April showers bring May flowers” but they can also bring a plethora of roofing related problems…

We live in an almost “rain forest like” climate. With an average rainfall of almost 1600mm per year; (2000mm or more is considered Rainforest). For those of you, like myself, who are accustomed to the Imperial system, that is over 5ft of rain, annually in the Lower Mainland. Good roofing companies are the first line of defence and an ideal roofing product is key.

Whether you live in Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, or beyond, our roofs definitely get put to the test. Did you know that, March is the 5th wettest month of the year here in Maple Ridge with an average rainfall of over 144mm!!! While that doesn’t sound like a lot of rain compared to say November (217mm), keep in mind that the 3 coldest months in the Lower Mainland, (December, January, February) are coming to an end.

Your roof has been subjected to the 3 coldest, most brutal months of the year, causing it to become hard and brittle. Now along comes March and April. We all remember that saying that goes “with April showers comes May flowers”. There’s a reason for that saying. We get bombarded with rain in March/April.

With driving rainstorms and heavy rains which your roof may not be prepared to handle. Is your roof ready? Will your roof keep you, your family, your business, and your most valuable assets dry through the potential Spring rain that we have all become accustomed to? Winter cold, frost and ice/snow can cause serious roof issues, as well as debris from fall leaves, limbs clogging valleys or sitting behind fireplaces just waiting to dam up the flow of rain that falls with the March/April showers and storms.

Wildlife, such as squirrels and raccoons are cute, but they look for the warmth of an attic during the cold weather. Your home or business may become home to unwanted wildlife that now thinks your home is their home.

How do you know if your roof is “Spring Rain” ready?

• Granules are loosened from the asphalt drying out, which are released and washed away by the rain.
• Look for loose or missing shingles.
• As a roof ages the self-sealing asphalt that holds the shingles down begins to weaken. This may cause the shingles to be blown up and away by windstorms.
• Is there a compost pile of debris in the valleys or behind chimneys and dormers?
• Leaves and debris from fall build up that are not washed away because of a lack of rain. This debris now poses potential water damming issues on your roof.
• Look for low, overhanging limbs from trees that may be scraping or damaging your roof.
• Inspect your attic to see if there are any signs of varmint inhabiting that space. Also check all protrusions on metal roofing.
• Looking for granules washing out of your gutters and downspouts.

Contact us if you would like a free roofing assessment to check the condition of your roof?
Act now and keep dry this Spring!