As winter transforms into spring, homeowners head outside to evaluate their property and consider ways that they can improve their homes. One of the most important things to inspect is your roofing. You may have incurred damage to it throughout the winter. Now is a great time to inspect it and determine what needs to be done to get it back in great condition. As you inspect your roof, complete the following actions:
Clean Gutters
When they are clogged, gutters can become a huge issue for your roof. You may have had a lot of leaves, twigs, and other debris clog the gutters in the fall. Then, with the snow and rain during the winter, the clogs can damage your roof. Using a ladder, check your gutters. Clean out any debris using gloves and a bucket. Then, you can run a hose through your gutters and down your downspouts to make sure that they are free of debris.
Examine Gutters
While cleaning your gutters, examine their condition. Look for any signs of damaged. Damaged gutters should be replaced or repaired right away, so water can flow unimpeded through them.
Inspect the Roof’s Exterior
Check the exterior of your roof. You may need to get a ladder and get on your roof to see everything. This can be completed by a professional who takes the proper safety precautions. While inspecting the roof, you should look for signs of the following:
- Damaged or worn shingles
- Missing shingles
- Loose or exposed nails
- Missing caulk
- Rusty metal flashing
- Missing or damaged flashing
- Sagging areas
- Excessive granule loss
- Chimney cracks
- Rot or mold
If you notice any of these things, you need to make the necessary repairs or replacements to get everything back to great condition, so your roof will be able to continue to protect your home.
Check Your Roof’s Interior
Once you’ve checked the roof from the outside, it’s time to head indoors and check out the condition of it from the inside, typically by peering around your attic. Some of the things that you should look for include cracked roof sheathing, ventilation issues, sagging, light coming through cracks, or leaks. Any of these things signal that you need repairs right away.
As you inspect your roofing material, it’s important to take note of any area that is damaged and in need of repairs. These repairs should be made as soon as possible. Otherwise, your roof will not be able to properly protect your home from the conditions. It could also open up your home to pests, and water damage.