A roof in Metro Vancouver rarely gets a truly quiet season. Long stretches of rain, wind-blown needles, shaded lots, and freeze-thaw cycles can expose small weaknesses quickly. A simple maintenance routine helps you notice those weaknesses while the work is still manageable.
What to check every season
Start from the ground or a safely positioned window. Look for lifted, cracked, curled, or missing shingles; debris gathered in valleys; dark streaks; green moss at shingle edges; and branches touching the roof. Check soffits and fascia for staining or peeling paint. Inside, look for ceiling stains, damp attic sheathing, rusty fasteners, or a musty smell after rain.
Do not walk a wet, mossy, steep, cedar, or fragile roof. A visual check can tell you when to arrange a professional roof inspection without adding a fall risk or damaging the surface.
Spring roof care
- Confirm winter wind did not lift shingles or flashing.
- Remove loose branches and organic debris using roof-safe methods.
- Check gutters and downspouts after spring seed and blossom drop.
- Look for algae or moss returning in shaded areas.
- Inspect sealant and flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Fall preparation
Before the heaviest rain, arrange gutter cleaning and confirm each downspout discharges away from the foundation. Clear roof valleys, verify drains and scuppers on low-slope roofs, and trim overhanging growth where appropriate. Fall is also a good time to photograph the roof so changes are easier to compare later.
Maintenance items that need a professional
Moss should be removed with a method appropriate for the roof material. Aggressive pressure washing can remove protective granules from asphalt shingles and damage cedar. Loose flashing, soft decking, active leaks, recurring overflow, or widespread moss deserve a closer assessment. Roof Upkeep provides roof cleaning, moss removal, gutter care, and inspections across Metro Vancouver.
How often should a roof be inspected?
A yearly professional review is a useful baseline for many homes. Add an inspection after a major wind event, fallen branch, unexplained interior stain, or exterior work that may have disturbed the roof. Older roofs, heavily treed properties, and complex rooflines may need more frequent attention.
Keep a simple roof record
Save dated photos, invoices, product information, warranty documents, and notes about leaks or repairs. That record helps a contractor understand the roof’s history and helps you plan future maintenance. If you want a current baseline, request a Roof Upkeep assessment.