gather both your checklist and also have a professional come and assess your roof. A seasoned roofer will be able to look for smaller details the average homeowner may miss. From there, they can provide you with advice on what roof repairs and maintenance need to be done. They can also provide a quote. Having more than one roofing company quote you for repairs and replacements can help you potentially save money by finding the best price.
Early Bird Gets The Worm
Like most things in life, addressing the problem early will save you future hassle and stress. Once you have a roofing quote, you can begin to plan how long your roof repairs will take. Note that demand is typically highest in the spring/summer, so booking ahead will ensure you get the availability that works best for you.
Don\’t Wait Until Winter
Roofing in the winter, while possible, is extremely dangerous. Chances are if you can find a roofing company, you will be paying more money for the off-peak season work. Although the demand is lower in the winter months, you may run a few risks if you wait to get your roof repairs done during then.
Because of the cold, your roofer may be cutting corners to rush the job, and you don’t want to be paying for a half-hearted job. If possible, book a reputable roofing company for the on-season. The conditions will be safer, and you will get the service and quality you’re paying for.
Don\’t Wait To Fix Roof Issues
If you’re considering waiting until spring or summer to get your repairs done, think again. Just because you don’t have a leaky roof now doesn’t mean you won’t have one a few months from now. The condition of your roof may get worse with snow and ice, leaving you with a more expensive roof repair by the time spring comes around. Getting your roof repairs done now will give you peace of mind that no surprises will come up throughout the winter.
Asphalt shingles are a popular option for many residential homes due to its affordability and durability to extreme weather conditions. However, during the installing process, cold temperatures can make the material more brittle and harder to work with. If improperly installed, water can get trapped between the cracks leading to extensive damage in the future. This means you may end up fixing the original damage, only to find your new roof repair is also faulty.
While it is possible to complete roof repairs during the winter, it isn’t ideal when factoring in how long and harsh winter can be in Calgary. Even if you feel like your current roof is fine, it may be time to do a quick check for yourself. Being proactive and hiring a professional to complete the job will save you both time and money. Once the roof repair is complete, you can mark off one more thing on your to-do list.
