How Spring Roof Inspections Can Protect Your Home Investment
Now that the first days of warm weather are here, you’re probably opening windows, spring cleaning, and tuning up the lawn mower. But have you given any thought to maintaining that most underappreciated of assets, your roof?
If there is nothing wrong with your roof, it will not take you long at all to do an inspection. But if there are problems, you will be glad you checked.
Inspect Your Roof From The Ground
Some problems are readily apparent from the ground, so you should start there before you haul out the ladder. What you are looking for is the first signs of damage.
- Missing, loose, or torn shingles
- Wrinkled or curling shingles
- “Lines” on the shingles, which are caused by shingles lifting in high winds
- Discoloration
- Moss growth
- Collections of leaves or other debris
- Rust stains on the flashing in valleys and around roof protrusions
- Sagging gutters
If none of these issues are visible, and your roof is less than 15 years old, then congratulations! You’re finished with your roof inspection. But, since you’re out there, you might want to pull out your ladder and…
Clean Out Your Gutters
April showers are more like April downpours, and you don’t want the water to back up against your foundation. Clean out the leaves by hand, then use a powerful blast from the garden hose to flush the asphalt granules down the downspout. Unless your gutters are half full of these particles, they’re probably not interfering with your drainage. But they are pretty heavy, and can sometimes cause the gutters to pull out their fasteners.
Have Your Chimney Cleaned
If you didn’t use your fireplace this year, you can skip this step. But even if you only use it occasionally, you will want to have your chimney inspected by a professional chimney sweep. Not only will they clean the chimney of all of the soot and build-up that can cause chimney fires, they will also inspect the liner and flue for any leakages.
While they are up on the roof you might have them check for any issues with the flashing. Chimney flashing is one of the most common places for a leak to occur. You might not want to get up on the roof yourself, but a chimney sweep is used to it, and can tell you if anything looks odd. It’s not a foolproof way to inspect, but it beats going up there yourself.
Spring is a great time to perform some home maintenance tasks to ensure that your home is in good condition and ready for the warmer months ahead. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Check your roof for any damage: Winter weather can cause damage to your roof, so it’s important to inspect it for any signs of damage such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks or cracks. If you find any issues, hire a professional to fix them.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Clean out any debris that has accumulated in your gutters and downspouts over the winter. This will help prevent water damage to your home during spring rains.
- Check your HVAC system: Have your air conditioning system checked and serviced by a professional before the hot weather arrives. This will ensure that your system is working efficiently and can save you money on your energy bills.
- Inspect your windows and doors: Check for any cracks, gaps or leaks in your windows and doors. If you find any, seal them with caulk or weatherstripping to improve energy efficiency and keep pests out.
- Check for water damage: Inspect your home for any signs of water damage, such as water stains on ceilings or walls, or mold and mildew growth. If you find any issues, hire a professional to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.
- Clean and maintain your outdoor spaces: Spring is the perfect time to clean and maintain your outdoor spaces. Sweep patios and decks, clean your grill, and trim any overgrown bushes or trees.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Replace batteries if needed.
By following these home maintenance tips, you can ensure that your home is in good condition and ready for the warmer months ahead.
What To Do If You See Problems
If your roof is showing damage or it’s nearly the end of its lifespan, Style Roofing can help. Call our experienced staff Northern Virginia roofers at (703) 754-9906 for a complimentary quote to help you protect your home investment from the damage caused by a leaky roof.
