With the winter months quickly approaching, it’s important to be sure that your roof is ready for whatever Mother Nature may throw our way this year. Taking the time to ensure your roof is in good shape before the snow hits can make all the difference between dealing with a minor repair or replacing your entire roof next year. Here are a few things you can have inspected to be sure your roof is ready for the snow and ice.
Inspect Shingles
One of the first areas you will want to inspect is your shingles. Even though there are a number of different materials on the market, roofing inspectors will check for damaged protective barriers, curled edges, loose shingles or shingles that are missing completely.
Curling shingles can be caused by a number of things such as poor installation, poor quality materials and just natural wear and tear through the years. Much like missing or loose shingles, curling shingles can also leave your roof vulnerable to water damage. If damaged shingles are not addressed in a timely manner, not only can water damage be present, but the structural integrity of your overall roof can be at risk. The protective barrier on shingles, like what is found on the exterior of asphalt shingles, can wear down over time or be damaged by severe weather. Even though the shingles may be intact, it’s important that they maintain a proper amount of protective barrier to keep your roof safe.
Examine the Seams
While inspecting the shingles, the roofing team will take a close look at areas where caulk joints, chimneys, skylights or HVAC units can be found to ensure seams are tight and secure. Even if the seams appear to be in good shape, it’s always a good idea to have your attic and crawl spaces carefully examined for potential water damage. Check to make sure none of the decking, rafters or insulation is wet to the touch.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters are primarily designed to divert water from your rooftop away from your home. If your gutters become clogged with leaves or other natural debris, moisture can quickly build up and seep into your home. Clogged gutters that do not properly reroute water can compromise your foundation, siding or flood your basement.
Ensuring that your gutters are clean can help prevent serious and expensive issues from developing. The best practice is to inspect your gutters twice a year, once in the early summer and once in the early fall, to be sure they are clean.
Repair Damage Caused by Animals
Natural debris from landscaping and high winds are not the only elements that can compromise a rooftop. It will be important to inspect your roof for any damage that can be caused by birds, squirrels or mice. Not only will roof inspectors fix the damage these small critters can cause, but they will also inform you on how to prevent them from calling your rooftop home in the future.
Contact ERD
Do you need help examining your roof or replacing your gutters before the snow hits? Our contractors can examine your home, write-up an estimate, and even walk you through the insurance process to help ensure that you get all of the repair and replacement costs covered. If you need new gutters in the Omaha or Lincoln area, you can trust Exterior Remodel & Design, Inc. for the highest quality installation or repair. Contact our team by phone at (402) 861-0000, by email, or by contact form.