First introduced in the late 1800s as a low-cost roofing solution, flat roofs have been part of Montreal’s cityscape for well over 100 years. They continue to be built for economic reasons, but also because they offer a sleek modern aesthetic that allows for rooftop terraces, gardens, and other space utilization options.
Flat roofs also provide environmental assistance: plant covered “green” roofs mitigate air pollution while white membrane covered roofs reflect sunlight and reduce the urban heat effect in Montreal and its many boroughs, including St. Léonard.
While this is great during the summer months, when the weather cools and the leaves start to change colour, it is time to prepare your green, white, or regular asphalt flat roof for the winter. The expert roofers at Couvreur René Perron Ltée in Saint-Léonard offer the following 3 suggestions for you:
I. Professional Inspection
Ask a professional flat roof technician to inspect your roof before the wind, rain, sleet, and snow of winter blow in. They will discover any high-risk technical issues with your flat roof by examining its:
· surface
· drainage system
· edges and flashings
· points of penetration
Your inspector will also examine inside your building to look for signs of water stains or damage on the ceiling, walls, and floor. To complement the inspection, the technician may take pictures of their discovery, document their findings, and prepare a maintenance/repair plan to discuss with you.
II. Preventative Maintenance
In addition to annual inspections, the following maintenance work should be done before winter sets in. Flat roof maintenance includes:
· removing debris from the roof top, drains, and gutters
· drainage and flashing maintenance
· repairing cracks, holes, and leaks
· ensuring sufficient insulation to prevent heat loss that creates ice dams on your roof
Tending to nearby vegetation is also important to prevent debris from accumulating on or damaging the roof. Green roofs can be tended like any other garden; however, it is a good idea to remove all unwanted plants, especially:
· tree seedlings
· vegetation that has invaded the borders and fire breaks
· leaves and dirt that will turn into mulch over winter
III. Roof Snow Removal Plan
Montreal is known for its heavy snowfalls and the havoc it can cause for traffic, but when you have a flat roof in Saint-Léonard or any other Montreal borough, your concern will be for roof snow removal before it becomes too heavy and puts strain on your roof and causes structural damage, water leaks, or even roof collapse.
Roof snow removal is a great way to reduce:
· ice dams
· spring leaks
· roof repairs
Call René Perron Couvreurs Ltée in Montreal
No matter how flat your roof may be, it can still be dangerous to climb up to it with snow removal tools in your hands and work on it. However, the expert roofers at Couvreur René Perron Ltée in Montréal are experienced and insured to climb onto your roof and provide expert roof snow removal services. Call us today to book your winter services or to request a free estimate.