As the weather gets warmer, you’ll probably start spring cleaning to help your home recover from the winter cold. Along with sprucing up your home’s interior, you also need to pay attention to the outside, especially your roof. This part of your house protects your whole property from the elements. Cold temperatures and winter debris can wear it down. Look for these common spring roof problems in Newnan area while maintaining your home to keep it in excellent condition this season.
Damaged, Loose, or Missing Shingles
Your roof’s shingles provide weather protection and aesthetic appeal for your home. Shingles can warp or split at the edges when exposed to freezing temperatures. Even though most shingle materials are durable against weather damage, older materials can wear out after constant exposure to the elements. Having your roof installed by an inexperienced contractor can also shorten its life, resulting in damaged, loose or missing shingles. After the snow has melted and the weather gets warmer, you can inspect your roof, especially on the edges, for uneven, split, or curled shingles. You may also want to look around your yard for shingles or fragments that may have blown off in the last winter storm. If you ever need an emergency roof repair, we are always ready to serve you!
See our asphalt shingle roofing options for more detail on the materials used on many Georgia homes.
Pest Infestations
As the weather gets warmer, animals and insects come out of hibernation and look for food and shelter to prepare for the spring season. Structural damage to your roof welcomes pests into your home and allows them to settle into your attic or crawl space. As you inspect your roof, keep an eye out for loose shingles, damaged flashing, or worn-out chimneys that create gaps where rodents and insects can sneak inside.
As you prepare for spring cleaning your roof, consider trimming nearby trees and branches away from your property to prevent climbing animals from reaching the top of your home. Make your home as unappealing to animals as possible by removing standing water and dealing with mold growth and rotted wood.
Active Leaks
Active leaks in your roof can cause costly water damage and other issues inside your home. Excess moisture could stain your ceilings or walls, especially in your attic or crawl space. It could also cause mold growth that could lead to a decline in indoor air quality and bother people with allergies. In extreme cases, the water that leaks into your home can damage your furniture and cause flooding on the floors, attracting mosquitoes and other pests. Examine your roof and inside for stains on the walls and openings in your shingles. You may also want to inspect your attic or crawl space during the day for spots that may be letting light into your home. Any openings in your roof that allow light inside can also bring in water.
Clogged and Damaged Gutters
Gutters drain water away from your home during rainstorms to keep your property in good shape. Leaves and debris from the fall and winter can clog your gutters and put additional pressure on them. Wind and temperature changes can also pull them away from your home and leave them vulnerable to damage. As you do your spring cleaning, you may find that debris has rusted your gutters or caused them to sag.
You should clean your gutters and have them inspected to prevent flooding on your roof and water damage in your home. Cleaning gutters usually involves getting on a ladder and removing debris by hand or with a brush. When you remove leaves and twigs from your gutters, you can provide adequate water flow to prepare your home for the next storm. (How gutter guards can save you money?)
Chimney Deterioration
Older homes tend to develop cracks around their chimneys after exposure to the elements. When snow settles on top, it melts as the temperature rises in the spring. As water seeps into the cracks and the temperature drops at night, water will expand and break apart the chimney’s bricks and mortar. You’ll want to repair any damage around your chimney to prevent costly repairs. Inspect your chimney for cracks in the early spring. You should also keep it in good shape by caulking the mortar and replacing cracked bricks.
Are you ready to get your roof in shape for spring? Contact Hero Roofing today for our expert assistance!
