Small checks, big savings
Flat roof maintenance
Most flat roofs do not fail suddenly. They fail because a drain clogged, a seam lifted or a flashing opened, and nobody noticed for a season.
- Spring and fall visits
- Drains, seams, flashings
- Photo notes each visit
Why Ontario flat roofs need a schedule
Freeze–thaw cycles open small gaps and widen them. Leaves, seeds and roof grit block drains. Rooftop equipment brings foot traffic, and service people drop tools and screws. A spring and fall visit catches problems while they are still small repairs.
Maintenance is the cheapest part of owning a roof. It also keeps a clean record of condition, which helps a condo board or building owner plan replacement instead of reacting to it. See how long a flat roof lasts.
What a visit covers
Drains and scuppers cleared
Debris removed and flow checked. See roof drains and scuppers.
Seams and flashings checked
Lifted laps, loose terminations and cracked sealant noted or fixed on the spot. See flashing and seam repair.
Surface check
Punctures, blisters, cracks, loose gravel, and ponding stains.
Penetrations
Seals around pipes, vents, skylights and rooftop units.
Minor repairs
Small fixes done during the visit, with larger items quoted separately.
Photo notes
Dated photos of the roof and any repairs, kept for your records.
A simple yearly rhythm
| When | What matters most |
|---|---|
| Spring, after the melt | Look for ice damage, torn edge metal, blocked drains and anything that shifted under snow. |
| Early summer | Heat opens weak seams; check areas that ponded after spring rain. |
| Fall, before leaves finish falling | Clear drains, check flashings and make any repairs before cold weather stops adhesives from curing. |
| After any major storm | Look for wind damage and debris. See wind damage. |
Maintenance pricing
| Item | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Maintenance visit (drains, seams, flashings, photos) | from $295 per visit |
| Roof drain or scupper repair | from $800 per drain |
| Roof inspection with written photo report (house) | from $250 per roof |
Starting prices in CAD before 13% HST, based on typical Ontario contractor rates (mostly Toronto and the GTA). The final price depends on roof size, access, the layers to remove, the membrane, drains and flashings, and is confirmed in your written quote.
Bigger roofs, multiple levels and roofs with many rooftop units take longer. Annual plans for condo and commercial properties can be quoted on request.
Do some of it yourself
Between visits, owners can keep leaves off drains and look at the roof from a window or hatch. Never walk the roof in winter or on wet membrane. Our maintenance checklist shows what to look for and when.
Questions about roof maintenance
Is maintenance worth it on a roof that has never leaked?
That is exactly when it pays off. A clean drain and a re-sealed lap cost little, while a flooded roof or a rotted deck costs a great deal.
Do I need maintenance records for my roof?
Some membrane makers ask for documented maintenance. Check your roofing documents, and keep our dated photo notes with them.
Can you set up a recurring visit?
Yes, ask for a seasonal plan in the quote form, with the number of roofs and levels.
Leak, damage or an old flat roof?
Send a few details and photos. We reply by email with next steps and a written quote.