Spring is when your roof tells you how it survived the winter. After months of freeze-thaw cycling, snow loads, ice buildup, and wind, March through May is the window to assess the damage and get ahead of any problems before they get worse.
Assess winter damage from the ground
Walk the perimeter of your house and look up at every slope. You are looking for anything that has changed since fall: missing shingles, shifted ridge caps, visible flashing damage, or debris that landed on the roof over winter.
Pay special attention to the eaves and the areas where ice dams tend to form. If you had icicles or ice buildup along the gutters this winter, look for water stains on the fascia and soffit below. That is a sign water was backing up under the roof edge.
Clean the gutters
If you did not get a final gutter cleaning done in the fall, or if winter deposited more debris, spring is the time. Gutters full of leaves, granules, and grit cause water to back up and overflow, which can damage your fascia, soffit, and even your foundation.
While you are at it, check the gutter hangers and brackets. The weight of ice over winter can bend or loosen the mounting points. Make sure the gutters are still pitched correctly toward the downspouts and that water flows smoothly.
Check your attic
If you can access your attic safely, spring is a good time to look for any signs of moisture intrusion from winter. Look for water stains on the underside of the decking, especially near the eaves where ice dams form. Check for mold or mildew, which indicates moisture has been sitting for a while. And look at the insulation. If patches of insulation are matted down or discolored, water was in the area.
Look at the pipe boots and sealants
Winter's freeze-thaw cycles are hard on rubber and sealant. The pipe boots around your plumbing vents expand and contract with temperature changes, and over time that cycling cracks the rubber. From the ground or a safe ladder height, look for any visible cracking or deformation around the pipes coming through your roof.
"Spring is when your roof tells you how it survived the winter. Any winter damage is fresh and visible, and you have the whole summer ahead to address whatever comes up."
Trim overhanging branches
If you have trees near your house, check for branches that have grown to hang over the roof. Overhanging branches drop leaves and debris directly onto the roof, provide a pathway for animals, and in a windstorm can scrape or damage shingles. Keep at least a few feet of clearance between tree branches and the roof surface.
Schedule your inspection
If your roof is due for a professional inspection, spring is an ideal time. The weather is mild enough for comfortable roof work, any winter damage is fresh and visible, and you have the whole summer ahead to address whatever comes up. Getting on the schedule early also means you are not competing with the summer rush.
Ready for a spring roof check? We offer free inspections and can usually get out within a week during spring. We will tell you exactly how your roof handled the winter. Contact us to schedule.
"Great! Reliable, on time, does good work."Michael Naylor , Google Review