Winter Roofing Inspection for your home
3 things to focus on when doing a visual inspection
Winter in North Carolina is less about large amounts of snow accumulation and more about preparing your home (and roof) for the potential ice storm and freak Nor’easter that heads our way. A little preparation for the winter months can go a long way towards preventing mold growth, rot, and reducing costly repairs due to unchecked roof damage.
A basic winter roofing inspection should be done at the change of season to make sure your roof is prepared for the months ahead. At TruBlue Roofing and Remodeling, we believe that preventative maintenance is much more manageable than dealing with a major concern because something was left unchecked. Take a look at three major areas to devote your time to during a winter roof inspection.
Visual inspection: look for obvious signs of damage
The first way to ready your home for the winter months is to examine your roof and observe any potential issues before the weather takes a turn for the worse. With a pair of quality binoculars (from a safe location), look for any visible structural deformations such as dirt, debris, standing water, broken gutters and downspouts, and anything else that may need remedying. Keep an eye out for missing shingles and focus on the flashing around the chimney, eaves, and skylights. By doing a visual roofing inspection, you are making sure to address any minor problem before it gets out of hand and becomes a significant concern.
Examine all exterior structural components:
As you inspect your roof from a safe location, make sure to take note of the overall condition of the
- Chimney: Visual check for damage, obstruction, buildup, and soot
- Fascia and Trim: Examine the condition of the soffit, fascia, and trim
- Gutters and Downspouts: Check for damage, debris, and proper functionality
- Seal and Rubber boots: Check the seals around vent pipes for gaps and deterioration
While these items are not technically your “roof,” they are structural elements that govern how well your roof does its job. Make sure to also look for any rust or rot found on the exterior of your home. Look for water leaks and any mold/fungus/moss because that often means water exposure and can be indicative of a larger, more severe problem.
Examine all interior components of your roof:
The winter is also a great time to take a closer look at your interior roofing elements. The attic and crawl space are a reliable way to reveal a serious roofing problem. When examining your attic, make sure to look for signs of leaks or water damage. Check for signs of stains, mold, rot, and mildew, which are an indication of increased moisture. A damp interior is often the result of something on the exterior not allowing water to drain correctly or not working as expected (it can also signify a ventilation problem). Also, make sure to take a look at your insulation and its overall condition.
Final thoughts on winter and roof maintenance
Winter roof inspection is about staying ahead of the curve and keeping your roof system working as intended. It is also about completing preventive maintenance so that you are dealing with several minor problems instead of a major concern that may cost a ton of money. So, take the time this winter to give your roof a visual inspection and make sure it is functioning properly.
Need help?
TruBlue Roofing and Remodeling is a locally owned and operated, full-service roofing company. Whatever your roofing needs are, we are here to provide a straightforward, affordable, and pleasant experience. Give us a call at 919.589.7290 or visit our website trublueroofingnc.com.
If you thought this blog was helpful, take a look at:
