It’s springtime in Colorado!
The aspens will soon be displaying their beautiful colors, and Colorado residents throughout the state will soon be tackling their spring cleaning checklists.
Is a roof check-up on your checklist? If not, consider adding it; a well-maintained roofing system is critical in the defense against surprise springtime weather that often brings high winds, hail, and even heavy snowfall in some parts of the state.
The Denver roofing experts at A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors are here to help with this quick and easy, 5-step spring roof tune-up you can complete within an hour. Staying on top of potential roof problems can go a long way in ensuring you’re not blindsided by a roof leak, mold issue, or other roof-related issue.
Step #1: Start with the Gutters
Working from the outside-in, it’s best to start with a quick appraisal of the condition of your gutters, downspouts, and other rain management hardware.
Take a walk around the perimeter of your residential or commercial building and take note of the following:
- Accumulation of debris. Fall and winter bring high volumes of natural tree and shrub shedding, with branches, leaves, sticks, and dirt all making their way to your roof.
Inevitably, rainfall will bring all of this debris into your gutters and downspouts. So, check for areas where debris has built up, and safely remove it. Do not attempt to access gutters that are too high for you to reach! Instead, consider hiring a gutter cleaning company to do this for you. - Damage or corrosion. Dents, kinks, or separated seams are common culprits for ineffective gutters and downspouts. Locate areas where there is damage, and make a note to have these sections repaired or replaced.
- Ice damming. Ice damming occurs when snow, hail or sleet runoff is re-frozen into ice along the gutter distribution system. This ‘traffic jam’ can cause serious problems if left to worsen. Look for places where ice is accumulating, and inspect the surrounding hardware for any issues.
Step #2: Conduct a Shingle Survey
What is the condition of the shingles on your roof? Spring is a great time to find out, as warmer weather combined with direct sunlight can further degrade already compromised shingles.
Some of the most common symptoms of worn shingling include:
- Areas of smoothness (granules are important, and all shingles should be well-granulated)
- Warping
- Dislodged or off-kilter shingle placement
- Patches of missing shingles
Remember that shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. Having worn or missing shingles opens the door for water and debris ingress, which could cause serious and costly problems down the line.
Roof flashing should be relatively flush with the surface of the roof and shouldn’t be lifted or warped in any spots. Gaps in between flashing pieces can create an access point for water; these sections should be repaired as soon as possible.
In Colorado, it’s common for heavy sunlight exposure to degrade the adhesives used to affix flashing to a roof. Check to be sure that your flashing is in good shape wherever you see it used on your roof.
Step #3: Focus on the Flashing
We don’t mean switching on your high beams! Flashing is the roofing term used to describe the flat, metal stripping that is used to keep water out from vulnerable areas on your roof. Some of the most common places where flashing is used include the bases of chimneys, stovepipes, vents, skylights, and valleys.
Step #4: Do an Interior Audit
A well-built roof should do an impeccable job of protecting the inside of a building from water leaks. As part of your springtime roof tune-up, conduct a thorough inspection of the areas of your home or commercial property where interior walls butt up to the roof. These areas can run alongside joists and vaulted ceiling spans; inspect them for any signs of water damage.
If you do notice blistering, seepage, or water staining, it’s likely that a roof leak has been affecting your structure for some time. Take action immediately to have your Denver roof inspected by one of the trained professionals at A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors.
Step #5: Schedule an On-site Visit to Remedy any Problem Areas
If you complete your spring roof tune-up and don’t find any surprises, congratulations! You’re one of the lucky ones.
However, if you do notice areas where some attention from a professional roofer is needed, don’t hesitate to contact the roofing experts at A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors.
We’ll conduct a thorough on-site evaluation and let you know what steps are needed to restore your roof.
Have a great Spring season, Colorado!