Winter weather can be harsh on your roof. Between snow, ice, and extreme temperatures your roof can suffer damage. When left unchecked, that damage could become a costly safety hazard. We might not get that much snow and ice here in Alabama, but we have plenty of experience with extreme temperatures.
It is important to do regular inspections on your roof to make sure you find and repair damage before it puts your home’s safety at risk. We don’t recommend conducting an inspection without a professional on site, but we realize some homeowners might conduct a simple inspection themselves before contacting a professional. Here are a few important tips and things to consider before inspecting your roof.
Safety First
Inspecting a roof can be very dangerous, so it’s important to be aware of the risks and take the right precautions:
- Do not walk on a roof that is too steep, wet, slippery, fragile or covered with loose debris. Doing so can result in a fall or injury.
- Use a harness for fall protection.
- Make sure you have the right ladder and set it up properly.
Foot traffic itself can damage your roof if not done properly. You’ll need to adjust the way you walk on your roof depending on the type of roofing materials you have.
Clean the Debris
If you are able to safely access your roof, remove any loose debris on the surface and clean your gutter and downspouts. If the gutters are clogged, rain water won’t drain properly. If this is left unchecked, the water overflow from gutters can cause damage to the foundation of your home, and waterlogged gutters can cause structural damage to the roof.
Use gloves or other tools to remove debris from the roof and gutters. Do not use a hose to remove the debris or else the downspouts may become clogged. We suggest that you only use a hose to remove leftover debris. Be sure to check your gutters and downspouts after cleaning for any leaks or damage.
What to Look For
Depending on the type of roof you have, damage can vary. Here are a few things to make note of before inspecting your roof:
- For shingles, check for warping, curling, and blistering.
- Asphalt shingles are made of granular materials, so check your gutters and downspouts for granular material if you have these type of shingles.
- Metal roofs have a life expectancy of 50 years, but occasionally you’ll need to check for perforations, rust, and corrosion.
- Clay or Slate tile can be cracked or broken by hail and ice, but do not walk on these materials. Use binoculars or a drone to inspect this roof.
- Wood shake is very susceptible to the elements and can become rotten or warped due to the weather. Avoid walking on this material as well, inspect it like tile.
- Check for loose materials around the chimney, other external piping, or skylights.
- Check the interior walls and ceilings for water damage and mold, even if you’ve inspected the exterior it’s important to inspect the interior to reveal any hidden damage or leaks.
Schedule an Inspection
If you notice any damage, don’t try to fix it yourself. Contact us online, or call us at 256-326-4232 to schedule an inspection. We are certified and able to help you with your roof cleaning and repair needs.
Make spring roof inspections a part of your spring cleaning with C and K Roofing.