Gutters and roof: what to do to avoid water seepage

A quick roof check

Inspecting your roof should be a must in your fall maintenance routine. No need to climb, just grab a pair of binoculars and you can spot most signs of wear from the ground or an upper-floor window. After a heavy rain, take a peek in the attic too. It’s the perfect time to catch a subtle leak before it becomes a big problem.

What to watch for outside:

• Curled, cracked, worn or missing shingles
• Significant loss of granules, leaving the surface smooth or shiny
• Rusted, loose or warped flashing
• Cracked seals around chimneys, dormers or vents

Indoors, look for: yellowish stains, peeling paint or a persistent musty smell in the attic

If your roof is flat, make sure the drain is clear: standing water will turn to ice and add dangerous weight to a structure.

If you spot an issue, act fast. Replacing a few shingles or resealing joints is simple and affordable. But if the damage is extensive, it’s best to call a professional roofing company.

Gutter maintenance, a fall classic

Let’s be honest, cleaning gutters isn’t the most exciting chore. But when it comes to preventive maintenance, it’s definitely worth your while.

Gutters clogged with leaves can overflow and redirect water toward walls and foundations, enough to cause cracks and increase the risk of water infiltration.

So put on some gloves, grab a ladder, and get to work removing the debris. Then, test with a garden hose to make sure the gutters drain properly. Ideally, it should drain at least two meters away from the foundation.

While you’re at it, why not: 

• Install gutter guards to reduce cleaning frequency
• Check the strength of the fasteners: a loose or sagging gutter can easily give way under the weight of ice or snow
• Tighten screws and brackets as needed

Accidents can happen in a flash

When working at heights, a slippery surface or an awkward movement can lead to disaster. A few friendly reminders: 

• Set your ladder on a flat, stable surface.
• Ask someone to stay on the ground and hold the ladder.
• Don’t climb onto the roof if the slope is steep or in poor weather.
• Never lean on the gutters, they’re not designed to support weight.

It’s better to take two minutes to set up properly than spend weeks recovering.

Check vulnerable areas

Caulking around windows, doors and skylights doesn’t last forever. Cracked, dry, or peeling joints let in water and cold air. When they’re worn out, replace them promptly with an exterior silicone or polyurethane sealant, which are better suited to our climate.

Other warning signs: condensation between panes, small patches of mold in corners, peeling paint.

While you’re at it...

Continue your inspection: walk around the house and check anything that could let in moisture or cold air:

• Foundations – Look for cracks, chipped coating or water that pools after rain. Small gaps can be sealed with a waterproofing product. Pro tip: Mark their length with a pencil and check in spring if they’ve grown.
• Exterior siding – Catching a defect early makes repairs easier before water or snow gets in.
• Doors and windows – Worn weather stripping is easy to replace. It improves comfort and helps lower your heating bill.
• Outdoor water taps – Remove garden hoses and shut off the outdoor valve. This prevents water from freezing in the pipes.

When to bring in the pros

Some situations require experience and proper equipment. A very steep roof, a complex flat roof or major damage should be handled by roofers.

A professional inspection before winter allows you to:

• Check hard-to-reach areas
• Identify what repairs are needed and when
• Handle urgent fixes quickly

Plus, you’ll get an official report. Very handy if you ever need to file a home insurance claim.

Spending a Saturday checking your roof, gutters and caulking is nothing compared to the headaches (and costs) a water leak can cause. And it’s a great way to get some fresh air and wrap up the season knowing your home is ready for winter.