Springtime Inspection of your Roof for Damages and General Repairs

Springtime roof inspection is a vital part of home maintenance. Getting a good look at your roof, flashing, chimney, gutters and downspouts will ensure your home is in good condition when the spring storms hit. Roofing Tutor created a brief guide to springtime roof inspection and general repairs.

Shingles and Roofing Material:
Look for missing roofing material, whether you’ve got asphalt shingles, wood shakes, tiles, etc. If any material is missing, get the area covered until it can be replaced. If you had ice dams over winter, check the shingles in the 3-4 feet nearest the eaves. Look for raised shingles which could be evidence of soaked, swollen wood beneath them.

Flashing:
Check the flashing between the roof and exterior walls and the chimney. Make sure it is still in uniform position and tight to the house. If it has come loose, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Chimneys:
Chimneys can take a beating in winter winds. Look for missing siding or brick. Check the flashing and any caps that might be on them. If you’ve got raccoons, squirrels and other pests in your area, spring is a great time to add a cap to the chimney that will keep them out.

Vent Stack Boots:
These are the rubber fittings that are installed underneath shingles and are penetrated by vent pipes. In severe cold, they can become brittle and crack. Make sure all boots are in good condition. If one is torn or cracked, replace it immediately or will soon become the entry-point for a serious leak.

Gutters and Downspouts:
In a typical spring or summer storm, a home’s gutters and downspouts will handle hundreds of gallons of water, dumping them away from the house. If gutters are damaged, much of that water will fall right next to your foundation. Water has a way of finding even tiny cracks and ending up in our basements. Check for holes in gutters or downspouts and patch them or replace the section. Make sure the fasteners holding the gutter to the roof fascia are in good condition. Inspect all joints where pieces are joined together.

Spring Roof Inspection Sumamry:

Don’t delay in inspecting your roof and having these types of minor problems repaired. Do it yourself as soon as possible or contact a local roofing contractor to handle the job. Being proactive about minor roof damage will prevent costly roof damage and the hassles it brings.

 

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