Roof Maintenance: Tips for Keeping Your Roof in Good Condition

The roof of your home is one of the most important parts of your house. It protects you and your family from the elements and keeps you safe and dry. But, like any part of your home, it needs maintenance to keep it in good condition. Here are some tips for keeping your roof in good shape:

  1. Inspect your roof regularly

One of the best ways to keep your roof in good condition is to inspect it regularly. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, missing shingles, or damage to the flashing. Catching these issues early can prevent more significant problems from developing.

You can inspect your roof from the ground if you are uncomfortable on a ladder, or on the roof, by using binoculars. If you cannot see your whole roof and are uncomfortable with heights, hire a professional to inspect or to accomplish any of the other tasks below.

  1. Keep your gutters clean

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto your roof, leading to leaks and other damage. Clean your gutters regularly, especially in the fall when leaves and debris are more likely to accumulate.

  1. Trim overhanging branches

Overhanging branches can damage your roof, especially during a storm. Keep trees trimmed back so that they don't touch or rub against your roof.

  1. Check for signs of water damage

Water damage can lead to rot, mold, and other problems that can weaken your roof's structure. Look for signs of water damage, such as stains on your ceiling or walls, and address the issue promptly. Don’t forget to look at the underside of the roof from inside the attic if possible. Leaks can often be detected earlier, and before they cause significant damage, by viewing the roof from the attic space. Be careful in the attic as insulation can sometimes cover the structure and obscure the spots that you can walk on. If in doubt, hire a professional.

  1. Repair damage promptly

If you notice any damage to your roof, such as missing shingles or cracks, repair it promptly. Waiting too long can lead to more extensive damage and more expensive repairs.

6.        Check for and address any moss issues

Moss can significantly shorten the lifespan of your roof. Moss should not be allowed to take root and stay on any roofing surface. There are a number of ways to deal with moss. Check with a reputable moss removal company or your local building supply store for some options. Note that power washing (or any abrasive mechanical method) is never a good idea for asphalt shingle roofs as the power washer can remove the top granular layer of the shingles and shorten the lifespan of the roof.

  1. Hire a professional

While you can do some basic maintenance tasks yourself,  it's essential to hire a professional for more significant repairs or if you're not comfortable working on your roof or from a ladder. A professional roofer can identify issues that you might miss and ensure that any repairs are done correctly.

Regular roof maintenance is essential for keeping your roof in good condition and ensuring that it lasts as long as possible. By following these tips, you can keep your roof in excellent shape and avoid more significant problems down the line.

Spring yard Prep

With the arrival of warm weather, it's the perfect opportunity to give your yard a fresh start and get it ready for the season. Here are some tips for preparing your yard and home for spring:

  1. Clean Up Debris: The first step in preparing your yard for spring is to remove any winter debris. This includes fallen leaves, branches, and any other dead vegetation. Clearing the debris not only makes your yard look neat and tidy, but it also prevents mold and pests from thriving in your yard. Look especially at areas next to your house. Any debris or soil that is against your house can be a pathway for pests and water to enter your home. Make sure you clear away anything that may have accumulated up against your home to reduce the chances of damage. A clearance of 8 inches from ground to any wood structure is optimal but may be difficult to achieve. Create as great a gap as you can.

  2. Gutters: Check and clean your gutters. Over the winter we see lots of debris fall from surrounding trees which can accumulate and block the drainage in your gutters. Blocked gutters can allow water to back up into your home and cause damage. If working on ladders or on your roof is not something you look forward to, there are many companies around that will come and clean your gutters for you. It may also be a good time to consider installation of gutter guards that can help reduce the accumulation of debris in your gutters.

  3. Moss: Spring can be a good time to deal with any moss that has accumulated on your roof. Moss on a roof can trap water and allow it to wick up under the shingles and cause damage to the interior of your home. Moss can also significantly decrease the lifespan of your roofing material.  Spraying a moss killer specifically designed for roofs is one strategy that can help. If you have any doubts or are not comfortable working on your roof, call a professional to come and help. Note the use of a power washer to remove moss on the roof is not recommended as the power washer can damage the roof covering and, in an extreme, cause enough damage to require roof replacement.

  4. Aerate Your Lawn: Aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil from your lawn to allow water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. This helps promote root growth, reduces soil compaction, and improves overall lawn health. You can rent an aerator machine or hire a professional to do the job for you.

  5. Fertilize Your Lawn: Fertilizing your lawn in the spring helps promote healthy growth and gives it a boost of energy. Look for a fertilizer that contains a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

  6. Prune Shrubs and Trees: Pruning your shrubs and trees helps to encourage healthy growth, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote the overall shape and structure of your plants. Be sure to prune at the right time for your specific plants, as some are best pruned in the spring and others in the summer or fall. Pruning also keeps vegetation away from the side of your house. There should be a gap of 2 feet between any trees or shrubs or other vegetation and your home to promote proper drying of your siding and home. A gap also reduces the chances of pests using the shrub as a highway into your home.

  7. Mulch Your Garden Beds: Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and prevents weeds from growing in your garden beds. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over your garden beds in the spring, taking care not to pile it up against the stems of your plants. Remember to keep it away from the siding of your house!

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to prepare your yard and home for spring and enjoy a beautiful and healthy outdoor space all season long.

Home Inspection: A Crucial Step in Home Buying Process

Buying a home is a major financial investment, and it's essential to ensure that the property you're interested in is in good condition. This is where a home inspection comes in. A home inspection is a comprehensive examination of the condition of a property performed by a professional inspector. It provides buyers with a better understanding of the property's current condition and helps identify any potential issues that may affect the value of the property.

Why is a Home Inspection Important?

A home inspection is an essential step in the home buying process because it helps you understand the condition of the property you're interested in purchasing. It provides you with an opportunity to identify any significant issues that may need to be addressed before you finalize the purchase. Some common issues that are identified during a home inspection include:

  • Structural problems

  • Electrical and plumbing issues

  • Roof and attic problems

  • Water damage

Having a clear understanding of these issues helps you make informed decisions about the property

What Does a Home Inspection Include?

A typical home inspection covers a wide range of aspects, including:

  • The exterior of the property, including the roof, siding, windows, and doors

  • The interior of the property, including the walls, ceilings, floors, and doors

  • The electrical system, including wiring, panels, and outlets

  • The plumbing system, including pipes, water heaters, and toilets

  • The heating and cooling systems, including air conditioning and heating units

  • The attic and crawl spaces, including insulation and ventilation

Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with a detailed report that summarizes the findings and provides recommendations for repairs or improvements.

How to Choose a Home Inspector

It's crucial to choose a qualified and experienced home inspector when you're looking to buy a property. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right inspector:

  • Check credentials: Make sure the inspector you choose is licensed and insured.

  • Get referrals: Ask friends or family for referrals.

  • Look for experience: Consider the inspector's experience, specifically in the type of property you're interested in purchasing.

  • Read reviews: Look for online reviews to get an idea of the inspector's reputation and the quality of their work.

In conclusion, a home inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process. It provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition and helps you identify any potential issues that may affect the value of the property. When choosing a home inspector, make sure to choose a qualified and experienced professional who can provide you with a detailed report that will help you make informed decisions about the property.

 

Double the Rebates on upgrades to your home heating!

Need a new furnace? Want to upgrade your Air Conditioning? How is your insulation in the attic? Many homes, as they age, are in need of repairs or upgrades to their heating and cooling systems and the other things in a house that contribute to the comfort and efficiency of those systems. If your furnace is failing or you have a cool and drafty house in the winter months, it may be time to look do some improvements around your house.

Several agencies, including Fortis BC, BC Hydro, The Government of Canada, The
Government of BC, and a number of municipalities are currently offering rebates on the cost of certain kinds of improvements to things that affect the heating and cooling efficiency and costs of your home. Heating and cooling costs can be a major expense for many home owners and this program can save you money in the short term (installation costs) and in the long term (operating costs).

If you are in Victoria, Saanich, Central Saanich, Nanaimo, North Saanich, Nanaimo, or other areas of the province, this program may be for you. Rebates are available for both renovation projects and new builds.

Rebates available include money for: new furnaces, heat pumps, improvements to insulation and draft proofing, window and door upgrades, Energuage Home assessments (pre-upgrade home evaluation), appliance replacements, fireplace replacements, hot water tank improvements, and more!

In addition, if you register before the end of December and complete the project before the end of March 2021, some of the rebates can double. This can take the cost of installation of a new heat pump or furnace and cut it down by thousands of dollars and you can save hundreds on the purchase of new appliances.

If you furnace is aging (the usual rule of thumb is a normal furnace will last between 18 and 25 years) or your furnace has been requiring a lot of repairs recently, this may be the time to seriously consider taking advantage of the rebates available to you.

Visit the CleanBC website at: https://betterhomesbc.ca/rebate-search-tool/ for more information and remember, you have to have applied for, and received, a promo code from CleanBC prior to the end of this calendar year.  

Tankless vs Conventional Hot Water heating systems.

I am often asked which system is better. The answer is often not clear and depends on the lifestyle of the people in the house and what they expect out of their hot water heating system.

I recently found this fairly unbiased comparison of tanks vs tankless. The video starts out debunking three “myths” about tankless systems and then goes on to talk about 3 reasons why you might want to have one installed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRUgFmBaSCM

Have a look if this is a concern for you. I found it helped me!

The different kinds of inspections we offer

PURCHASE INSPECTION

Have an accepted offer on a home subject to inspection? We will go through the home with a “fine tooth comb” and generate a report that will detail important information you should know about your prospective purchase. Our aim is to identify significant issues that may exist in the house or condo so you can make a well informed decision. We will also report on minor issues that you may want to attend to once you have possession of your new home.

PRE-LISTING INSPECTION

Thinking of selling your home? A Pre-Listing Home Inspection can provide you with the information you need about your house or condo in order to prepare it for sale. We will give you a list of deficiencies enabling you to correct the issues so your home will be in tip-top condition for a quick sale. 

PRE-OFFER INSPECTION

Sometimes, in a hot real estate market, you need to get information fast - even before you place an offer. A Pre-offer inspection is similar to a Purchase Inspection but can occur before you submit an offer. We work fast to provide the critical the information you need to determine if an offer is in your best interest.