Spring is in the air and as the weather warms, theres no better time to ensure that your roof is ready for another season of solid protection. One of the most essential parts of your homes construction, unfortunately, many individuals don’t give it proper consideration until its too late. However, routine professional inspections coupled with owner care can help to prevent any costly damage and keep your roof in great shape year round. Doing so not only protects your home and everyone inside, but also your investment and pocketbook when preventative maintenance can help to avoid premature replacement.
Spring presents one of the best opportunities for homeowner care. Already, may individuals associate this time of year with a renewed awakening from a dull, dreary winter. Homes are cleaned, winter wardrobes are stowed away, and outside landscaping maintenance is in full swing – add in a spring checklist of your roof and ensure that you remain protected. Knowing the age of your roof and approximately how long it will last, can also help to determine the steps necessary for your inspection. A new roof may require little in terms of noticeable damage, but any areas of concern should be professionally addressed to be properly diagnosed. Older roofs may require a more formal inspection and regardless of age, regular professional checks should be completed on all properties.
Gutter Check
One of the first areas to check in the spring as part of your roof checklist is the gutter system. Even with a thorough cleaning in the fall, twigs, leaves, and other debris can find its way into your gutters over the winter months and cause an issue. If your gutters and downspouts arent free and clear then water could back up and cause problems around the foundation of your home. These systems are put in place to help water track freely off the roof and safely away from the residence. Don’t wait until you have water creeping into your basement or another area of the home, check to make sure that your gutter system is able to function properly and without any stoppages or drainage issues.
Foundation Check
Spring is typically when the Denver area receives its most rainfall, making the gutter check important and a foundation inspection even more critical. Downspouts need to be clear in order to help water move effectively away from your homes foundation, but other signs along the base of your property could point to other factors. Remember, everything is connected so just because the roof is located up top and the foundation is far below, the two operate in conjunction to form the exterior of your property. Any cracks or signs of settling could indicate that the home is moving causing the roof to suffer in its structural integrity. Any issues, whether noticed first on the roof or the foundation, should be professionally inspected in order to avoid some major damage. If spotted early, hopefully steps can be taken to assist in rectifying any issues before a catastrophe, highlighting the importance of regular checks for your home.
Attic Check
Another area homeowners need to consider when completing their spring to-do list is inside the home. There are a few roof problems which may first be visible from the interior as opposed to the exterior on a property. A thorough roof inspection, professional or otherwise, should always include the area just below the exterior layer of a roof. Any water damage or visible daylight should be addressed immediately. Often, if there are any areas which appear to have been exposed to water the culprit may not lie directly above the disturbed area. The rafters of a roof can cause water to trickle and travel along them before finding a point to finally drip and settle. Be sure to trace any observed sightings back to the source in order to correctly identify the problem. Ventilation is also extremely important to the well being of a roof and the attic often either aids or deters this feature. When checking underneath the roof always look to see that vents are free and clear of any obstruction.
Tree Check
Spring also poses the perfect time to trim any low hanging tree branches which may cause an issue as the year progresses. These limbs may cause shingle damage if left unattended as they sway and constantly come into contact with your roof. In addition, any higher limbs which have the potential to fall and possibly cause damage should also be evaluated for removal. Doing so not only protects your home but also provides a safer environment around your property.
Shingle Check
A quick observation can be conducted from the ground level for any missing shingles but some damage may not be noticeable until viewed from the roof itself. Any professional inspection should include this step and if conducted your own quick check, safety should be a priority. Some signs of shingle damage include curling, cracking, or an abundance of granules filling up gutters along the roofline. If any of these observations are made during your spring checkup, then a professional opinion should be sought immediately.
Mold Check
If mold is located inside on the ceiling, outside on shingles, or where the roof meets exterior walls, it could be the sign of a bigger issue. Proper ventilation typically helps to keep things from becoming too moist and provides an inviting environment for mold to flourish, but getting to the root of a problem can help to avoid larger issues down the road. At the first sign of any mold sighting, a professional should be contacted even if the mold isn’t causing any apparent damage. Despite an unsightly appearance, mold also indicates the presence of moisture and this water could cause issues with the integrity of your structure.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any and all roofing, gutter, or siding needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or new construction project, if needed, as well as any type of inspection you wish to have completed.Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your gutters, roof, or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any gutter construction, roofing job, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting.
Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!