Your roof takes more abuse than any other part of your home. In the GTA, that means brutal winter freeze-thaw cycles, spring rain, summer hailstorms, and fall debris. A proactive homeowner who checks their roof four times a year will almost never face a surprise emergency repair.
This checklist is designed to be done from the ground (binoculars are helpful) and from inside the attic hatch — no climbing required. If you see something that concerns you, that's when you call a professional.
- Walk the perimeter and look for missing, cracked, or lifted shingles from ice and wind High
- Check flashing around the chimney, skylights, and all roof vents — look for lifting, rust, or gaps High
- Clean eavestroughs of winter debris — seeds, dirt, granules, and shingle particles High
- Check downspouts are flowing freely and extensions are directing water away from the foundation
- Open the attic hatch and look for: water stains on wood, frost residue, dark mold staining, or daylight through the deck
- Check interior ceilings and upper walls for water stains or peeling paint that appeared over winter High
- Look for lifted or damaged fascia and soffit panels — often hidden under eavestroughs
- Inspect for moss or algae beginning to establish on north-facing shingle areas
- After any significant hailstorm, do a visual inspection from the ground — look for dented metal (vents, flashing) and bruised shingles High
- After any severe wind event, check for lifted or displaced shingles along the eave edge and ridgeline High
- Treat any moss or algae growth early (before it spreads further) — use a roof-safe product, not a pressure washer
- Trim overhanging branches that are in contact with or shading the roof (shade promotes moss; branches cause physical damage)
- Schedule fall eavestrough cleaning now — spots fill up fast in October
- If your roof is 15+ years old, consider scheduling a professional inspection before it becomes urgent
- Clean eavestroughs thoroughly once leaves have finished falling (usually late October to mid-November in the GTA) High
- Check that downspout extensions are in place and directing water at least 4–6 feet from the foundation
- Inspect the roof before winter — any damaged or missing shingles should be repaired before freeze-up High
- Check attic hatch weatherstripping — a cold or frosted hatch edge in winter means heat and moisture are escaping
- Open the attic hatch and check insulation depth — can you see the floor joists? If so, you likely need a top-up
- Confirm bathroom exhaust fans are venting to the exterior (not into the attic)
- Remove or cut back tree branches that could damage the roof under heavy snow and ice loads
- After major snowfall (12+ inches), consider using a roof rake to remove snow from the lower 3–4 feet of the eave — this is where ice dams form Optional
- Watch for large icicles or a thick ice ridge at the eave — these are signs of an active ice dam High
- Note any water staining appearing on upper floor ceilings or walls — don't wait until spring to investigate High
- On a very cold day, open the attic hatch briefly and look for frost on the sheathing — this indicates a moisture problem that needs attention in spring
- Check that eavestroughs aren't pulling away from the fascia under ice weight
When to Call a Professional Immediately
- Active leak or interior water damage — Don't wait. Call 24/7 for emergency service.
- Large ice dam with suspected water entry — Don't try to chip ice off yourself. You'll damage shingles.
- Missing or displaced shingles after a storm — Exposed decking deteriorates quickly.
- Any visible sagging in the roof deck — This is a structural issue.
- Attic mold discovered — Needs professional assessment before adding insulation.
- Before listing your home for sale — Get a clean inspection report before your buyer's inspector finds something surprising.
The Bottom Line
A 30-minute seasonal walkthrough is the difference between catching a $200 repair and facing a $5,000 emergency. Most of the damage we see on GTA roofs was preventable — not by expensive maintenance programs, but by simply noticing a problem early.
Save this checklist. Set a phone reminder at the start of each season. And if you see something that doesn't look right — call us. An honest assessment costs nothing.
Save This Number Now
Available 24/7 for emergencies. Free inspections for non-emergency concerns. Serving Thornhill, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, and the GTA.
Call Jason — 416-889-0629
Available 24/7 for emergencies