During the winter months, your roof takes a bit of a beating. It is regularly hammered with heavy snowfall, freezing pools of ice, build-up of icicles, and strong winds. The elements can do a lot of damage to your poor roof, and it is important to make sure that no real damage has been done. Once the spring sunshine sets in and the remnants of winter melt away, make a point of checking your roof. Spring showers are bound to be on their way and you need to make sure your roof is ready to stand up to them. You can always check your roof yourself, but a contractor will ensure that a thorough inspection is performed, and that you remain safely on the ground. As we inch closer to the end of winter, don’t forget to schedule your spring roof maintenance.
What to look for
If you plan to perform your yearly roof inspection on your own, you’ll need to know what to look for. The good news is that signs that you need a repair are easy to spot. After the long fall and winter seasons, you’ll need to clean out your gutters anyway. Save yourself a trip up the ladder, and kill two birds with one stone. When you are cleaning out your gutters, look for these tell-tale signs that your roof may require some repairs:
- Shingles that are in disrepair. Look for any missing, damaged, or curling shingles. This is a sign that your roof, or parts of it, may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Signs of rust on any metal parts of your roof, and cracks in the caulking.
- An excessive amount of shingle particles of shingle coating in your gutters, or overly smooth shingles. This means that the layer of your shingles that protects them from UV rays is no longer intact.
- Patches of mold or moss, fungus, or algae can be a sign that the layers of your roof that are beneath the surface are failing and need replacing.
- Any loose nails or other materials may require the help of a roofing contractor to secure.
Signs of leakage
The best place to look for signs that your roof is leaking is inside your home. Examine your ceilings and walls for signs of water making its way into your living space. Check for:
- Discolored spots on your ceiling. These will often be darker in color than the rest of your ceiling.
- Look at the underside of overhangs. If the paint is peeling, you may have leaky areas in your roof.
- Feel and look around your fireplaces for signs of dampness. This is a direct line to your roof and indicated that the area is not properly sealed.
Flat roof facts
Flat roofs can be a bit peskier to deal with when it comes to spring maintenance. It really takes a flat roof expert to give you a thorough idea of the health of your flat roof. If you notice pooling water, cracked surfaces, or issues with wall or edge flashing, contact your roofing contractor for advice. These roofs generally require a bit more maintenance, but roof painting can help extend their life greatly. A modified membrane should be repainted every three years, so if this spring marks that occasion, make sure you schedule a time for repainting.
Contact your roofing professionals
If you notice some issues with your roof or just want more information, contact Absolute Home Solutions at 240-328-9872 for a free consultation. You can also connect with Absolute Home Solutions on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.
