Every homeowner must follow the spring roof inspection checklist or roofing maintenance tips guideline for spring season. After a long winter full of snow and ice, your roof might come through a little worse for wear. You might have only superficial damage, or you may need to replace the whole thing. Check these spots for signs of damage and determine what you need to do to keep the roof over your head safe, dry, and sturdy for the rest of the year to come.

Attic

If any moisture got into your attic, you could have some urgent problems to handle. Walk through the uppermost level of your home, or crawl through if necessary, and look for signs of mold, rot, or damp spots. If they turn up, you’ll want to replace the affected area as soon as possible to stop it from spreading to the rest of the wood.

Shingles

If you have shingles, tiles, or shakes on your roof, you’ll be able to identify damage in a few different ways. Look for any pieces that don’t sit tightly against the support underneath or the rest of the shingles. Cracks, curling, or displacement can indicate a problem with the underlying structure you need to address.

Identifying loose shingles and damage points is particularly important in the spring. All winter, any ice dams or runoff can allow the freezing water to seep into your roof, and when the water thaws, it can cause rot, mold, or mildew in the affected area. Even a small spot could mean a significant repair, so be vigilant, and take care of any issues in the shingles or tiles before they get worse.

Structure

If this was your first winter in your home or you’ve avoided roof work in the past, you might have some structural problems you never noticed before. Your roof might collect moss or even visible water, called ponding, both of which will damage the materials below. If the structure of your roof isn’t solid, you might need to conduct significant home repairs.

If you notice any sagging in your roof, you’ll know that you’ve let things go too far. Older roofs often have trouble with sagging and can deteriorate over time, so you might not notice immediately, but when you do your attic inspection, make sure you take note of anywhere the support doesn’t seem to be working. Otherwise, your roof could cave in and require extensive repairs or replacement.

Sealants

If you have any skylights, a chimney, or other significant seams in your roof, you could have an ideal spot for moisture to seep through. While your roof may last for decades, caulking or sealant will only last through a few seasons, so you’ll have to go over the weak points with another coat of sealant every year or two. Don’t forget to check the surrounding roof to make sure it’s still intact and undamaged.

Gutters

If you neglect your gutters, you’ll likely cause many of the problems listed above because the water has nowhere to go. Hopefully, you’ve been able to keep them clean throughout the winter, but continue to maintain them in the spring. A clogged drain is your roof’s enemy, especially in the snow and rain, so keep them clear of sticks, leaves, and other debris that may collect there.

If you need roof replacement or repairs, use a local company that you can trust. Golden Spike Roofing has been in business for over 25 years, remaining a family-owned and operated team that puts your needs first. We strive to give you high-quality, reliable, and affordable service no matter the job. Get in touch today for all your roofing problems, and let us give you the roof you deserve.