Getting your roof inspected can be done year round, and should be done at least annually. During the winter months, these inspections can catch some serious problems that can lead to significant damage when the heavy rains of the spring months come rolling in. The following is a short list of just some of the things our inspectors look for when inspecting your roof in the winter months.
Physical damage caused by strong winds can lead to loosened gutters, shingles being pulled back or removed entirely, and other damage to the construction and integrity of your roof. To be the most effective, all the parts of your roof should remain in good working order. When parts of the roof such as the soffits or the flashing become damaged they can cause issues that remain unseen until costly damage has occurred.
In the process of inspecting the flashing and soffits, be on the lookout for condensation forming on the roof. This condensation is a sure sign of an attic that is either improperly insulated or doesn’t have the necessary ventilation. Condensation forming and sitting on your roof can cause mold and mildew that can cause damage to the interior of your home as well as lowering the overall air quality.
As we have discussed in previous blogs, ice dams are a critical winter hazard for your roof. An ice dam forms when snow and ice melt and refreeze due to fluctuating temperatures. When these dams form they can trap water on your roof that should have been taken off the roof and away from your home through the gutters. This trapped water can reduce the structural integrity of those areas of your roof and cause leaks into your home during the rainy season, and even as the excess snow and ice melts.
There are of course some more visually obvious signs of roofing damage, especially in the winter months. Trees near the home can potentially cause damage to the surface of your roof by making contact with the roof with their branches. The wind blowing and moving these branches can cause consistent wear and tear on specific parts of the roof. Additionally if these limbs are weighed down with ice and snow, the damage could be even more severe.
Icicles look beautiful and are an iconic part of winter, but they are also indicative of underlying problems that can cause damage to your roof. Typically icicles are caused by clogged and overflowing gutters and downspouts. When water is unable to leave the gutters through the normal means due to clogs from leaves, needles, and other clogging debris it can freeze and add extra weight to the gutters and apply additional pressure to your roof causing major damage.
Make sure that your roof is in top condition and don’t get caught by surprise this spring! Call us today for a free roof inspection and sleep well knowing you won’t be woken up by leaking water on your forehead.