Spring Inspection: The Roof
When the weather starts to get a little warmer and everyone gets ready for spring, a homeowner's thoughts often turn to outside cleanings, such as sprucing up the lawn or the patio. One part of your house you should not overlook, however, is the roof. Your roof can take a lot of abuse during the winter, so make sure it's inspected for any issues when the temperatures become more moderate.
Gutters
Your gutters can collect a lot of debris during the winter, such as twigs and leaves, so inspect them carefully when conditions allow you to do so comfortably. If debris from nearby trees clogs the gutters, rainwater could easily back up onto your roof shingles and damage them. Your fascia board, roof decking, and rafters could also be harmed by clogged gutters.
One good method of inspecting your gutters is to wait for a rainy day and see if rainwater is flowy freely through the downspouts. If debris is clogging the gutters, you can remove it by hand or with a handheld leaf blower. Flushing the gutters with a garden hose is also a good idea. If you are using a ladder to clean your gutters, make sure to take all appropriate safety precautions.
Shingles
Some people might assume that you need to get on top of your roof to inspect the roof's shingles, but this is not necessarily the case. Walk all the way around your house, looking for problems such as shingles that are worn or cracked, and flashing materials around the roof penetrations that are loose or torn. A good way to do this effectively is to use binoculars. Check your roof overhang along the eaves for any signs of deterioration as well.
Attic
You need to inspect the inside of your roof as well as the outside. Check the underside of your roof sheathing and the attic rafters. Using a flashlight will help. If you see any water stains or other signs of damage, contact a roofing contractor and have them take a look at the problem.
Mold and Mildew
Check for black streaks on your roof, which signal that you have a mold problem. If mold is not dealt with in a timely fashion, your roofing materials could be damaged. Mold can also cause health difficulties in susceptible people and can potentially spread through your house by the air conditioning system. When you spot signs of mold, have the issue dealt with as soon as possible. To learn more about spring roof inspections or to have a professional do the job, contact a local roofer.