Now that wam weather is upon us, it’s time for you to have your roof inspected to ensure it’s in tip top shape for the months ahead. Although you probably see your roof everyday, it might get pushed to the back burner by things like your landscaping, garage and other house projects.
Taking a day and following this Spring Roof Checklist will help keep your roof in healthy condition and point out small issues that should be addressed sooner rather than later. Rainfall and storms, debris from trees, and hot sunny days are all common causes of roof damage, but using this checklist will help you prevent costly roof repairs!
1. Inspect Your Attic
You’d be surprised what you might find by taking a quick peek into your attic. Here are a few of the most common signs you might need a roof repair when inspecting the attic from the inside out:
- Small leaks and water damage
- Rotten wood
- Signs and smells of mold or mildew
- Holes in the roof where light shines through
- Extreme humidity from improper ventilation
Catching these minor issues early can save you thousands and prevent the need for a full roof replacement. Even if you don’t see any of the signs listed above, keep reading the Spring checklist as there are still other areas of your roof that should be inspected.
2. Inspect Shingles & Flashing
Before calling your local roofing company to inspect your roof, there are a number of quick items you can check yourself.
Shingles
The first item on the list is your shingles. Overtime, shingles become damaged from storms, water buildup, improper installation or previous repairs, heat, poor roof ventilation, and old age causing shingles to fall off or become warped and ineffective.
Even just one shingle missing from your roof can cause water damage, mold and wood rot so it’s not something to leave unattended! If you notice any of the issues with your shingles above, schedule an appointment with a roofing contractor.
Flashing
Roof flashing is typically found around the exterior of a home’s chimney to help prevent water leaking into your home. It is placed around the seam where your chimney and shingles meet. Many times flashing is damaged from old age or bad installation and repairs. Check the flashing from your roof as well as around the chimney inside your home for signs of water damage.
3. Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters are meant to help carry rainwater away from your roof and home. When they become clogged, water builds up and causes damage to your shingles, roof structure and even basement flooding. Grab your ladder and clean the gutters yourself or call a professional to come out and clean them for you.
4. Trim Tree Branches
If you have trees near your home, you’ve probably noticed debris on your roof. To prevent this, have branches trimmed down so you don’t have anything hanging over your roof. Some of the most common roof damages are caused by overgrown trees falling onto roofs and debris causing mold and fungus growth.
5. Old Age & Discoloration
At some point, a roof inevitably needs to be replaced due to old age. Roofs typically last between 20-30 years, but if they are left unmaintained this lifespan shortens. Keeping up with an annual spring inspection will ensure you get the most our of your roof.
A roofing professional will be able to tell if it’s time to have an old roof replaced, but one of the most common signs you can use to check yourself is shingle discoloration. Your roof is susceptible to sunlight, water, wind, snow and all kinds of weather related conditions that overtime will cause shingles to lose their original color, calling for a new roof.