Winter Roof Care

1.       Sweep the roof clear of debris, such as leaves, sticks and small branches. Excess remains encourage water pooling, which puts stress on the roof and increases the chance of leaks. Don't apply too much weight when you sweep, as this may damage the roofing film or remove the protective coating.

2.       Remove leaves, dirt and debris from the cage-like drain hub and surrounding area by hand.

3.       Remove the drain centre with an adjustable wrench and spray it clean with a garden pipe and high-pressure attachment. Spraying the drain with the pipe will remove minor build-up. Run a plumber's snake through the drain to clear blocks. Replace the hub and repeat the process for all the drains on your roof if there is more than one. Clearing your drains will prevent water from collecting on the roof during the winter rainy season.

4.       Cut back branches that hang over the roof before winter hits. This lessens your chance of broken limbs damaging your roof and helps cut back on wreckage, which in turn, prevents clogged drain spouts and pooling water.

5.       Inspect your roof for holes and dents. Check the roof's waterproofing along the flashing -- the area where the roof meets masonry walls - for cracks. Look for standing water, which indicate low areas that may need to be fortified.

6.       Check your roof for eruptions, or mushy pockets of water between layers of roofing. These pockets must be cut out and changed. Look for cracked or “alligatored” surfaces, which may indicate the need for a new application of roofing tar. Contact a professional roofing contractor for repairs, if needed.