Introduction
A metal roof is widely recognized as a durable, long lasting, and cost effective roofing solution for homes and businesses across Ontario. While metal roofing requires less upkeep than asphalt or many other materials, Ontario’s climate still makes routine maintenance essential. Seasonal inspections help prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs and ensure your roof continues to perform as designed.
At Roof Pros Plus, we work with premium manufactured metal roofing systems built in Canada, using high-quality steel and aluminum. These systems are designed to be resistant to snow, wind, moisture, and temperature extremes. A simple, consistent checklist helps homeowners protect their investment, maintain durability, and ultimately save money over the life of the roof.
Understanding How Ontario Weather Affects Metal Roofs
Ontario weather creates constant stress on any roof system. Freeze–thaw cycles, heavy snow, strong winds, and summer heat cause roofing materials to expand and contract repeatedly. Over time, this movement can impact fasteners, seams, flashing, and drainage components like gutters.
Metal roofing is engineered to handle these forces better than asphalt systems, particularly during high winds, but no roof is immune to wear. Knowing how your metal roof responds to seasonal stress allows inspections to focus on high-risk areas such as valleys, edges, penetrations, and transitions between roof and siding. This targeted approach improves overall performance and extends service life.
The Core Maintenance Checklist (Do These Every Year)
Annual inspections are the foundation of responsible metal roof maintenance. These checks apply to residential, commercial, and agricultural projects and are essential regardless of roof style or size.
Routine inspections help identify early signs of movement, moisture, or wear issues that are easier and less expensive to address before they escalate.
Checklist:
- Inspect metal roof panels and shingles for dents, or shifting
- Check seams, joints, flashing, and transitions between roof and siding
- Look for loose or missing fasteners
- Clear roof valleys, drainage paths, and gutters
- Inspect ceilings and attic spaces inside the house for moisture
These steps support system integrity and protect the long lasting benefits metal roofing is known for.
Seasonal Add-On Checklist
Seasonal inspections address challenges specific to Ontario’s climate. Each season affects roofing materials differently, making targeted checks essential for maintaining consistent durability. For example, clearing falling leaves and any debris from trees off your roof and eves throughs in the fall, and ensuring you clear snow from your roof in the winter to prevent snow backup and ice-damming.
Spring: Damage Assessment
Spring is the most important inspection period. Melting snow and ice expose issues that may have developed during winter, including movement, moisture intrusion, or blocked drainage. It is recommended homeowners take a walk around their house in the spring to see if they notice any issues that may have arisen. Not all metal roofs are made the same, and it is important o understand the kind of roof you may have as it may come with added maintenance and work. For example, if your roof is standing seam, it is a weaker type of metal and it is important to check for any damage. If your roof has exposed screws and fasteners, it is important to make sure you are tightening and changing those gaskets out frequently as they easily break and loosen which leads to leaking and damage. Making sure you are proactive helps prevent larger problems and larger costs down the line.
Checklist:
- Inspect the roof for panel shifting or separation
- Check eaves and lower edges for water backup caused by winter snow and ice
- Clear leftover debris from valleys and gutters
Spring inspections help confirm the roof remains resistant to moisture after the harshest season of the year. If any damage is noted, homeowners should contact the installation company for guidance and support as the issues may be covered under warranty depending on the company. Armadura offers a 50 year non pro rated warranty to ensure homeowners are covered for decades to come.
Summer: Performance Check
Summer heat causes metal roofing materials to expand, which can reveal weaknesses in sealants and fasteners. This season is ideal for evaluating overall roof performance.
Checklist:
- Inspect sealants and caulking for cracking or shrinkage
- Check fasteners for loosening from thermal movement
- Trim overhanging branches to protect both roof and siding
Summer inspections also allow homeowners to assess appearance, style, and finish condition which is important for long-term property value.
Fall: Winter Prep
Fall preparation reduces the risk of leaks and ice-related issues during winter. Addressing minor concerns now avoids emergency repairs later.
Checklist:
- Clear leaves and organic debris from gutters and valleys
- Inspect flashing around penetrations and transitions
- Check snow retention systems for secure attachment
Proper fall maintenance helps the metal roof remain stable and resistant throughout winter.
Winter: Observation Mode
Winter maintenance should remain visual and interior-focused. Snow-covered metal roofs can be hazardous to access. While it is important to clear the roof of snow to prevent ice-damming, it is not recommended for homeowners to go up on their roof as metal can be slippery. Homeowners can purchase special tools that allow them to clear the snow safely from the ground.
Checklist:
- Watch for uneven snow or ice buildup
- Monitor ceilings and attic spaces for moisture
- Contact professional roofers if leaks or ice dams appear
Prompt action during winter protects the roof structure and interior finishes.
System-Specific Maintenance Notes
Different metal roofing systems require different inspection priorities.
Standing seam metal roofs: Inspect seams, clips, and alignment
Exposed fastener systems: Check fasteners annually for movement or wear
Metal shingles: Inspect interlocks and overlaps
Roof Pros Plus installs systems manufactured from premium steel and aluminum, often incorporating protective coatings that reduce the risk of rust and corrosion. Armadura’s roofing system is designed with a four way locking system and hidden fasteners making it stronger, and much more durable than other metal options. Many components are recycled and fully recyclable, making metal roofing an environmentally friendly option compared to asphalt.
When to Call a Professional
Certain issues require trained, certified professionals. Calling experienced roofers ensures repairs are completed correctly and warranties remain intact.
Contact a professional if you notice:
- Persistent moisture or leaks
- Panel movement or structural concerns
- Storm damage from strong winds or impact
Professional service also provides documentation that may be required for manufacturer warranty support.
What Not to Do
Improper care can damage coatings, compromise durability, and void warranties.
Avoid:
- Power washing or abrasive cleaning methods
- Using incompatible sealants
- Walking improperly on the metal roof, especially near edges
Metal roofing is durable, but improper handling can reduce its lifespan and performance.
Conclusion
Metal roofing performs best when supported by consistent, seasonal maintenance. A simple checklist helps Ontario homeowners protect their roof, avoid unnecessary repairs, and maximize long lasting performance.
Compared to asphalt and many other materials, metal roofing offers superior durability, resistance to snow and wind, and long-term value. When properly installed and maintained, it is a cost effective solution that can save money over time.
At Roof Pros Plus, our experience, materials, and installation standards ensure every project is built for Ontario conditions delivering reliable performance, predictable cost, and confidence that your metal roof will protect your property for decades to come. Contact us today for a free consultation, and experience ongoing peace of mind for decades to come.
