Finally, spring is here. If you’ve been cooped up for the winter, then you’ve probably not given your roof much thought at all. Well, now is the time to make sure that your roof has survived the winter intact, and to address any issues that you may discover.

It’s always best to make sure you check your roof between winter and spring. It’s during the winter that your home is the most vulnerable to damage by the elements and that includes your roof. Minor problems with roofs can become major ones if not fixed quickly. You can save yourself an expensive outlay if you repair minor damage before it becomes worse.

Typical Signs of Roof Damage

Missing or broken tiles/slate

You may think that a missing tile/slate is simply a case of a replacement, but a missing, misplaced or broken tile/slate can be the sign that something a little more serious is amiss. If your tiles/slate are deteriorating, then that could indicate that water or ice is beginning to infiltrate your home. Unwanted water within your roof will lead to a whole host of problems, including the spread of mold and mildew.

Clogged gutters

Your gutters are there to serve a major function – they collect water that falls onto your roof then channel that water away from the rest of your house. If you allow water to pool at the edges of your house and the ground then this could soak in and damage your walls and your foundation. If your gutters have become clogged over the winter, then be sure to get them cleaned as soon as possible.

Staining

Over time, the effect of the elements will cause areas of your roof to change color, but some areas of color may be an indication that rust has formed. Other stains could be due to the presence of algae or other areas of damage. Some companies will just ‘clean’ the affected areas, but it’s better if you hire the services of a professional who will also look for signs of damage.

Flashing

Your roof is at its most vulnerable at the points where it meets other structural aspects of your house, such as your chimney, or any skylights or pipes. Typically, such points receive extra protection in the form of flashing, which are areas of metal (or some other material) placed around such areas. These perform an important job – they protect both your roof and your home from water intrusion. It is vital that you check your flashing post-winter to make sure no damage has been done, and that they have not been moved out of place or misaligned.

If you want to have your roof checked over for potential roof damage, or you have spotted some damage and you are in need of a repair, then please contact Hazlett Roofing & Restoration in (Cleveland) 216-246-8004 or (Akron) 330-773-1018. We have over 100 years of experience and have been serving the roofing needs of Ohio since 1915. You can also contact us by using our online contact form.