Another long Minnesota winter is almost over, and the promise of spring is upon us. As the weather changes, it’s important to inspect your roof for any damage caused by ice and snow. Your roof is the most vulnerable to damage in wintertime, and a thorough inspection can detect any problems that might have cropped up as a result.
photo credit: couleur-1195798 accessed 3/20/20 via CC0
We have a few tips for inspecting your roof, and what to do if you spot damage.
Chuba Is Your Trusted Roofing Contractor
Be Safe
Wait for spring weather to dry out the roof. Walking on a wet roof is risky – you can slip and suffer serious injury.
Check for Interior and Exterior Damage
On the inside of your home, look for water stains and damp or cracked plaster – both are sure signs that snow has cause damage. Inspect the chimney and the ventilation pipes and the underside of the roof from the attic.
Then, check the roof from the outside. Cracked, missing, warped, broken, or loose shingles should be repaired. Buckled or slightly raised shingles may have been caused by sudden changes in the temperature. (For more detailed descriptions of damaged shingles, click here.)
While up on the roof, check the eaves and gutters to see if all vent caps are in place, and if flashings are tightly fitted. Inspect all joints and turns carefully to make sure that they are still in place with no cracks or gaps.
Make Simple Fixes
Usually, minor problems can easily be fixed with simple tools like nails, a hammer, a caulking gun, palette knife, and sealant or cement. Of course, a ladder and appropriate safety equipment will be needed. Let someone know that you’re on the roof and have them check on you frequently.
Fill in cracks along the flashing with caulk. Look for missing or broken nails, and make sure you use roofing nails for replacements. If an entire width of shingle has to be replaced, the old one will have to be removed first. Any nails left back will have to be pulled out before the new shingle can be put in.
If you come across any issues, contact The Chuba Company for a no-cost estimate. The Chuba Company has installed more than 700 roofs using our dedicated and experienced crew of professional roofers. We hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are GAF Master Elite certified contractors, a distinction held by only 3% of all roofing contractors. Chuba gives a lifetime workmanship warranty on all exterior work.
At The Chuba Company, our dedication to service, attention to detail and use of top quality products ensures that we will be your trusted partner throughout the home renovation process. Contact us to talk about your remodel ideas or for an estimate! Be sure to follow Chuba on Facebook, Pinterest, and Houzz to see our latest work.
(This is a repost of a blog post from April 2016 that was updated in March 2020.)
