After the scorching, dry summer we’ve had here in Ontario, the crisp air of autumn feels like a welcome relief. But while we were dealing with record-breaking heat and very little rain, our homes were baking in the sun. This intense UV exposure is especially hard on natural materials like cedar. Now, as we transition seasons, it’s more critical than ever to prepare your cedar roof and siding not just for the coming winter, but to address the stress they’ve just endured. Your home’s wood exterior is a significant investment, and preparing it for the coming ice, snow, and relentless freeze-thaw cycles is the best way to preserve its beauty and integrity.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to your home. This simple, step-by-step checklist will guide you through the essential tasks to ensure your cedar is ready to face whatever winter throws its way.

• An Expert’s Note from JD Wood Revival: “After more than 20 years of restoring cedar in Ontario, we’ve seen how a little fall maintenance can prevent thousands of dollars in winter damage. The most overlooked issue is always the gutters -they are your home’s first line of defense.”

Step 1: The Roof Inspection – Look Up and Look Close

You don’t need to climb a ladder to get a good sense of your roof’s condition. A pair of binoculars and a walk around your property can reveal a lot. Take a slow, careful look at all surfaces of your cedar roof from the ground.

Here are the key warning signs to look for:

• Curled, Cracked, or Missing Shingles: Pay close attention to individual cedar shakes. After a summer of intense heat and little rain, cedar can become dry and brittle, making it more susceptible to damage. Look for edges that are curling up, new splits or cracks, or any shingles that are missing entirely. These are weak points where water can penetrate, freeze, and cause significant damage.
  
  

• Moss or Algae Growth: While it might look rustic, that green or black growth on your roof is a major red flag. Moss and algae act like a sponge, trapping moisture against the wood. This prevents the cedar from drying out properly and can lead to rot and decay over the winter.

  

If you spot any of these issues, it’s a sign that your roof needs attention. To understand the deeper implications and potential solutions, a great next step is to consult a comprehensive guide. For more detailed information on what these signs mean, check out our Ultimate Guide to Cedar Roof & Siding Restoration.

This moss covered roof, however unlikely, may be saved after inspection of what’s left underneath!
Avoid build up like this – contact us today!

Step 2: Siding Walk-Around – A 360-Degree Review

Next, it’s time to inspect your cedar siding. A thorough walk-around, or a 360-degree review, will help you catch problems before they escalate.

Focus on these areas:

• Signs of Rot: Pay special attention to the siding closest to the foundation, around window wells, and near downspouts. Look for wood that appears dark, feels soft, or is crumbling. This is often where moisture collects.

• Fading or Discoloration: Is one side of your home looking

  

•  significantly more faded or grey than the others? This is a sign of UV damage, which can break down the protective fibres of the wood, leaving it vulnerable.

• Caulking Integrity: Check the seals around your windows and doors. Is the caulking cracked, peeling, or missing? Gaps in these 

   

• areas are a direct invitation for wind-driven rain and melting snow to get behind your siding.

A proactive approach to siding maintenance can save you from costly repairs down the road. If you’ve noticed significant issues, check out our ‘Repair or Replace’ article.

Step 3: Gutters – Your Home’s First Line of Defense Against Ice Dams

We can’t talk about winter prep without talking about gutters. For a home with cedar exteriors, clean and functional gutters are not just important—they are your first line of defense against ice dams.

When gutters are clogged with fall leaves and debris, melting snow from the roof has nowhere to go. It backs up, freezes, and creates a dam of ice. This ice can force water up and under your cedar shingles and even get behind your siding, causing extensive water damage that you might not discover until spring.

Ensuring your gutters are clear is a non-negotiable fall task. If you’re tired of the annual cleanup or find your current system can’t handle the heavy debris and snow loads, it might be time for an upgrade. 

When to Call in the Professionals

By following this checklist, you can identify potential problems that could turn into costly winter disasters. If you’ve walked your property and noticed any of the warning signs—from cracked shingles and moss growth to failing caulking and clogged gutters—the next step is a professional assessment.

An expert inspection from JD Wood Revival can determine the true condition of your cedar roof and siding. We can help you understand the severity of any issues and create a plan to ensure your home is protected.

Don’t let a small issue become a major headache. Contact us today to schedule your pre-winter inspection and enjoy peace of mind all season long.

📞 Call: 905.957.2661
📧 Email: sales@jdwoodrevival.com
🖱️ Request a Quote: Click here.