Spring has arrived; for homeowners, this means it is time for spring cleaning in and around the house. Once the weather stabilizes, spring is the best time of year to check the condition of the roof and make arrangements for any required roof services. By using the following checklist, homeowners can handle most tasks themselves or hire local roofers to complete the list.
Inspect Roofing Material
Start off spring maintenance by performing a visual inspection of the shingles, tiles, or panels on the roof. Ensure they are in good condition after the winter and have not suffered any damage. Look for areas that need repair, like missing shingles, splitting, bubbling, lifting, discolorations, loss of granules on asphalt shingles, and any other apparent effects of decomposition. Note any areas where roofers may need to make repairs or where the material needs cleaning due to moss or mildew.
Check Flashings
While observing the overall roof surface, pay close attention to flashings and seals. Loose and missing flashing is common, as these protective coverings can be blown off or loosened over the years. Missing and damaged flashing is responsible for the majority of leaks, which can cause widespread damage requiring repairs by roof services if not detected early. Check for cracked seals around pipe vents and any protrusions such as skylights, attic vents, or chimneys as these are common areas where leaks can start.
Look Inside Attic
After taking a good look at the outside of the house, go indoors to inspect the attic and the underside of the roof. Look for dampness and any evidence of water damage, mold, wet insulation, and other indications that leaks may be present. Check the underside of the decking, trusses, support structure, as well as walls and floors for signs of water leaking from the outside.
Take note of any condensation that can indicate a ventilation problem to be fixed by experienced roofers to prevent future damage or poor air quality inside the home.
Clean and Repair Gutters
Gutter issues account for a large number of the problems that roof services deal with every year. To avoid such issues, inspect all gutters and thoroughly clean them. Gutters should be cleaned every spring and fall to prevent a buildup of leaves, twigs, dirt, and general grime which can otherwise divert water away from the edge of the roof. If repairs are needed, make them as soon as possible so the gutters are always functional.
By following this short list of spring maintenance tasks, homeowners can determine the condition of their roof and whether it needs any repairs or other attention. Since these tasks may require climbing up on a ladder to get a closer look or clean out the gutters, homeowners should proceed with caution and always use the right equipment.
Those who prefer to leave it to the professionals can make a call to local expert roof services and arrange a time for roofers to take a good look at the roof. A professional inspection done by experienced contractors offers homeowners the greatest protection!
