Follow this Spring Roof Inspection Checklist
Spring is here at last after a long, cold winter. As warmer weather starts to return and the world comes alive with nature’s splendor, it’s time to start thinking about your spring home maintenance projects.
For most Minnesota residents, spring is a time to take care of important home projects like clearing the gutters and cleaning their windows. While you’re putting together your spring maintenance list, don’t forget to prioritize your roof.
Staying on top of minor roof damage is the key to making sure your roof lasts for many years to come. As your local roof repair contractor, our team at Powers Premier can help you conduct important residential roofing maintenance before spring and summer storms hit. That’s why we’re sharing this helpful spring roof inspection checklist. Give us a call to schedule your professional roof inspection today!
From Winter to Spring
One of the beautiful things about Minnesota is that we get to enjoy the best that nature has to offer. During the winter, this means plenty of fluffy, white snow. And during the summer, it means warm, pleasant days and lush green landscapes as far as the eye can see. But with all of that beauty can come some pretty wild weather that takes its toll on our roofs.
During the winter, Minnesota roofs and building materials are subjected to constant freeze and thaw cycles and damaging ice dams. During the summer, heavy rains, strong winds, and unseasonal heat are all possibilities. While high-performance residential roofing materials are built to withstand some wild weather, even the best roofs can end up with minor damage over time.
The key to keeping your roof in good shape and avoiding unexpected expenses is to stay on top of minor roofing repairs. When left unattended, even the most minor roof damage can make your roof vulnerable to additional cumulative damage. When this damage threatens the structural integrity of your roof, it can also become quite costly.
These are just a few risks of putting off roof repairs:
● Mold damage inside your home
● Roof collapse
● Wood rot
● Water damage inside your attic, ceiling, and walls
● Insulation damage
● And more
Inspecting Your Roof
Before inspecting your roof, there are a few things you should know. First, never risk your safety by climbing on top of your roof. Instead, leave this to a licensed and certified residential roofing contractor. However, a simple ground inspection of your property can bring many types of roof damage to light.
Follow this checklist:
➢ Gutters
Every spring, it’s important to clean out your gutters if you don’t have gutter guards on your roof. Clear out any debris in your gutters that could lead to a clog or make a cozy spot for small animals to nest. Once your gutters are cleared, run water through them using a garden hose.
Next, walk the perimeter of your home, examining your gutters for any broken joints or seams and areas where your gutters are disconnected from the roof. Pay careful attention to the roof in these areas as this can indicate damage caused by ice dams. Consider having your gutters updated with seamless gutters and gutter covers.
➢ Shingles
Take a walk around your property and visually inspect your shingles from the ground. To get the best possible view, you can also inspect your roof with binoculars. Go section by section across your roof, looking for signs of missing, damaged, curled, or cracked shingles. Look for areas with missing granules, sagging, and other structural issues on top of your roof.
➢ Attic
If possible, use a flashlight to examine every corner of your attic for signs of moisture. This may look like wet insulation or water stains on your attic, but it may be more subtle. A strong smell of mildew is a sure sign you’ve got a leak somewhere in your roof. You may also notice points of light infiltrating that indicate a weakness in the structure of your roof.
➢ Ceiling
Walk around the inside of your home and look for signs of water damage on your ceiling. By the time you see a water spot on the interior of your home, you may have significant roof damage. Contact a residential roofing contractor right away for any water spots inside your home.
➢ Flashing and Seals
Two common problems that lead to moisture infiltration around vents, chimneys, and skylights are damaged seals and flashing. An experienced residential roofing contractor can inspect these areas for signs of cracking or separation and make any necessary repairs.
Call for West Metro, Minnetonka, & Eden Prairie Roof Repair
To keep your roof in its best working condition, schedule a professional roof inspection with Powers Premier today. We offer friendly customer service with knowledgeable repairs to help extend the lifespan of your Minnesota roof. Call our exterior remodeling contractors at 612-710-7283 or contact us online to get your free estimate.