As we begin to wind down what’s been a heavy and snow-filled Utah winter and move into spring, there are a few important considerations at play for home and business owners around the state. One such consideration is roof maintenance – the roof has spent all winter dealing with snow buildup and other weather elements, and spring is a good time to check on things and make sure they’re all still in working order.
At The Roof Doctor, we’re here to help with all commercial and residential roofing repairs or services that might be needed as a result of your spring inspection. To assist you, here are a few basic areas and themes you should consider while checking on your roof for the first time in the spring.
Visual Inspection
For a basic visual inspection of your roof, the first priority at all times should be your safety. This means there’s really no need to climb up onto your roof – most basic inspections can be done from the ground, or even a few rungs up a sturdy ladder held by at least one person at the base. If you need a visual aid, consider binoculars to assist you.
While you visually assess the roof, you’re looking for a few specific things. Check shingles first – any missing, broken or buckled shingles should be addressed as quickly as possible. Also check the entire roof edge, including rain gutters (more on these in a moment), and check for any gaps or damage to the roof’s flashing.
Leaks and Water Damage
One of the primary things you’re looking for as you assess the roof is the kind of wear-and-tear that can lead to leaking water finding its way into your home. Even small leaks can create major issues, from ruining your attic insulation to wearing down your decking, damaging your structure and even leading to major rot, mold and mildew issues.
Evidence of leaks isn’t only available outside the home, either. You can often find it on ceilings and walls, where you’ll notice water stains or odors indicating mildew formation. You may even be able to go up into the attic during a sunny day and simply walk under the roof looking up – if you have leaks, you’ll often be able to see them as sunlight pokes through.
Gutter Considerations
As you inspect the roof, be sure not to gloss over your gutters as well. Clogged gutters can turn a perfect, healthy roof into a poorly-functioning one that leads to pooling of water, damage to shingles and siding, and even potentially foundational damage in some cases. Clean out all debris you’re able to, and note any sagging sections of the gutters that may need repair. Finally, inspect all your downspout areas – if any of them have been moved or warped and are no longer pointing away from the structure, this will need to be addressed.
For more on the areas to prioritize as you inspect your gutters for the spring, or to learn about any of the services our roofing contractors can provide, speak to the pros at The Roof Doctor today.