Spring just arrived, so we should all be getting ready to inspect our roofs, attic and gutters for missing shingles, wear and tear, cracks, clogs, and mold growth.
Winters in Western New York bring below-freezing temperatures, heavy snow, ice, and wind, all of which can lead to major problems and costly repairs. When Spring arrives, make checking your roof, attic and gutters a priority with this Post-Winter Roofing Checklist.
1. Ground-Level Inspection
When it's sunny and dry outside, walk across the street to where you can view your roof's slope and take notice of:
- Missing or disturbed shingles
- Dark patches or discolored streaks
- Damage around chimneys or vents
- Unsecured gutters and downspouts
Scanning your roof from different vantage points plays a vital role in finding damage from any given angle. Various angles have different lighting, reflections and shadows which can camouflage roofing problems if you are not thorough.
2. Rooftop Inspection
Over time, debris will accumulate on your roof and in the gutters. If you have debris on your roof, chances are mold or mildew is growing on it too. That's why it is very important to clear your roof of any leaves, tree needles, twigs, pinecones, seeds, acorns, trash, and nesting materials. If your gutters and downspouts are clogged, remove debris and run water through them to check for leaks.
If you have the means to climb on your roof, clear the debris off with a rake or leaf blower. If that's something you can't do safely, it's always best to hire a professional to do the job effectively.
An experienced roofing contractor will also check for:
- Loose, cracked, worn, or bulging shingles
- Sealed plumbing stack flashings
- Cracked rubber fittings
- Leaks around the edges of the chimney and roof valleys or attic vents and fans, as well as furnace vents
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
Not happy about cleaning your gutters in preparation for spring or winter? Graves Bros. is now offering its customers relief from clogged gutters. Learn more about the Leaf Relief Gutter System here.
3. Attic Inspection
After the exterior of your home has been carefully inspected, it is now time to check indoors. If you have an attic and can get access to it, check for:
- Noticeable rust or staining around nails
- Stains or cracks in the roof sheeting
- Signs of animal activity in the form of scratching or shredding, droppings, nesting materials, and chewed surfaces
- Mold or mildew
Mold and mildew are not only dangerous for your roof, but they are also unsafe for you and your family. Check your roof for any signs of mold or mildew during the Spring and before the first snowfall. Look for discolored streaks on your roof which indicates the signs of growth. Leaks in your ceiling and condensation can breed mold too. If you see mold or mildew anywhere on or in your home, call a licensed and reputable roofing contractor before attempting to remove it.
With every winter that passes, the likelihood of damage to your roof increases. Preventing winter storm damage and conducting inspections a couple of times a year can prevent the need for future professional work and expenses. Bookmark this post so you have it on hand when the time comes to inspect your roof and attic.
In need of roof repair caused by our winter weather? Interested in our low maintenance, weather and pest resistant gutter system? Contact us today!