A Quick Guide to Inspecting Your Roof Post Winter and Preparing for Spring

Things are finally warming up outside and as you become more active in your yard, you might notice things that look unusual or concerning with your roof. There’s no question the harsh and seemingly endless winter season can take a toll on your home’s roof. The roof is at the heart of your home’s structural protection. Surveying your roof after winter is a great way to stay proactive and make sure everything is still healthy. A quick look here and there will from time to time give you peace of mind so you can continue to enjoy the warm weather with family or friends.

But how do you know if your roof was damaged over winter? There are a few things homeowners can check for to get your roof ready for spring and summer. Download our homeowner’s roof inspection checklist.

Starting from the Inside Out

One of the most obvious signs of winter roof damage are water stains or irregularities on your ceiling. Typically, plaster will be cracked, damp, or wrinkled. During the winter it’s hard for these warning signs to go unnoticed in most Wisconsin homes but they are not impossible to miss. This water damage is a good sign there may have been an ice damn from snow or ice buildup. Even if you’re unsure about the slightest evidence of damage, being proactive and having them looked at will save you headaches and money in the long run. If left untreated, these areas can cause many more problems from mold growth to potential roof collapse. Ice damn repairs can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on the severity of the problem.

Checking the Outside

After a long winter, there are a few signs of winter roof damage that are easy to spot from the outside of your home. You might notice missing or broken pieces of shingles on your roof or even in your yard. Another common problem after harsh winters is buckled, cracked, or blistered shingles. Any shingle damage should be fixed to help prevent any leaks and larger problems that might develop in the future. Especially with summer on the way, powerful thunderstorms could cause further damage as well as leaks. Another important area of the roof to check out is the chimney. Many homes have a chimney, even if there is no longer a fireplace or you simply do not use it. Crumbling bricks or bricks that appear to be bulging out of place can be a sign of water damage and rot. Not only can this affect roof ventilation but the structure of your chimney might be in jeopardy. Signs of chimney damage can also be seen from inside your home. If your chimney breaks off and collapses, it can collapse other areas of your roof as well as damage shingles and much more. Not to mention, people outside could be at risk of an accident if your chimney is deteriorating.

So you Survived the Winter?

So you did not see any signs of winter roof damage and you’re in the clear for any fixes or roof repairs. You’re probably thinking you are good on roof maintenance for a while, right? Actually, there some simple spring roof maintenance tips homeowners can take to prepare for the spring and summer.

Check your gutters regularly. Summer can bring many downpours and thunderstorms. Whether gutters are clogged with debris or loosened, they can lead to roof leakage. Regular gutter cleaning is a simple and effective way to prevent potential headaches. It’s also a good idea to be mindful of trees in your yard. Low and weak branches hanging over your roof have the potential to cause a lot of roof damage if they snap off. Lastly, be mindful of mold, moss, or other things growing on your roof. Wet and warm conditions jump-start growth even more, rotting your roof and leading to more extensive damage.

whether you notice something that looks out of place from winter or somewhere down the line this spring, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Reimer Roofing will inspect your home and quickly take care of all your fixes, minor or emergency. Contact us for a free estimate.