Preparing your home’s roof for spring can save you huge money by avoiding costly repairs caused by spring storms flooding your roof. Take an hour this weekend to see what effects late fall and winter has had on your roof.
Check for damage caused by winter snow and ice dams. Shingles and roofing support materials can be damaged by winter’s freeze and thaw cycles if water has penetrated the outter protective layer of your roof. Concrete and clay tile roof owner need to pay special attention to any broken or shattered tiles.
Gutter and downspout inspections are important to make sure the spring time downpours are routed away from your roof. Clogged gutters can allow rain to get under the lower placed shingles and damage underlying materials. Leaves, tree branches, and other materials collect in gutters over fall and all wash together with the first big rain to form frustrating clogs. I’ve even seen bird nests in gutters countless times.
The most important thing to remember when evaluating your roof this spring is Safety. Most reputable roofing contractors provide free inspections for homeowners. Read online reviews to find out which local roofers have the best reputation to avoid pushy salesmen.
Removing ice dams with open flames can have serious consequences. A two story house near Rockville Maryland sustained approximately $1.5M in damages after a group of workers ignited the roof while trying to remove ice with a propane torch intended to install rubber roofing.
