Post-Installation Roof Care in Vancouver

Alright, so your brand-new roof is finally up. It's looking sharp, keeping the rain out, and probably making your neighbors jealous. But here's the deal—roofs aren't something you forget about. Like a good car, your roof needs some attention if you want it to last. And in Vancouver? With all the rain, occasional snow, and those gusty winds that make you question your life choices? Yeah, you're gonna want to take care of that roof properly.

I get it—roof maintenance isn't exactly thrilling. No one wakes up on a Saturday thinking, Hey, let's go check the flashing and clean out the gutters! But trust me, a little effort now saves a massive headache (and a fat repair bill) later. Plus, it's dealing with small stuff on your terms is way better than being forced into emergency mode when you suddenly have a leak mid-downpour.

So, let's break it down. There is no fluff or jargon—just the real, practical stuff you need to know to keep that roof in top shape.

Here's the real deal—gutters and moss. Two things no one really wants to deal with, but if you live in Vancouver, Surrey, or pretty much anywhere the sky throws water at you nine months out of the year, ignoring them isn't an option. So, let's talk about why and, more importantly, how to stay ahead of the problem before your home becomes a very expensive cautionary tale.

Keep Those Gutters Clear (Seriously, Don't Ignore This)

Nobody's waking up excited to clean gutters—I get it. But you know what's worse? Walking into your basement, realizing you now have a water feature you never requested. Or peeling back a section of your siding and finding enough rot to make a carpenter cry. That's what clogged gutters can do. They're supposed to move water away from your house, not let it pour down the walls or pool around your foundation. And in the Lower Mainland, where we get rain like it's our full-time job, this isn't just a "might happen" thing—it's a when thing.

How often should you clean them?

At least twice a year—once after the leaves drop in fall and once in spring when pollen, twigs, and general nature chaos appear.

More often if you live near big trees. (Looking at you, North Van and Surrey.) Those beautiful maples and cedars? They're also expert gutter blockers.

After any big storm, the wind doesn't care about your weekend plans. It'll happily fill your gutters with pine needles, branches, and whatever else it can throw at your roof.

What happens if you don't?

• Water overflows and seeps into your siding.
• It pools around your foundation, leading to cracks and leaks.
• If it backs up under your shingles? Now you're looking at roof damage.
• Worst case? It attracts pests, rots out your fascia boards, and gives you a lovely repair bill.

"But I hate heights."

Totally fair. Roofs are, in fact, up there. If climbing a ladder isn't your thing (or if your ladder is older than your first car), hire someone. It's not about who does it—it's about getting it done. Dealing with a gutter scoop for an hour is infinitely better than paying for water damage later.

Check for Moss & Algae (Because They Love Vancouver)

If your roof is starting to look like it belongs in a rainforest documentary, welcome to the club. This isn't just an aesthetic issue—moss holds moisture, and moisture slowly eats away at your roof. It gets into tiny cracks, loosens shingles, and can shorten your roof's lifespan. And how much do roofs cost? You want yours to last as long as possible. Moss and algae love cool, damp, shady spots—aka, most of the Lower Mainland. If you've got trees near your house, you run a free Airbnb for moss.

How do you stop it before it starts?

1. Install zinc or copper strips near the ridge of your roof.
2. Every time it rains, these release tiny particles that make it harder for moss to grow. It's not instant, but it works long-term.
3. Trim back overhanging branches. More sun = less moss. Also, fewer leaves in your gutters (see above). Win-win.
4. Check your attic ventilation. If heat and moisture are trapped under your roof, you're making life even easier for moss and algae.

Already got moss?

1. Do NOT pressure wash your roof. It seems like a good idea (blast it off fast, right?), but it also strips away the protective granules on your shingles, making them wear out faster.
2. Use a soft wash solution. Water and a mild detergent will do the job without wrecking your roof. Apply the solution, let it sit, and then gently rinse.
3. Manual removal. If it's awful, a soft brush can help, but be gentle—ripping shingles up while trying to clean them is not the move.

If you keep up with this stuff, your roof will last longer, your home will stay drier, and you won't have to call me for a very expensive fix down the line. And that? That's a win. None of this is fun, but it's necessary. Ignore it; you’re rolling the dice on leaks, rot, and more significant problems. Stay ahead of it, and your house stays solid, dry, and less stressful. And hey, if you've got questions—or if you just need someone else to handle it—reach out. There's no pressure (literally, because we're not pressure-washing your roof)—just solid advice and help when you need it.

Watch for Loose or Missing Shingles (Especially After a Storm)

Wind in Vancouver doesn't mess around. If you've ever had to run down the street in your socks chasing a rogue blue bin—or worse, watching someone else's bin come flying into your yard like it had a personal vendetta—you know exactly what I mean. That same wind? It's rough on your roof, too.

Shingles are designed to hold firm, but once the wind gets under just one, it's game over for the ones around it. It's like losing a piece in Jenga—suddenly, everything's less stable. And here's the thing: you don't need to miss a whole chunk of shingles for problems to start. One lifted or cracked shingle is all it takes for water to sneak in, and trust me, water always finds a way.

What to do:

✅ After a big windstorm, take a quick look—just from the ground, no hero moves. A set of binoculars helps if you've got 'em. What you're looking for:

1. Shingles that look like they're curling up at the edges
2. Any that seem cracked or out of place
3. Straight-up missing shingles (hopefully not in your neighbor's yard)

✅ Check your attic. This is the step many people skip, but it'll tell you if you've got a leak before it turns into a full-blown issue. Grab a flashlight and look at the underside of your roof deck. See any water stains? Damp insulation? Even the faintest drip trail? That's your sign to act before you've got a full-blown indoor rain situation.

✅ Fix it fast. If you spot anything weird, don't wait. A little problem today is a big, expensive problem tomorrow. Even a minor repair can prevent thousands of damage.

Metal Roofs? They Still Need Love

Metal roofs are like reliable, low-maintenance friends who never ask for much. They last long, shrug off most weather, and don't need constant attention. But that doesn't mean you can totally ignore them. Just like anything, a little care goes a long way in keeping them in top shape.

One thing metal roofs do? Expand and contract with temperature changes. It's not a big deal day-to-day, but over the years, it can loosen screws and seams just enough to let in moisture. And moisture? It's not a metal roof's best friend.

Key things to check:

✅ Debris buildup. This is a sneaky one because metal roofs don't trap debris the way shingles do, but valleys, chimneys, and anywhere the roof changes direction can still collect leaves, dirt, and branches. And when debris sits, it traps moisture. Moisture leads to rust. Rust leads to headaches.

✅ Scratches and rust spots. Yes, metal roofs have protective coatings, but if a branch scrapes through that layer, you could get corrosion over time. It's like a tiny cut on your hand—you don't notice it until it starts looking worse. Keep an eye out for any scuffs or scratches, and if you spot one, touch it up before it spreads. Most of the time, a simple recoating is all it takes.

✅ Loose screws or seams. Over time, those temperature shifts I mentioned can cause fasteners to back out slightly. It's not dramatic, but even a little looseness can let in water or cause panels to shift. A quick tightening now prevents more significant issues later.

A little attention after storms or once a year for metal roofs can save you a massive headache. Just like checking the weather before a trip to Whistler saves you from showing up in a t-shirt when it's -5°C.

Take a few minutes to check your roof, and if you see something off, handle it early. Your future self will thank you

Flat Roof? Ponding Water is Your Enemy 

Flat roofs are everywhere in the Lower Mainland—commercial buildings, apartment complexes, and those sleek, modern homes with floor-to-ceiling windows. They look great and work well, but they've got one Achilles' heel: water pooling. Unlike a sloped roof where rain runs off, flat roofs depend entirely on their drainage systems. And if those fail? You've got a rooftop kiddie pool—except no one's having fun. 

So, here's the deal: ponding water isn't just sitting around waiting to evaporate. It's actively working against you. It breaks down roofing materials, weakens seams, and eventually, the water will find a way inside. And trust me, when water gets underneath a roof membrane, it doesn't just sit politely—it spreads, seeps, and starts causing damage you won't even notice until it's too late. 

What can you do? 

1. Check your drains and scuppers regularly. If leaves, moss, or debris clog them, your roof stops draining properly. Vancouver rain doesn't wait for you to fix it—it just keeps coming. Clear those drains out before the next downpour turns your roof into a pond. 
2. Keep an eye out for low spots. If you see puddles forming in the same place every time it rains, that's a sign your roof isn't draining evenly. A good roofer can fill those low spots with extra material to even things out. 
3. Inspect your membrane for bubbles, cracks, or blisters. Water finds the most minor weaknesses and gets underneath, breaking things down from the inside out. If you see bubbling or splitting, it's time to avoid the problem before it becomes a full-blown leak. 

This isn't about being paranoid—just paying attention. A little maintenance can add years to the life of a flat roof. And in a city where it rains sideways half the year? That's worth something. 

Keep an Eye on Flashing & Seals (These Are Your Roof's Weak Spots) 

If a roof were a hockey team, flashing would be the goalie—no matter how good the rest of the defense is, if the goalie lets one slip through, you're in trouble. Flashing is the thin metal that seals off spots where the roof meets things like walls, chimneys, vents, and skylights. It's the first line of defense against leaks, but it also one of the first things to break down over time. 

And here's what many people don't realize: water doesn't constantly drip straight down when it finds a weak spot. It sneaks in, runs along beams, soaks into insulation, and sometimes the first sign of a leak isn't a wet spot on your ceiling—it's a musty smell in your attic or a weird bubble forming in your drywall. By the time you see the damage, it's already been a problem for a while. 

Here's what you should be checking: 

1. Rust, gaps, or cracked caulking around flashing. Metal flashing can corrode, and caulking dries out and cracks. If you see a gap anywhere, water will find it. 
2. Chimney flashing. If you have a chimney, pay extra attention. Brick soaks up water like a sponge, and if the flashing isn't solid, moisture can seep down into your walls without you noticing until it's too late. 
3. Any spot where the roof meets a vertical surface. These connection points are classic problem areas. If you see signs of wear or lifting, check it before the next storm. 

Flashing failures aren't the kind of thing you notice until they've already caused damage. But if you catch them early, they're usually an easy fix—way easier (and cheaper) than dealing with hidden water damage later. 

Final Thoughts 

Your roof isn't just some passive thing sitting over your head—it's working around the clock to keep you dry, warm, and safe. And in a place like Vancouver, where we get torrential rain, freezing cold snaps, and the occasional freak windstorm that sends recycling bins flying down the street, your roof takes a beating. 

Regular maintenance isn't about being overly cautious—it's about avoiding problems before they become expensive headaches. A clogged drain today could mean a soaked ceiling tomorrow. A loose flashing seal could turn into a significant leak six months later. 

And listen—if you've ever wondered, "Is this moss bad?" or "Should my attic look like this?"—ask. No pressure, no sales pitch, no-nonsense. If you're in Vancouver, Surrey, Delta, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland, chances are I've seen your exact roofing issue before. 

Take care of your roof, and it'll take care of you. 

Stay dry out there, Vancouver

Harman