Date of Publication
June 13, 2026
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Winter on the island means wind and rain that test every inch of your roof. We have been doing this work since 1980, and what we see after the rough months tells us exactly what should have been checked before they hit. If you wait until the power is out and rain is coming sideways, you are too late.
Storm roof damage on Vancouver Island starts with small problems that get worse fast. A loose fastener becomes a leak. A gap in flashing becomes water inside the walls. Trees hanging over the roof become missiles. Most of this is preventable if you walk your roof now, before the season gets serious.
Wind pulls on everything. Fasteners -- nails and bolts that hold shingles, metal panels, and trim -- loosen over time, especially in exposed coastal locations. Walk your roof or have someone do it for you. Look for nails that are backing out, bolts on metal components that are loose, or shingles that are lifting at the corners.
Flashings are where most water gets in. Check the transitions: around chimneys, at roof valleys, where the roof meets walls, and around any vents or penetrations. If the seal looks cracked, shrunk, or separated, that is a problem. Metal flashings should lie flat and overlap the shingles below, not the other way around. If yours is backwards or shows rust at the edges, schedule a fix now.
Branches hanging over the roof or touching it cause two problems. First, they wear away roofing material where they rub. Second, in a windstorm, they snap and land on the roof with real force. We have seen this destroy metal roofing systems, crack membrane roofs, and punch holes in shingles. If a branch is within six feet of your roof, trim it back. It is cheaper than the repair.
Gutters clogged with leaves and moss back up water into the soffit, fascia, and eventually the house structure. During heavy rain, water has nowhere to go. Clear them thoroughly -- do not assume they are fine because you cleared them last month. Island properties with trees nearby can fill gutters fast. Check downspouts too; make sure water runs clear away from the foundation. If gutters are sagging, cracked, or pulling away from the fascia, that work should be done before the wet season starts.
Take clear photos of your entire roof from the ground and, if you can safely do it, from higher up. Photograph the condition of shingles, flashings, and any existing damage or repairs. This matters if you need to file an insurance claim after a storm. Insurers want evidence of what the roof looked like before the damage occurred. Photos dated before the event protect you.
Wind-driven rain can get in through roof vents if they are damaged or improperly sealed. Walk around your attic or crawlspace and look for water stains or dampness. If you see signs of moisture, the vent seals or the roof membrane around them may need attention. Proper ventilation reduces ice dam risk in winter, so this matters for longevity too.
Once the wind stops, do another inspection. Look for lifted shingles, missing pieces, dents in metal roofing, debris embedded in the roof, or any new gaps in flashings. If water is dripping into the attic or you see fresh leaks, do not wait. Interior damage compounds fast if it is not dried out. Document what you find with photos and call for a detailed inspection.
We have been repairing roofs after island storms since 1980. The ones that hold up best are the ones that were maintained before the weather turned. Our free estimates include a walk-through and a detailed list of what needs doing and what materials are involved, so you know exactly what you are working with. Call us at 250-336-8088 or reach out to request a pre-season inspection.
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Our new website is live, bringing the full project portfolio, all eight service lines and our three service areas into one place.
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