Clear your eavestroughs (spring + fall)
Twice a year, minimum. Clogged gutters back water under the shingles and cause ice dams in winter. Cambridge has a lot of mature trees — most homeowners should do October and again in early April.
Walk your property and look up
From the ground, scan every slope for missing tabs, lifted edges, or shiny spots where granules are gone. Binoculars work great. Note anything to follow up on — don't climb up unless you're trained.
Check flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights
Cracked caulking around penetrations is the #1 source of leaks on Ontario roofs. If the silicone is grey, cracked, or pulling away, it's overdue. A $40 tube of roofing sealant prevents a $4,000 ceiling repair.
Look in the attic after a heavy rain
Bring a flashlight up within 24 hours of a storm. Damp insulation, water stains on the underside of the decking, or rust around nail tips all point to active leaks.
Trim branches back 3+ metres
Overhanging branches drop debris, scrape shingles in wind, and give squirrels and raccoons a runway onto your roof. We see roof damage from animals every single month in Cambridge.
Watch for ice dams in January and February
Icicles along the eaves look festive but signal trapped heat melting snow that re-freezes at the cold edge. Persistent ice dams mean your attic insulation or ventilation needs work — not just the roof.
Book a professional inspection every 3–5 years
After year 10, an annual or biannual look from a roofer catches small issues before they become full replacements. A $0 inspection is cheap insurance.
Book a free Cambridge roof inspection.
We'll photograph anything that needs attention and email you the report — even if you don't need repairs yet.
Request a Free Estimate