Spring has arrived, bringing with it warmer weather and tidying up after a crazy winter! This means your yard AND roof. This year has gifted us with some serious snow, ice and hail that can result in costly problems if not handled in time. It’s the perfect time to squeeze in a roof inspection to ensure you’re properly prepared for the coming summer rains and all the surprises next winter may bring.
Before scheduling an inspection, there are a few things you can handle on your own if you feel so inclined. We must mention, please do not get on your roof if you’re in any way uncomfortable or if you suspect there may be instabilities up there. Additionally, always have someone nearby in case of an emergency. Your safety is our priority.
With that said, let’s discuss a few other ways to prepare your roof this spring!
1. Get Rid of Stragglers
Look for branches, leaves, twigs, pine needles and anything else that doesn’t belong. Remove them, along with any leaves and twigs in order to prevent clogged gutters. Not doing this can result in major damage to your roof, interior, gutters and foundation. These can be very expensive to fix, so it’s important to take care of.
2. Check For The Obvious
Regardless of if you pay the roof a visit or not, you can check for visible damage. If you notice shingles laying in your yard, or can see spots on the roof where they’ve disappeared, you’ll want to get that taken care of. Buckled or smooth shingles need to be replaced, as does any damaged flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys. Caulking and weatherstripping can be a great way to prevent water seeping into the home, so if you notice rot or damaged caulk, replace it. Additionally, if you spot anything out of the ordinary, have a professional come take a look!
3. Don’t Neglect The Attic
Look at your crawlspaces and take note of water or light coming in from any spots. Dripping and standing water, as well as dampness, are all signs that there’s a leak. Water flows downhill, so check your peaks. Additionally, look for mold and mildew because those need to be handled ASAP and are an indicator of unwanted moisture.
4. Check Out The Gutters
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are securely in place. Ice and snow can loosen them, and goodness knows we got enough of that this winter.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can easily replace many of these things yourself. This includes the flashing, roof tiles and shingles, as well as caulk. Better yet, you can give us a call and we’ll come out and handle it for you!
Contact Skywall Construction
We know this can all be intimidating when you’re not an expert, so feel free to give us a call to help you out! If your roof needs an inspection or repairs, we’re only a phone call away.
