Springtime roofing inspections after winters damage

Start from the inside:

If you followed our guidelines on how to prepare your roof for winter, then your house should have been completely sealed against water and moisture.  But sometimes, even the sturdiest structure is no match for the power of nature.  The first step is checking for winter damage is to look for telltale signs of water leakage.

Damp or wet spots on the floor and along the walls usually indicate a leak above or around the area, so be sure to thoroughly inspect your house for those.  Also, examine your ceiling for discoloration or stains, tow clear indications that water has seeped in.  Inspect for cracked plasters, as these may point to a leak inside your walls.  And because new and small leaks usually do not show on the surface, it is always best to contact Heartland Roofing Siding and Windows to inspect for damage that you may miss.

Survey the roof’s exterior:

Your house may be free from leaks on the inside, but that does not mean your roof survived winter unscathed.  Take a walk around your property and survey your roof from afar.  Check whether the slopes are straight and even, and if the pockmarks or dents due to hail or other objects pelting your roof.

Also check for missing or cracked shingles, as a sudden thaw can lift shingles slightly.  When exposed to high winds, they can be torn loose and fly off.  Fortunately, some shingles do not have to be replaced – they just need to be pressed down and resealed.  When you see the parts of your roof are missing or deformed, or if there are foreign objects like tree trucks or satellite dishes that need to be removed from the site, resist the urge to fix the problem yourself and call Heartland Roofing Siding and Windows to do the job instead.

Check your gutters:

Now is a good time to inspect your gutter and eaves, as winter may have brought problems with drainage.  Be wary of ice just by your roof’s eaves and preventing water from flowing down the drain.  Check for leaves, branches, and other objects that may have clogged your gutters, too.  While you can remove small obstructions in the gutter to facilitate water flow, you should always leave ice dams to experts.  Removing ice dams involves complicated procedures, and one misstep can further damage your roof.

Think you need repair or want a professional opinion about your roof’s health? Call us at 515-219-4847 or on our CONTACT PAGE to request an appointment from one of our trained professional inspectors.