Why Roof Maintenance Matters

A well-maintained roof lasts 25-30 years. A neglected roof fails at 15-20 years. The difference? A few hours of maintenance per year.

This guide provides a complete roof maintenance schedule for Fraser Valley homeowners. Follow it, and you'll maximize your roof's lifespan and avoid expensive emergency repairs.

Annual Maintenance Schedule

Spring (April-May): Post-Winter Inspection & Cleaning

Tasks:

• Inspect for Winter Damage: Check for missing/damaged shingles from wind, ice, snow
• Clean Gutters: Remove leaves, needles, granules accumulated over winter
• Check Flashing: Inspect chimney, valley, and pipe boot flashing for damage
• Trim Overhanging Branches: Cut back branches within 6 feet of roof
• Inspect Attic: Look for water stains, moisture, or daylight penetration

Time Required: 2-3 hours

Fall (September-October): Pre-Winter Preparation

Tasks:

• Clean Gutters Again: Remove fall leaves before winter rains
• Inspect Shingles: Check for summer heat damage (curling, cracking)
• Check Ventilation: Ensure soffit and ridge vents are clear
• Moss Treatment: Apply moss killer before winter (if needed)
• Inspect Sealant: Check caulk around penetrations, re-seal if needed

Time Required: 2-3 hours

Detailed Maintenance Tasks

1. Gutter Cleaning (Twice Per Year)

Why It Matters:

Clogged gutters cause water to overflow, damaging fascia, soffits, and foundation. In winter, clogged gutters contribute to ice dams.

How to Do It:

• Use ladder with stabilizer (never lean ladder against gutters)
• Scoop debris into bucket (don't push it down downspouts)
• Flush gutters with hose to check drainage
• Check for leaks at seams and corners
• Inspect fascia behind gutters for rot

Cost to Hire: $150-300 (if you don't want to do it yourself)

2. Moss Treatment (As Needed, Typically Annual)

Why It Matters:

Moss retains moisture, lifts shingle edges, and accelerates deterioration. In Fraser Valley's wet climate, moss is inevitable on north-facing roofs and shaded areas.

How to Do It:

Option 1: Professional Treatment (Recommended)

• Cost: $300-500 per treatment
• Frequency: Every 2-3 years
• Method: Soft wash with moss killer, gentle brushing

Option 2: DIY Treatment

• Use zinc sulfate or copper sulfate moss killer
• Apply in fall (before winter rains)
• Let rain wash moss away (don't pressure wash or scrub)
• Reapply annually for prevention

DO NOT:

• Pressure wash (damages shingles)
• Scrape or scrub aggressively (tears shingles)
• Use bleach (kills plants, corrodes flashing)

3. Debris Removal (Ongoing)

Why It Matters:

Leaves, needles, and branches trap moisture, promote moss growth, and block drainage.

How to Do It:

• Use leaf blower from ground (if safe)
• Use soft broom to sweep valleys and behind chimneys
• Never use metal tools (damage shingles)

Frequency: After major storms, or quarterly in tree-heavy areas

4. Minor Repairs (As Needed)

Common Issues:

Lifted Shingle Tabs:

• Apply roofing cement under tab
• Press down and weight for 24 hours
• Cost: $0 (DIY) or $100-200 (professional)

Cracked Pipe Boot:

• Replace rubber boot ($15-25 part)
• Remove shingles above boot, install new boot, replace shingles
• Cost: $50 (DIY) or $200-300 (professional)

Missing Shingles:

• Replace with matching shingles
• Remove damaged shingle, slide new one in, nail, seal
• Cost: $20-30 (DIY) or $150-250 (professional)

5. Attic Inspection (Twice Per Year)

What to Look For:

• Water Stains: Dark spots on deck or rafters (indicates active or past leaks)
• Daylight: Light visible through deck (indicates holes)
• Moisture/Mold: Damp insulation, musty smell, black spots on wood
• Sagging: Deck or rafters sagging (structural damage)
• Ventilation: Ensure soffit vents aren't blocked by insulation

When to Call Professional:

• Active leaks (water dripping)
• Extensive water stains
• Mold growth
• Structural sagging

Fraser Valley Specific Maintenance

Hope & Harrison Hot Springs (Snow Zones):

• Winter: Monitor for ice dams, rake snow from eaves if needed
• Spring: Inspect for ice dam damage (water stains at eaves)
• Fall: Ensure ice & water shield is intact

Agassiz & Tree-Heavy Areas (Moss Zones):

• Annual Moss Treatment: Essential, not optional
• Tree Trimming: Keep branches 6+ feet from roof
• Zinc Strips: Consider installing for long-term moss prevention

Chilliwack & Abbotsford (Wind Zones):

• Post-Storm Inspection: Check for lifted/missing shingles after windstorms
• Ridge Cap Inspection: Wind targets ridge caps first

What NOT to Do

1. Don't Walk on Your Roof Unnecessarily

Every step damages shingles (crushes granules, cracks sealant). Inspect from ground/ladder when possible.

2. Don't Pressure Wash

High pressure strips granules and damages shingles. Use soft wash or let rain do the work.

3. Don't Ignore Small Problems

A $200 repair today prevents a $2,000 problem tomorrow. Fix issues promptly.

4. Don't Use Improper Tools

Metal scrapers, wire brushes, and pressure washers damage shingles. Use soft brooms and gentle methods.

When to Call a Professional

Annual Professional Inspection (Recommended):

• Cost: $0-150 (many contractors offer free inspections)
• Value: Catches problems you might miss
• Frequency: Every 1-2 years, or after major storms

Immediate Professional Help Needed:

• Active leaks
• Extensive damage (10+ missing shingles)
• Structural issues (sagging)
• Flashing failures
• You're uncomfortable with heights

The Bottom Line

Roof maintenance isn't glamorous. But 4-6 hours per year can extend your roof's lifespan by 5-10 years. That's a $5,000-10,000 return on a few hours of work.

At RJ Roofing Bros, we offer free annual inspections. We'll catch problems early and help you maintain your roof properly. Prevention is always cheaper than replacement.

Need a maintenance inspection? Call (604) 997-1292 for a free assessment.