Seasonal Roof Maintenance Guide for Quebec Homeowners

Spring (April–May) — Post-Winter Inspection

Quebec's winter is the most demanding season for a roof. Spring is when you assess the damage.

What to Check Yourself

• Shingles — look for missing, lifted, or cracked shingles, especially on the windward side
• Flashing — check around chimneys, vents, and walls for rust, lifting, or cracked sealant
• Gutters — clean out debris accumulated over winter; check for sagging or detached sections
• Flat roof — check for membrane bubbles, folds, or depressed areas where water is pooling ("birdbaths")
• Attic — inspect from inside with a flashlight for moisture, soft wood, or mold on framing and the underside of the decking

Summer (June–August) — Season for Major Work

The best weather for roofing work. If spring inspection identified problems, now is the time to act.

• Plan major repairs or a full replacement identified in the spring inspection — don't put this off another year
• Check for moss and algae growth on shingles, especially the north-facing side where shade keeps them damp
• Inspect sealant around vents, exhaust fans, skylights, and the chimney — summer heat causes sealant to crack
• Verify attic ventilation is working — an attic that feels excessively hot on a warm day indicates poor air circulation, which accelerates shingle degradation

Autumn (September–November) — Winter Preparation

The most critical season for maintenance. What you do (or don't do) now directly affects your winter performance.

• Gutter cleaning — twice: once in early October and again in late November after most leaves have fallen; clogged gutters are the #1 contributor to ice dams
• Test downspouts — flush with water to confirm free drainage; check that they direct water at least 5 feet from the foundation
• Check flat roof drains — ensure they're clear before the first freeze
• Inspect and re-seal flashing if the sealant has cracked or pulled away — do this before ground freezes
• Cut back overhanging branches — maintain at least 6 feet of clearance from the roof; snow and ice-laden branches can break and cause serious damage
• Clear debris from the roof surface — leaves and pine needles hold moisture and accelerate shingle decay
• Check attic insulation and ventilation — see our guide on ice dams to understand why this matters so much

Winter (December–March) — Monitoring and Snow Removal

If you've completed your autumn preparation, winter is mostly about monitoring and responding to conditions.

• Monitor snow accumulation — have snow removed when it exceeds 24 inches (60 cm) or after a heavy ice storm
• Watch for ice dam formation — abnormally large icicles along the eaves are the clearest early sign
• Check your ceilings regularly — look for new water stains or damp spots after every major thaw cycle
• NEVER get on a snow-covered or icy roof yourself — this is extremely dangerous; call our professional snow removal team