Most homeowners are glad to see spring come. After all, it means the weather turns more pleasant; heating bills are lowered, and so much more. Many New York and New Jersey homeowners do some “spring cleaning” inside their homes to air them out after the long, cold winter. However, they often neglect something very important: their roof. You want to make sure that your roof remains in good shape to continue to protect you and your family from the elements.
Winter weather, including snow and ice, can be hard on your roof. Many times, these conditions can cause significant damage to your roof. However, by taking proactive steps and ensuring continuous maintenance, you will save yourself a lot of money in the long run. The earlier you detect springtime roof problems, the better, and this can help you avoid emergency repairs. Never ignore an issue when it’s found. You can save both time and money by calling in a professional roof inspector to do a spring roof inspection.
9 Springtime Roof Problems to Look Out For
Below, we will discuss the 9 most common springtime roof problems that homeowners may encounter.
Roof Leaks
The increasing temps can cause the snow to melt, leading to roof leaks. If you notice stains on your ceilings and/or walls, you may have a roof leak.
Sagging Roof
Ice and heavy snow can impact the structural integrity of your roof, eventually causing it to sag. After several snow accumulations with little to no melt time in between, you may want to consider having the snow cleared from your roof to avoid issues with sagging- especially if you have flat areas.
Pest Infestation
When the temps start warming up, animals and insects become more active. This can mean problems for you, especially if you have roof damage. These animals and insects will seek shelter in your home if they can get in. keep an eye out for things like termites, birds, squirrels, and raccoons that can cause damage to your eaves, roof, and chimney. You will want to have guards installed to protect the vulnerable areas of your roof.
Clogged/Damaged Gutters
You need to regularly inspect your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of debris. If water cannot drain, it ends up pooling on your roof, which can cause significant damage. On the other hand, proper drainage allows the water to drain away from your roof so that you don’t have to worry about water damage and other roof problems.
Trapped Moisture
If you have any older leaves/debris from the fall, it can become trapped under new plant growth, capturing moisture underneath, and when moisture can’t evaporate, it can cause the shingles to become damaged. This can result in significant damage, so a repair will not be enough. This is why it’s critical to ensure that your roof is cleared of debris.
Sealants Failing
Certain building materials are known to expand with heat and contract with cold. Over time, this expanding and contracting can cause issues. Sealants are the most common culprit. They protect the flashing on your roof but can crack/warp, which leads to gaps. These gaps allow water to get in, which causes further damage to your flashing.
Cracked Membranes/Underlayment
A roof membrane or underlayment is the layer under the shingles that keeps moisture out of your home. However, rapid changes in temperatures and moisture can cause damage to these layers. Older membranes may wear out during the winter and develop cracks, and you may not realize this until the springtime rainstorms. If you have this issue, you’ll want to have it repaired immediately to keep pests and water out of your home.
Curling Shingles
Over time, and with severe weather, shingles can wear out and become damaged. Often, damaged shingles will start to curl, and spring is the perfect time to look up and see if any of your shingles appear to be worn out. You should not climb on the roof yourself. Instead, call in a professional to do a springtime roof inspection.
Damage to Your Chimney
By regularly inspecting your chimney for cracks, you can make sure no water is getting where it shouldn’t. As snow and ice start melting, water will get into the cracks, and this will cause the mortar and bricks to expand as they re-freeze, which can cause your chimney to become loose or roof leaks.
Contact the Professionals
Your home is a major investment, and your roof is a critical part of it. Your roof protects you and your family from the elements, so no one should trust it. At A&J Reliable, we have trained professional contractors that can inspect your roof and tell you what issues you may be facing. Contact us today; we’ll be more than happy to come out and help you ensure that your roof remains in perfect working condition.
