April 14, 2021
How Do I Prepare My Roof For Spring?
Spring is finally here! That means many of us are starting the process of spring cleaning and getting our yard ready for summer.
But don't forget to check to see how your home's roof handled the harsh winter.
Spring cleaning should apply to the top of your home as much as it does the inside of your home.
Your roof is your first layer of protection against the elements, and winters are often harsh on your roof.
If your roof sustained any damage during the winter, it could lead to big problems in the spring.
One of the first things you should do after everything has thawed out, and you're enjoying warmer weather, is to make sure your roof is ready for the upcoming months by scheduling a spring roof inspection.
In the article below, we will discuss a few ways you can be sure your roof is ready for spring.
Check and Clean Gutters
The first thing you should do is clean the leaves out of your gutter.
It's essential to maintain and keep your gutters clean so water can flow freely off your roof when it rains.
Clear out leaves and any other debris that has accumulated over the winter.
You should also check the walls around your gutters and the area under the eaves for water stains or spots.
If you find any, it could be a sign that your gutters aren't allowing water to flow freely to the ground.
While you're checking your gutters, take a quick look to see if there is a tree with any branches touching your roof that needs to be trimmed.
Chimney Damage
If your house has one, and whether you used it or not, it's worth taking the time to give your chimney a quick inspection early in the spring.
A dormant chimney is a great place for animals to make nests to stay out of the winter cold.
The last thing you need is for your chimney to be a breeding ground for rodents, insects, and other pests.
You also want to prevent your chimney from leaking to preserve the value of your home.
Even if you never plan on using your chimney, it's best to make sure that the chimney is pest-free and that the flashing around it is properly sealed.
Making sure that the flashing is intact helps prevent leaks that can lead to costly damage.
Check Your Attic
Once you're done with the chimney, it's time to inspect your attic. While many homeowners look at the roof, it can be hard to spot a leak.
Scanning your attic is a pretty easy task that can be done quickly on your own.
You need to inspect the underside of your roof deck and rafters in your attic for any moisture, water damage or stains, black marks, or mold.
You should also check the insulation in the attic for mildew.
Finding mold or mildew in the attic is usually a sure sign that your roof has a leak.
Missing or Cracked Shingles
Your shingles are the first line of defense for your roof and your home against the elements.
Once the snow melts and spring is in full swing, you need to inspect your shingles right away, no matter what type of roofing material you have.
Assess any wind damage and check your yard for any shingles or shingle fragments.
If you find any, they will usually be near the edge of your roof's eaves in your yard.
Take a look at your downspouts for any shingle granules as well.
If any have settled in the bottom of your downspout, it's usually not an issue, but if you notice them beneath your downspouts, your shingles most likely need attention.
If it's easy for you to check your roof from the ground, look to see if you notice any spots that look cracked, discolored, or warped.
Pay close attention to the spots where shingles are missing because if you can see any of the roof bed between your shingles, you need to call your local roofer.
Spring is a great time to have your shingles replaced and worn shingles will not survive the spring rains.
Speak To The Professionals
If you're not comfortable with any of these maintenance tips or don't have the time to do it, you should speak to a professional roofing contractor.
For your peace of mind and to avoid more expensive repairs in the future, hiring an experienced and licensed roofer to perform a full roof inspection of your roof and perform any needed repairs is a great idea.
If your roof has been damaged by mother nature over the winter, you should look at your home warranty or insurance policy to see if they will cover the repair costs.
When the roofers arrive, for your free inspection and estimate, they will inspect your roof to see if there are any leaks, shingles that look loose, cracked, curled, or missing.
Depending on what they find during their inspection, they will recommend the best course of action to ensure your roof can protect your home and family from the elements.
You should have a team of experienced roofers make these repairs as soon as possible to prevent costly damage or even more extensive repairs in the future.
TK Roofing and Gutters has been serving the communities of Northeast Ohio for over 15 years.
Whether you need repairs, a full replacement, or a roof inspection after a harsh winter, the roofers at TK Roofing and Gutters can help give you peace of mind and make sure your roofing job is done the right way the first time.
