With wintry snow and ice behind us and warmer spring weather on the horizon, it’s exactly the right time of year to make your spring-cleaning and home maintenance to-do lists. Whether your home maintenance list is long or short or somewhere in between, there’s one important home system that should rise above the other items listed—both figuratively and quite literally. That system is your roofing system. Has your roof been inspected lately? Read on to learn why spring season is a great time of year for that overdue pro roof inspection!
Why Are Spring Roof Inspections Important?
It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected each year regardless if it’s inspected during the spring, summer, or fall seasons. Though, a roof inspection in the springtime makes sense for a few specific reasons:
- Ice dams accumulated on the eaves of your roof during winter snow and ice storms.
- There were large icicles hanging from the eaves and gutters (perhaps as a result of ice dams and/or a clogged gutter system).
- You want to make sure your roof is sound and prepared for the heavy rain and strong winds that are common during the summer and fall seasons.
Further, a spring roof inspection identifies possible problems with the roofing system before substantial damage occurs to your home. That is to say, small roof repairs are much less expensive than major roof repairs or a roof replacement!
Who Should Inspect Your Roof?
Your spring roof inspection should be conducted by a reputable roofing contractor who is fully licensed, bonded, insured, and offers a craftsmanship guarantee. Choose a local roofing contractor who proves extensive experience and has received consistent accolades through customer reviews on third-party websites like Google and Facebook and the local Better Business Bureau. Further, check the contractor’s own website for contractor license number, professional memberships and affiliations, and for any awards such as the Golden Valley Business Hall of Fame.
Make a mental note to be wary of anyone knocking on your door, especially following storm damage, claiming to be a roofing contractor and asking for a deposit. These “storm chasers”, as they’re called, prey on folks in dire situations with storm damage to their homes. Only work with a roofing contractor with a brick-and-mortar location. Reputable contractors will work with your insurance company on behalf of your best interests, and won’t knock on your door soliciting a “deposit” for work that will never be done.
Further, if you’re ever tempted to climb up on your roof for roof maintenance or any other reason, just don’t do it. Roofing is an extremely dangerous occupation which should be left to the pros. You can, however, spot roofing problems by walking around your home. Look for uplifted shingles, granules in downspouts, missing shingles, and anything that doesn’t look right with your roof and gutters.
What’s Involved With A Pro Roof Inspection?
A professional roof inspection will cover three areas of your home, which are (1) the rooftop, (2) the gutters, eaves, and exterior walls, and (3) inside the attic and home. Your roof inspector should use digital imaging and video so he or she can show you the condition of your roof and attic. For example, you may not be able to see hail impact blemishes from the ground. However, a pro roof inspection with digital images can show you damage your roof has sustained.
- The rooftop portion of the roof inspection includes checking shingles for any type of damage and age-related wear. Flashing is checked for tight seals at roof protrusions, such as piping, vents, and chimneys.
- A good gutter system is vital to maintaining a good roof. If gutters are clogged, water can soak into the roofing system, the attic, and exterior walls. Eaves and exterior walls are inspected for signs of water damage. Downspouts are checked for shingle granules, which indicate age-related wear or damaged shingles.
- Your roof inspector should ask to look inside your home. The inspector is looking for water stains on any ceilings and interior walls which could indicate a roof leak. Inside the attic, the inspector looks for attic insulation damage, mold and mildew, and if there is any water damage to timber.
If you are overdue for a roof inspection, the spring season is a great time of year for one. Call on the pro roofers and roof inspectors at Younger Exteriors for your roof inspection and all of your roofing needs! Contact us online or call us at (612) 360-0320!
