Roofing Tips for Homeowners & Business Owners

Expert advice from Jay’s Roofing, Fort Saskatchewan

Welcome to Your Complete Roofing Care Guide

Your roof is one of the most important components of your home or business — yet it’s also one of the most overlooked. Regular care, proper maintenance, and timely inspections can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your roof.

Jay’s Roofing put together this easy guide to help you understand what to look for, how to protect your investment, and when you should call a certified professional.

1. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections

A healthy roof starts with routine inspections. Weather, age, and seasonal changes all create wear that isn’t always visible from the ground.

Why inspections matter:

• Early detection prevents expensive repairs

• Catching issues before leaks start avoids structural damage

• Helps extend the life of your roofing system

• Provides documentation for insurance or warranty claims

Professional Tip:
Have your roof inspected every spring and fall. Jay’s Roofing offers thorough inspection services for both residential and commercial properties — complete with photos and clear recommendations.

2. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear

Clogged gutters trap water, create ice dams, and push moisture under your shingles or flashing.

Watch for:

• Overflow during rain

• Sagging gutters

• Standing water on flat roofs

Jay’s Roofing can include gutter checks in your seasonal maintenance visits to ensure your drainage system is working properly.

3. Look for Early Signs Inside Your Home or Business

Interior symptoms often appear before exterior damage is obvious.

Red flags include:

• Ceiling stains

• Bubbling paint or drywall

• Musty smells

• Water spots around lighting or vents

• Damp insulation

If you notice any of these, Jay’s Roofing can perform a leak trace inspection to pinpoint the issue before it spreads.

4. Trim Overhanging Trees

Overhanging branches can scrape roofing materials, drop debris, and trap moisture.

Tree-related risks:

• Shingle abrasion

• Premature rot

• Extra weight from wet leaves

• Increased risk during storms

During an inspection, we can advise whether tree trimming is recommended for your home or commercial property.

5. Fix Small Problems Immediately

Minor issues turn into major repairs when ignored.

Common small issues:

• Lifted shingles

• Cracked caulking

• Loose flashing

• Open seams on flat roofs

• Damaged vents

Jay’s Roofing specializes in efficient service and maintenance—quick visits that solve these problems before they lead to leaks.

6. Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation

A well-vented attic prevents heat buildup, ice damming, and moisture problems.

Poor ventilation can cause:

• Shortened shingle lifespan

• Mould growth

• Higher cooling costs

• Roof deck deterioration

Our inspections include ventilation checks so we can identify overheating or moisture concerns.

7. Document All Roof Work

Keeping track of repairs and maintenance helps with:

• Warranty support

• Insurance claims

• Property value

• Planning for replacements

Jay’s Roofing provides written reports for every service visit, making record-keeping simple.

8. Avoid Pressure Washing Your Roof

High-pressure washing can strip granules, damage seals, and force water beneath roofing materials.

Safer alternatives:

• Soft washing

• Professional roof cleaning

• Moss/algae treatments

If your roof needs cleaning, we can recommend methods that won’t cause damage.

9. Know Your Roof’s Lifespan

Different materials age at different rates:

• Asphalt shingles: 15–30 years

• Metal roofing: 40–70 years

• Flat roofs (EPDM/TPO/PVC): 15-30+ years
  
  

During inspections, we can give you an honest estimate of how much life your roof has left — and what to plan for next.

10. Inspect After Severe Weather

Hail, high winds, heavy snow, and intense storms can cause hidden damage.

Jay’s Roofing provides post-storm inspections to help identify issues early and assist with insurance documentation if needed.

11. Limit Roof Traffic

Unnecessary foot traffic can damage shingles, membranes, fasteners, and seams — especially on commercial roofs.

We can suggest walk pads, designated access areas, or maintenance paths for busy rooftops.

12. Invest in Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is far cheaper than emergency repairs or premature replacements.

Benefits include:

• Longer roof lifespan

• Fewer unexpected leaks

• Lower long-term repair costs

• Better performance through all seasons

Jay’s Roofing offers customizable maintenance plans for homeowners, small businesses, and commercial facilities.

13. Choose Quality Materials

Quality products pay for themselves over time.

What to consider:

• Alberta climate durability

• Wind and hail resistance

• Colour fading

• Manufacturer warranties

We can walk you through material options and recommend products suited for your home or building.

14. Don’t Rely Solely on DIY Inspections

Walking on a roof can be dangerous and often leads to missed problems.

A professional inspection gives you:

• Safety

• Accuracy

• Detailed findings

• Preventative recommendations

Jay’s Roofing brings 17 years of hands-on industry experience — including years specializing in service and maintenance.

Ready to Protect Your Roof?

📣 Ready to Book an Inspection or Maintenance Visit?
Email Jay’s Roofing and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

📧 jaysroofingyeg@gmail.com

When you reach out, please include:

• What type of work you need (inspection, leak repair, maintenance, estimate, emergency issue, etc.)

• Your address 

• A callback phone number

• Home or building type (residential, commercial, flat roof, shingles, metal, etc.)

• Approximate building/roof size, if known

• Any photos, if you have them
  
  

Providing these details helps us respond faster and more accurately.