As we inch closer to the warmer months here in Indiana, now is a great time to start thinking about any spring maintenance that needs to be done around your home, including your roof. Taking the time to inspect and repair your roof will help you avoid any more significant problems or costly repairs down the road. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to get you going.
Inspection
A roof inspection should be at the top of your list regarding spring maintenance. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor to take care of it for you. Either way, you must look closely at every aspect of your roof, paying special attention to any areas that may be damaged or disrepair. If you decide to do the inspection yourself, ensure safety first. Don’t attempt to inspect your roof if there’s any chance of rain or storms in the forecast-wait for a sunny day instead. Also, wear shoes with good traction and tie back any loose clothing or hair that could blow around in the wind. If you’re uncomfortable getting up on your roof, that’s perfectly understandable. In that case, just use binoculars to get a closer look. Once on the roof, take your time walking around and looking at every nook and cranny. Inspect shingles for signs of cracking, curling, or other damage; check gutters and downspouts for blockages, and look for any leaks or water damage. If you see anything that concerns you, make a note so you can address it later.Cleaning
While you’re up on the roof inspecting things, take some time to clear away any debris that may have accumulated over the winter months-leaves, sticks, branches, etc. It’s also good to give your gutters and downspouts a good cleaning. If they’re clogged with leaves and other debris, they could cause water damage to your roof by preventing proper drainage. Finally, once you’re finished with your inspection and cleaning, be sure to sweep up any debris from around your home-you don’t want nails or shards of asphalt shingles ending up in someone’s foot!Make Sure Your Ventilation is Adequate
Adequate attic ventilation is key to preventing ice dams in the winter and cooling your home in the summer. Make sure your home has enough vents to ensure proper airflow.What is Attic Ventilation?
Attic ventilation is the process of exchanging the hot air in your attic for cooler outside air. This is done through a combination of exhaust vents and intake vents. Exhaust vents are typically located near the roof’s peak in the attic’s upper part. Intake vents are usually located along the lower part of the attic, near the soffit or eave. Together, these two vents create a cross-flow of air that helps remove the hot air from your attic.Why is Proper Attic Ventilation Important?
There are two main reasons why proper attic ventilation is essential: to prevent ice dams in the winter and to keep your home cool in the summer. In the winter, if there is not enough ventilation in your attic, the heat from your house can escape into the attic and cause snow on your roof to melt. As this meltwater runs down your roof, it refreezes at the cold edges (known as the “eave”), creating an ice dam. Ice dams can cause severe damage to your roof by allowing water to back up under shingles and into your home. They can also create dangerous icicles that can fall and injure someone below. In the summer, if there is not enough ventilation in your attic, the heat from the sun can build up in your attic and cause your house to become very hot. This can make it difficult and expensive to cool your home and make it uncomfortable to live in.How Do I Know If My Attic Has Adequate Ventilation?
There are a few things you can look for to determine if your attic has adequate ventilation:- Check if there is a balance between the intake and exhaust vents. There should be about equal amounts of each.
- Ensure no obstacles are blocking either type of vent (such as insulation).
- Look for excessive heat or moisture in your attic (such as sweat on trusses, rafters, or wood discoloration).
- If you have any doubts, consult a professional contractor who can assess your situation and recommend solutions.