As winter slowly turns to spring, thawing out all the ice and snow, and also ourselves, it’s normal to get excited for the warmer months to come.
Hopefully, your roof did its job during the harsh weather, holding hot air in and keeping the cold and wet out. But to make sure your roof continues protecting your and your property throughout the spring and summer, there are a few things you need to do as the snow melts and the flowers bloom.
Here are five ways to help you prepare your roof for spring:
1.Check For Damage
As you know, the winters in Illinois can be…harsh. Wind, ice, sleet, hail, snow. We’ve got it all. But since these harsh conditions likely make it hard to know what’s happening on your roof as it’s occurring, you have to wait until spring to check things out.
Throughout the cold months, ice dams may have formed, which can damage shingles or cause rot. It’s also possible that high winds combined with rain and/or snow may have broken shingles or caused them to fall off.
There are two ways you can go about checking for roof damage in the spring. One is to grab a set of binoculars and walk around your property, inspecting it from the ground. The other is to get up on your roof and look more closely for damage, though it’s not recommended you do this on your own because of the inherent safety risks.
2.Inspect For Leaks
One of the most common issues that pops up in the spring is a roof leak. Water that may have been frozen all winter is now thawing, and if your roof is not properly sealed, it will make its way into the building. This can cause rot, mold, and mildew, not to mention the unpleasant experience of water dripping down onto your head.
Some leaks are easier to spot, but others are less obvious. Go up to the top floor of your building and look for signs of water, which include rot, mold, and mildew, but also discoloration on the walls or ceiling. Some of the water may have dried by the time you do your inspection, but this doesn’t mean the leak is fixed. As soon as it rains, you will have a problem.
3. Clean Out Debris
Another important thing to do to prepare your roof for spring is to check for and clean out any debris. Make sure there are no fallen branches or tree limbs on your roof, and if there are, check that they didn’t cause any damage when they fell.
However, when it comes to debris, the most important thing you can do is inspect and clean your gutters.
As the snow and ice melts, lots of water will be running off your roof, and if you don’t have a proper drainage system, this can cause all sorts of problems. The harsh winter weather can bring lots of leaves, branches, and more to your roof, so be sure to get up there and clean out your gutters to prevent problems down the road.
Animals also like to come out and make nests during the spring, and your gutters are often one of their most preferred locations.
You can do this yourself, or, perhaps the better option, you can hire a professional. They will know what to look for and how to deal with any issues, such as structural damage to your gutters and downspouts that need to be fixed.
4. Do A Full Assessment
While it’s important to do a spot inspection on your own, the springtime is a good opportunity to do a full roof assessment. This is not just a quick look at the status of your roof but rather a detailed examination, done by a professional, of your roof designed to spot any and all potential issues.
If you haven’t done a full roof inspection in some time (say a few years or more), this might be a good time to do it. During the assessment, the assessor will also be able to give you an idea of the expected life of your roof, allowing you to start making plans for a roof replacement, if needed.
5. Schedule Needed Repairs
Given the harshness of the winter, it’s likely your roof might be in need of some repairs once springtime comes. If this is the case, it’s smart to act sooner rather than later. Not only will this prevent whatever issues exist from becoming more serious, but it’s often easier to get repairs done in the spring than any other time of year.
The summer months get hot, and also busy as everyone decides it’s time to do work on their roof. The fall is also a difficult time as those who delayed work rush to get it done before the winter sets in once again.
Once you’ve inspected your roof and identified what needs to be done, don’t hesitate, take action now and enjoy the warm months free from worry about your roof.
Enjoy The Spring And Summer!
Spring and summer are your chance to get out and experience more of the world. No longer held back by the harsh, cold weather, it’s time to enjoy.
Follow these tips to help you prepare your roof for spring, and if you need professional help, either for an assessment or repairs, get in touch with Premier Group today. We’re standing by ready to assist with all your springtime roofing needs.