Spring has officially arrived. But as the current climate won’t allow us to engage in the usual outdoor activities, homeowners should use this time to prepare for the shift of season by getting busy with home maintenance and cleaning.
Spring cleaning and maintenance don’t end in getting rid of the dirt that has collected in your home after months of being shut-in. As the snow begins to melt, you might find some problems on your roof that may not have been a massive issue during freezing months but can lead to widespread damage and costly repairs if left unchecked.
With that said, here are the usual roofing issues that can happen in spring.
Signs of leaks
Leaks or interior water damage are a common problem in early spring when the snow is melting. The snow and ice on your roof’s surface will often stay put during winter, but it’s a different story once seasons change. During spring, all the snow and ice begin to melt and can cause a leak in your house.
Water damage is noticeable in the ceiling and walls. These leaks are quite dangerous as they get absorbed in wood, drywall, insulation, and wallpaper, which can lead to warping, stains, bubbling, and deterioration. These leaks can also cause mold growth that can spread in these areas where it is not easily detected.
Presence of pests
Wild animals will typically look for a comfortable place when the weather begins to turn colder to keep themselves warm. As a result, your roof and attic become a frequent target by small critters like squirrels, birds, and raccoons. There isn’t even a chance that they’ll leave once spring rolls on.
These pests may have found a cozy nest in your roofing if there are structural damages such as loose flashings, siding, shingles, corroded facia boards, and damaged chimney. These pets will use any spot they can find for shelter. The infestation can lead to damage to the timber, the wiring, plumbing, pipes, and those that make up the roof.
Loose Shingles
This season provides a great opportunity to check for uneven, split or curled shingles. Shingles go through a lot during winter. In freezing weather, they can split and warp. As a result, a few shingles will either be damaged or missing by the time spring comes, especially if the shingles aren’t installed properly.
Loose, damaged, or missing shingles can cause a series of problems, including leaks and mold growth. Additionally, your roof will not look appealing with missing shingles.
Chimney Deterioration
Spring can be harsh on chimneys. During the winter, ice and snow typically rest on the top of your chimney, which wouldn’t be a problem until it all melts as the temperature gets warmer in spring.
Chimneys will likely have any cracks where the water can seep through if it’s old enough or acquired issues. Water and moisture in your chimney’s can be your worst enemy. When the water flows in, it can cause further deterioration, damage your home structure or cause mold, and mildew growth.
Keep an eye on your chimney even if it isn’t old or if there isn’t any damage. The bricks in chimneys are porous, which means that water and moisture can penetrate and pass through them.
Clogged or Damaged Gutter
Proper drainage is crucial in preventing water from pooling on the surface of the roof. Unfortunately, many homeowners find their gutters rusted, sagged, or damaged once spring rolls around.
Gutters ensure that water doesn’t accumulate and leak into unwanted places and create costly damage by directing it away from your home. However, it collects leaves and other debris when leaves fall from nearby trees in autumn.
If there’s too much, they’ll clog the gutters and prevent them from performing their function during the winter that the problem becomes complex by the time it is spring.
Springtime is the best time to get some roofing work done or prepare your roof for the upcoming weather changes. However, most homeowners might not be able to tackle everything on their own. If you’re not equipped to handle these tasks, it’s best to leave it to the experts like the ones from Fahey Roofing + Contracting.
Fahey Roofing Contractors has the experienced and skilled contractors you need to help you with any necessary roof repairs and roof replacement. We serve various areas in West Virginia and Ohio. Visit our website today at www.faheyroofingcontractors.com or contact us at (304) 826-1327 for West Virginia or (740) 523-0380 for Ohio to learn more.