Springtime roof repairs bring about the consequences of winter and the rainy season. April showers bring May flowers and all that.
As temperatures rise, what minor damages from winter might be exacerbated by spring?
Leaks and Water Damage
The freezing and thaw cycle of winter might have sowed some cracks into your roof’s defenses. So, we recommend inspecting your attic for signs of leaks. Head into your attic and look around for water stains and damp spots. You can even check while it’s raining to see if you can catch the leak in the act. Of course, be careful when you’re working in your attic and prioritize your own safety.
As a roofing company in Virginia Beach, we cannot recommend this enough. Address any leaks you find as quickly as possible. If you don’t, you risk a simple leak spiraling into extensive and expensive water damage.
Clogged Gutters
We enjoy spring blooms as much as the next person with allergies. But those pretty petals and falling seeds can overwhelm your gutters. That’s why we recommend this springtime roof repair: cleaning out your gutters in fall and spring. If you don’t, then water can pool in your gutters, on your roof, or even around your home’s foundation.
If you can, get up on a ladder and ensure your gutters are securely attached. Strong winter winds and freezing weather can loosen their attachment points. Remove any debris that has accumulated up there. If you don’t feel safe doing so or you just have better things to do, you can always call a local gutter cleaning service.
Once you clean your gutters, you can test them out by running water up the hose and through the gutters. As the water flows, look out for leaks, clogs, or any spots where the water pools. Pay especially close attention to the downspouts, as they might be hiding a clog.
Damaged Shingles
Damaged shingles aren’t always cracked, curling, or missing shingles. While you’re inspecting your gutters, see if granules are building up. Granules are the little grits that give roofing shingles their sandpaper texture. Shingles naturally lose them over time, and they can be an excellent way of “temperature checking” the health of your roof.
Anyway, you can get up on a ladder to inspect your roof, but you can always use binoculars to get a closer look from the ground. Look for any cracked, curled, or missing shingles.
We also recommend inspecting your flashing. Flashing is the metal protection wrapping around chimneys, vents, and skylights— anything that protrudes from your roof. Does it look secure, or is it peeling off? Does it look clean, or is it rusting?
Unlike the other issues we’ve discussed so far, there isn’t an easy DIY solution for damaged shingles. So, your best bet is to call your friendly neighborhood roofing contractor in Virginia Beach.
Poor attic ventilation
Attic ventilation may not sound as dire as leaks, but it can dramatically impact your family. Poor roof ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, mold/mildew growth, and potentially structural damage. Mold and mildew can release spores into your home’s ventilation thing, leading to a whole host of health issues.
Attic ventilation is a little harder to inspect for. So you might be better off calling in the professionals. But in short, you are looking for areas of condensation or temperature changes.
One last thing: pests
One last note about springtime roof repairs in Virginia Beach. As temperatures rise, bugs, rodents, and birds become more active. And they may be eyeing your attic like a penthouse property.
We can certainly repair any damages caused by these critters. However, we might also refer you to a pest control expert to address the root cause.
As your local roofers, we can help you with everything! Stop worrying about your roof and feel protected in your own home.