Spring is an ideal time to focus on the maintenance needs of our homes and properties. Such things needing to address should be checking the condition of the air conditioner, trimming back any overhanging branches from nearby trees, installing screens, and inspecting the condition of the roof. The roofs of our homes have an important job in keeping our families and possessions secure and protected, so we need to take yearly inspections seriously.
What are some things to look for and check when we do an inspection on a roof?
Loose or Missing Shingles
Inspect the surface of your roof, if you feel comfortable doing so. Do you notice loose or missing shingles? This can be caused by strong winds, ice buildup, or age. These areas need to be addressed before the summer weather arrives. Make sure the loose shingles are anchored in place and secure up the areas where the missing shingles are. Not following through on this can create leaks or more damage in the future.
Poor Insulation
Insulation is incredibly important in keeping the home comfortable. If your home felt drafty in the winter, or you notice areas of leakage, then there is a good chance the insulation needs to be addressed. Adding insulation will keep your home more comfortable and extra money in your wallet each month due to energy savings. (How simple housing insulation saves a life?)
Leaks
As already mentioned, do a thorough check on any areas of leakage. Do you notice discoloration on the ceilings of your attic? What about the walls of your attic, are they discolored with water stains? This is a serious concern as these are indications of water damage, which means there are more serious issues going on with your roof. Water damage can lead to mold, mildew, and rot. Make sure to have these areas addressed and sealed up before the summer rainstorms approach.
Gutters
A common area homeowners tend to forget about is the gutter system. Gutters are essential to a properly working roof system. Here are some questions to ask as you inspect the gutter system.
- Is there debris collecting in the gutters? Make sure to clean them out thoroughly.
- Are the fasteners beginning to rust? This is an indication of potential future problems, as holes can begin to form from the rusted areas.
- Is the gutter sagging? Perhaps the fasteners have broken off, or the weight of the debris is too heavy for the gutter.
- Is the gutter pulling away from the home? A gutter can cause damage to the side of the roof if not addressed.
- When it rains, does the water drip over the edge? If so, there is a buildup in the gutter which needs to be cleaned out.
Animal Homes
During the chilly months of winter, animals will seek out any areas they can to stay warm and raise their family. If you notice evidence of critters in your attic, they most likely used the roof to get there. This means there are gaps somewhere in the roof which will need to get sealed. Damage can be caused by ants, termites, squirrels, or mice. It is best to seal up these areas as soon as they are spotted, and encourage the critters to live elsewhere.
If there are any concerns about safely inspecting your roof in the springtime, be sure to reach out to Kirkness Roofing in Billings for any assistance. We have been providing quality roofing services in the area since 1978, and still going strong! Our job is to excel and go beyond your expectations when it comes to customer service and craftsmanship. We are the elite roofing company in Billings you can rely on when it comes to all things roofing. Call us today and schedule a spring inspection!
