Winter can have a very negative impact on our roofs as they take the greatest hits in the form of rain, snow, wind, or hail.
For this reason, with the arrival of spring, it’s necessary to check whether your roof requires maintenance and/or repairs. Such inspections should actually be done twice a year, at each significant change of season.
The more often and more thoroughly you check your roof, the less likely it will need to be repaired or replaced. Luckily for you, there are many ways to check your roof for damage and prepare your roof for spring. Read on and find out how!
1. Take a Walk Around Your House
This is actually the first thing you can and should do. One of the most common roof damages is missing shingles. Therefore, when you walk around your house, check whether shingles or nails are lying on the ground somewhere. If so, it will be a clear signal that your roof needs repair and that you need to call a residential roofing expert for help.
2. Check Your Attic
Once you’ve checked the area around your home, it’s time to check the condition of your attic, which can be an indicator of many roof problems. Look around for water stains, a musty or mildew smell, discoloration, or a sagging ceiling. Such problems can lead to more serious structural issues, so it’s important to catch and deal with them on time.
3. Check and Clean the Gutters
Gutters are often mistakenly overlooked when inspecting the roof. Clogged gutters lead to water not draining properly, which in turn leads to leaks. To prevent that, simply remove any twigs, branches, leaves, and other debris that has accumulated in the gutters.
4. Check the Roof Flashing
Flashing is a piece of metal used to join different parts of the roof at their meeting points, such as chimneys, skylights, edges, and slopes of the roof. If the flashing is rusted or loose, it is crucial to replace it as soon as possible to prevent leaks.
5. Make Sure There Are No Nests
Birds can make a nest on your roof and thus damage your home by tearing off your shingles. This actually happens quite often in the springtime. Therefore, make sure to call in a professional to remove any nests that you notice and keep your roof in perfect condition to prevent birds and other pests like mice and raccoons from entering your home.
6. Fix the Damage
Spring is undoubtedly the best time to inspect your home and make any repairs. As soon as the weather clears out and the sun starts to shine, conduct a visual inspection of the roof from the ground and call in your roofer for a professional and more detailed inspection. They will check all the most important parts of your roof and repair any damage if they find it.
Call in the Experts
Don’t hesitate to use the help of professionals and call them in for a proper inspection. It’s an investment that will ensure your safety and, ultimately, even increase the value of your home.
Martin Exteriors is a leading local residential roofing specialist in Rockford that will carefully check your roof and repair it in no time, so don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact our experts by calling +(815) 624-6278 or filling out our online form to schedule a FREE inspection.
