Every spring, it’s smart to spend time on an in-depth gutter and roof inspection. After a long winter with significant precipitation, your roof and drainage system may need repairs to stay in good working order.
Follow these guidelines for a comprehensive gutter and roof inspection.
Gutters and Downspouts
Your home’s gutters and downspouts play an important role in extending roof life and preventing water damage. Here’s what you need to do to make sure they continue working correctly:
1. Remove Nests and Debris
Clear out the debris that’s been piling up in the gutters since the fall. You can hire a professional, or you can take on this job yourself if you have the right tools and know-how.
Make sure you have a sturdy ladder, thick work gloves and plenty of trash bags, and start scooping out the debris. Keep an eye out for nests as well. Gutters and downspouts are a common place for critters to make their homes, but sadly, they can’t stay.
When you’re done, get a hose and run water through the system to make sure it’s all clear.
2. Repair Leaks
Rocks and sticks can puncture gutters and downspouts, creating leaks. It’s vital to repair gutter leaks before they can do damage to your home’s siding.
Roof Exterior
Your roof takes quite a beating throughout the winter. Here’s what you can do to make sure it’s fully functional this spring:
1. Examine the Roof from Ground Level
Walk around the perimeter of your home and check for missing, warped or rusting flashing. Look for missing or curling shingles. Whatever you do, don’t climb onto your roof — it’s dangerous. If you notice a problem, call a licensed roofing contractor to handle the job.
2. Look at the Ground Beneath the Roof
If you don’t notice anything wrong with the roof after a visual inspection, take a closer look around your yard near your home. Sometimes pieces of shingle or flashing can fall or be swept off by wind.
3. Inspect the Chimney for Cracks
Look up and down your chimney for any cracks or crumbling mortar. While it’s not technically part of your roof, chimney damage can lead to roof problems.
Attic Interior
Sometimes roofing issues are discovered from the inside. Here’s what to look for in your attic:
1. Active Leaks or Moisture
Do you notice any continuous drips? Do you see any darkened wood that could mean moisture infiltration? Water is your roof’s No. 1 enemy and requires immediate attention.
2. Pest Damage
Do you see any termite tunnels? Do you notice any piles of tiny wood shavings? Pest damage is a real threat to a roof, so this issue needs to be addressed right away.
3. Decay
Do you see any sagging rafters? Do you notice any areas of the roof deck that are bending or bowing? Decay is a byproduct of a moisture problem, so it’s imperative to have a professional examine your roof as soon as possible.
Follow these gutter and roof inspection procedures, and call the Roof Doctor if you see anything suspicious. We will help you get to the bottom of it and provide cost-effective repairs quickly.