With a new season approaching (and a particularly rainy one) it is time to evaluate, take action, and be proactive in your roof maintenance. Thorough roof examinations or walkovers are recommended a minimum of two times a year, and now is the perfect time to do so.
During this blog, we will specifically discuss three tasks you should complete to ensure your roof is in good condition and, more importantly, stays in good condition. Prepare your roof for the Spring season and if you find anything out of the ordinary or would prefer a professional to take a look at your roof, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Austermiller Roofing.
Examine Your Roof Inside + Out
The first task item in preparing your roof for the Spring season is to conduct a roof examination or walkover – which includes an exterior inspection, as well as an interior inspection. For safety reasons, we recommend you do not do this alone. Have a family member, spouse, or friend present. You can also schedule an appointment with Austermiller Roofing and one of our professional roofing experts will conduct the walkover for you.
What Happens During a Spring Roof Inspection?
There are two parts to a spring roof inspection. First, you will need to inspect the interior of your roof. Second, you will need to inspect the exterior.
Interior Roof Inspection
The inside inspection requires access to your attic space. You can probably do this part of the inspection on your own unless you have an attic space that is more difficult to get to. The best time to do this is during the daytime so that you can more easily identify holes or problem areas.
If you notice any spots where you see light beams shining through, that is not a good thing–it means you have a hole that needs to be fixed! Additionally, you should look out for areas of your roof that may be bulging or sagging. This is an indicator of water damage or structural damage. If you notice either of these things, contact a roofing company as soon as possible.
Exterior Roof Inspection
When inspecting the outside, you will need a ladder to safely make your way onto the surface of the roof. This is the part of the examination that we recommend having another person present. Have them hold the ladder as you climb onto the roof and stay on the ground while you walk around. Things to look for include missing or loose shingles, damage to your gutters, and damaged flashing.
Many homes suffer gutter damage during the Winter from ice dams that form from a buildup of snow and ice. If you have vents on your roof, you will want to check the silicone boots that prevent water from getting inside the house as well. If you do not have access to a ladder or would feel more comfortable having a professional check the condition of your roof, please do so. Do not attempt to do anything you are not comfortable with.
Spring (Roof) Cleaning
During the winter months, it’s not uncommon for debris to accumulate on your roof and in your gutters. Between sticks, pine needles, and other natural debris, it’s easy for your gutters to become clogged and for moisture to build up.
If your gutters are not cleared before the notorious Spring showers begin, water will not properly drain and the build-up can lead to spot leaks. You can use a rake, broom, or leaf blower to eliminate any clutter that should not be on your roof. You should take the same safety precautions you would take during an outside roof examination. But, if you don’t feel confident about getting on top of your roof, outsource to someone who does.
Along with the debris on your roof, you should be conscious of surrounding trees, bushes, or vines that hang over areas of your roof. Overhanging tree branches can cause faster wear and tear, and the leaves and twigs from the overhanging branches are what will clog up your gutter first. Be proactive and trim tree branches back or have someone trim them back for you. It’s a matter of less cleaning out your gutters throughout the season and making sure your roof stays in good condition.
Decluttering your roof and keeping it clear of neighboring trees is essential to proper roof maintenance. When you make an investment, like a roof, you want it to last as long as possible. So trust us when we say regular inspections and cleanings are important.
Schedule A Professional Assessment
We don’t expect you to know or be able to identify every potential threat to your roof’s overall condition. Water spots, light beams shining through your attic, and sagging or bulging areas are generally easy to identify. But worn or improperly installed flashing, for example, might not be as obvious to someone outside of the roofing profession.
Whether you don’t feel safe climbing onto your roof, you need a second opinion, or you just want peace of mind that your roof is in good condition – call a professional at Austermiller Roofing.
Austermiller, Inc. has been serving the Middle Tennessee area for over 25 years. Our team of certified contractors and roofers are trained professionals to install materials of the highest quality with the highest quality service. We are proud to specialize in both commercial and residential roofing, as well as storm damage repair and restoration. Schedule your FREE estimate today by visiting us online or giving us a call at 615-553-2041.