Spring Roof Inspection: 7 Signs to Lookout for After Winter

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As we head into spring, it is necessary to give your home a thorough inspection because roofs experience many challenges during winter. Snow, wind, ice, and extreme temperatures often cause severe damage to roofs. However, spotting post-winter wear and damage may be challenging at first, but with the correct information and steps, it will be a breeze.

In this article, we have curated a list of the areas on your roof you have to inspect after winter. It will save you the stress of moving without direction, and the next time you have a roof to inspect after winter, you will know just what to do to keep your home safe.

Signs to Lookout for on Your Roof Post-Winter Inspection

Taking proper care of your roof and giving it the level of attention it needs is crucial. You know why? It is the first line of defense of your home against the elements. If anything goes wrong with it, you and your properties aren’t safe. 

During inspection, the following signs will help you know the state of your roof after winter and get it ready for spring:

1. Granule Loss

Many homeowners overlook this sign of roof damage. Knowing and identifying granule loss on your roof is vital. Granules are the shingles that shield the outer layer of your roof. Shingles are formed from compressing these granules. Noticing your roof’s loss of granules might take years because it is a gradual process. Over time, granules get weak and come apart from the shingle’s base.

Ice and snow falling on your roof during the winter can cause it to lose granules. Hence, inspecting your roof closely to see if your roof granules are in great form is vital. If, during your spring roof inspection, you discover that your roof lost a lot of granules, it is a sign that your shingle needs replacement. Failure to replace it early can lead to blockage of your gutters and, eventually, leaks in your roof.

We recommend getting a roofing expert for your roof inspection before spring and letting them decide whether or not you need a shingle replacement.

2. Lifting Shingles

During winter, shingles are exposed to ice and snow, which can get under the shingles, causing them to pull away (lift). When your shingles start to lift, it can affect your shingle’s capability to shield your home from water-related damage. If you notice that the lifting is something that has been around for a while, calling a professional to see the extent of water damage is the smart thing to do.

If you are in luck, you won’t find signs of water damage, indicating that your shingle hasn’t been in that condition for long. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the lifted part of your shingle and move on with other businesses without fixing the problem unless you are okay with dealing with further damages.

3. Curled or Cracked Shingles

When shingles are damaged or nearing the end of their lifespan, they begin to curl or cup. Curling is the upward lifting of your shingle’s edges. When your roof begins to experience it, it means it is time for a replacement.

Aside from old age and closeness to their lifespan’s end, asphalt shingles cup or curl over time for other reasons. For a relatively new roof, curling is an indication of poor installation. There may have been a misalignment during installation, or the installer placed the new shingles over several layers of already existing ones.

Inadequate roof ventilation causes moisture buildup, which can lead to roof curling. Another possible reason for your roof curling is thermal shock, which happens when there is a drastic change in weather temperature. When your shingles consistently experience shock from such rapid changes, they begin to curl over time.  

Distortion of your shingles after freezing weather indicates that your shingles may have experienced thermal shock. This situation demands an immediate fix. The solution might be a repair or replacement. However, a professional is in the best position to determine that during the spring roof inspection.

4. Loose Roof Flashing

A roof flashing is a flat material that roofers use to seal areas around roof penetrations. Such penetrations include vents, chimneys, skylights, and solar panels. Flashing is made of metal, and metal expands and contracts with different temperatures in winter. When the flashing consistently expands and contracts, it starts to pull off from the roof over time, causing leaks. Without taking action to fix the problem, you risk dealing with more water damage to your home.

To see if your roof flashing is in good condition, examine the penetration areas on your roof during your spring inspection.

5. Broken Gutters

When residues or other materials that clog gutters are present in your gutters, they cause water to pool as it can’t flow freely. In winter, pooled water can freeze, putting pressure on your siding and gutters and raising the chance of ice dams and broken gutters. A cracked gutter means you will experience leaks. Leaks result from the expansion and contraction of water over the years. Hence, cleaning your gutters before winter and inspecting them for damage at the start of spring is essential if you care about your gutter being in good condition. 

6. Poor Roof Ventilation

Adequate ventilation is crucial for your roof’s health. Lack of sufficient ventilation will cause problems like low energy efficiency, ice damming, mold growth, and even health hazards. When your roof is adequately ventilated, your home won’t experience extreme cold or heat. The intake and exhaust vents will work correctly. 

If you notice excessively cold or hot areas in your home, increase energy costs, or mold growth in your attic, you may have to contact an experienced roofing contractor to come and inspect it before things escalate.

7. Damaged Soffit and Fascia

Fascia are wood or metal boards placed behind or along the eavestrough. Soffits, on the other hand, are wood or metal panels along the bottom of the roof between the roofline and the house’s wall. Both of them are essential parts of a functional roof. Inspect them to see if there are signs of damage, including holes and weak spots. If the damage is not severe, you can repair them. However, you may have to replace them if they are significantly damaged.

Conclusion

The chances of your roof getting damaged increase with every passing winter. But your roof is a notable investment; you cannot just watch it crumble. It is essential for your home’s safety. Hence, you must always ensure that your roof is in its proper state and condition to function correctly.  You can achieve this by repairing areas that need repair immediately after you detect them and carrying out spring roof inspection.

We recommend examining your roof at least twice yearly to help you detect damage and possible problems before they worsen. Inspections after a storm are also necessary. These practices will help you maintain a highly functional roof and improve its longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the general goal of a roof inspection?

The primary reason homeowners inspect their roofs is to know the state of their roof and how much longer it can last before it is time for a replacement. However, other reasons for a roof inspection include storms, routine maintenance, and purchasing or selling a home.

Do I need to inspect my roof after winter?

Yes, inspecting your roof after prolonged exposure to snow, ice, and extreme temperatures is crucial. It will help you know the state of your roof and prevent situations that may reduce your roof’s lifespan.

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