Make sure to give your roof the care it needs as it makes its way through spring rain and wind. Our team of experts has put together a list of four spring roof maintenance tips.

Roof Spring Cleaning Checklist

1. Take Care of Your Gutters

Debris accumulates in gutters and drains throughout the winter months. If leaves, twigs, or shingle granules have clogged your gutter, it won’t be able to accomplish its job effectively. Clean it so it works properly during the next spring downpour.

Use a gutter scoop to thoroughly clear out your gutters so that you don’t damage them. You can keep the debris off your landscaping by laying a tarp on the lawn below.

2. Examine Your Shingles

Look for any missing, curled, or worn-down shingles. If you don’t feel confident climbing onto your roof, you can perform a partial visual check from the ground. Use a sturdy ladder and bring a friend to hold it if you are confident enough to check your roof.

Look for cracked, twisted, or missing nails in the shingles. Roof repairs or replacements may be necessary for spring, especially if you see big sections of damaged shingles.

3. Check for Mold

Mold and algae growth are not uncommon on roofs in the winter due to moisture accumulation. When inspecting your shingles, keep an eye out for mold and algae. You can treat mold on your roof yourself, but you should consult a professional roofer before pouring anything up there.

4. Document the Damage and Schedule an Inspection

Notice missing or broken shingles, mold development, or any other roof-related issues during roof spring cleaning? If so, take photos and document the issues. Your homeowner’s insurance likely covers roofing damage following a storm. However, you must first give proof of the damage’s scope. Schedule a professional roof inspection if you see something unusual on top of your roof (or even if you don’t).

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Don’t fret if you have no idea where to begin. Here is all you need to know.

3 Signs of Roof Issues in the Late Summer

1. Moisture Damage

Moisture never brings good news when it penetrates your shingles. It can cause heavy damage to your roof, which leads to cracks, torn underlayment, failed sealants, loose tile, and more. In addition, moisture eventually causes rot, moss, mildew, and decay.

If you spot dreaded stains in your walls and ceilings, that’s your signal that moisture is damaging your roof. It needs maintenance and repair right away.

2. Cracks & Punctures

Not very different from moisture damage, cracks and punctures fall in the same category. That’s because they cause direct (and preventable) damage. Common causes of cracks and punctures include poor maintenance and installation. Your roof has plenty of fragile areas. For that reason, using improper tools when working on the roof can easily puncture seals, crack flashing, and tear barriers and underlayment.

If you think you can’t fix any crack or puncture damage, it is always better to seek the help of an expert roof technician. Homeowners all over the area trust Chattanooga Roofing Co. to fix their roofing issues.

3. Broken Shingles

It’s worth mentioning that shingles don’t last forever, especially when their installation is improper. If your shingles have bad adhesive and weak flashing, strong winter winds can easily lift them, leaving parts of the roof inadequately covered. Heavy hail and debris can also damage or tear shingles.

Summing Up

The cool temperatures of autumn are just a few months away! For that reason, now is the best time to make sure your roof is in good condition. Look for the above signs of roof issues and you’ll be in good shape.

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Keep on reading to find out if your roof has damage – and if you’ll need the help of a roofing contractor.

5 Signs Your Roof is Damaged

Water stains

If you see stains running along the ceiling and walls of your house, you need to have your roof checked. If left untreated, these small stains could lead to bigger problems over time such as rotting framing, destroyed insulation, and weaker foundation structure.

Damaged shingles

After checking for stains and leaks, go outside and check the shingles on your roof. Are all of them still lying flat on the roof? Have you noticed some shingles that appear cracked, loose, or maybe missing? Have you seen some asphalt granules on your downspouts? If so, you’ll need the help of a professional to replace these shingles.

Damaged flashing

Roof flashing is a piece of metal that protects the area around chimneys, vents, and skylight windows. It redirects water away and prevents moisture from growing in these structures. Check your flashing for cracks or corrosion. If it has been damaged, you’ll need to have it replaced with one that is made of sturdier materials.

Presence of mold

Rainy weather and humid days can cause algae, moss, and lichens to grow exponentially in your roof.  These can also create health problems for the family, attract pests, and make your roof unsightly. In addition, ask a roofing expert to come over and clean the roof as soon as possible to minimize the damage and staining.

Presence of pests

If there are rodents in the attic, there could be a gaping hole in the roof that allows these pests to enter. Lay out animal traps to find out their entry and exit points, then seal them. If the infestation is extensive, you’ll need the help of a pest control company.

If you suspect your roof has damage call Chattanooga Roofing Co. at (423) 443-4174.

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Read on to discover some signs to watch out for when it comes to your roofing system.

Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced

1. Old Age

An asphalt shingle roof typically lasts for 20 years, while a metal roof will have a longer lifespan. If your roof is more than 20 years old, consider getting a roof inspection for damage that remains undetected.

2. Leaks

Have you noticed leaks, water spots, sagging parts, and rotting tiles? These are signs that your roof has been rotting from the inside for quite some time.

3. Loose Shingles

If you see any curling or broken shingles on the top of the roof, it might be time for a replacement. In addition, if you spot granules from the gutter, that means you have loose shingles. Your roof is vulnerable from the outside. Any damage will lead to further damage and roof decay if you don’t replace the shingles. If just a couple of shingles are damaged, replacing them is easy. However, if the damage is widespread, then it’s time for a replacement.

4. Ice Dams

If you have ridges of ice forming at the edge of your roof at the gutters, that means the ventilation of your roofing system is compromised. The pressure coming from the ice can damage the inner layers of the roof and if this goes untreated, it’s only a matter of time before water can seep inside the house.

5. Damaged Flashing

If your roof is really old and has corroded flashing, it can be a weak spot that will allow water to penetrate. For that reason, consider having the flashing replaced with a new metal flashing system.

6. Algae Growth

If you spot dark or green streaks, then algae or moss is present. Excessive growth of these two means moisture is present and can also cause the shingles to deteriorate.

What should you do if you spot any of these signs?

Chattanooga Roofing Company can provide you with a thorough assessment of your roof to see if it can still be repaired. In addition, we can let you know if it needs a complete overhaul. Just call us at (423) 401-2448 to book a service appointment!

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You can’t accurately predict the weather even if you monitor all the weather bulletins. You also can’t tell if it’s going to rain or shine once you start on your roofing project

Unfortunately, rain can negatively impact your ongoing roof construction. Bu you also don’t have to let it dampen your enthusiasm for the project.

Replacing Your Roof in the Rain: What to Expect

Most professional roofers schedule their jobs during pleasant weather. It makes sense, because rain can badly affect the installation or repair they’re doing.

Asphalt shingles do not adhere well to the surface when wet. Additionally, most of the inner portions of a roofing system can suffer in wet weather. Damp internal structure could affect the performance of the roof in the long run.

There’s also the possibility that you could void your warranty. It’s a fact that most manufacturers require installation of their products in specific conditions. If these conditions aren’t met, it will risk the validity of your warranty. A slick rooftop will also put your workers at risk and can lead to further damage to your home.

Hire a Roofing Contractor for Your Roof Replacement

This reminder also goes out to people who are planning to DIY their roof. If you’re still planning to push through with the replacement of the roof in the middle of the rain, we strongly discourage you to do this.

You might save on install or repair costs. However, it could actually prove more costly if the roof is improperly installed or if you encounter an accident while on the roof. Even if you’re just planning to inspect a roof leak and nothing else, wait for better weather conditions before going up to the roof.

Leave the roof replacement to the hands of professionals who know what they’re doing. Contact Chattanooga Roofing today at (423) 799-2173 to start your roof replacement project.

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Once they invade your home, these pests can expose your family to diseases and bring destruction to your attic by gnawing through your wiring, insulation, and aluminum siding. They will reproduce and multiply, making them harder to remove from your home.

How to Prevent Pests In Your Attic: 5 Methods

1. An Ounce of Prevention

Instead of hiring a professional pest control company, you can go for the cheaper route and implement these steps to prevent pests from using your attic as their nest. Make your home difficult for them to break in, and they’ll go somewhere else.

2. Trim your trees

Overhanging branches provide an entry point for pests that ordinarily wouldn’t have access to your home. Other forms of foliage like bushes and vines can also be used by animals to cross over to your attic. So pull out those shears and trim your garden to prevent pests from coming in.

3. Cover your roof

An opening the size of a nickel is enough for a pest to squeeze through, so check if there are gaps within your roofing system. You can prevent them from entering by using a chimney cap and installing wire mesh on vents. Also check for damaged shingles, cladding, and gutters. Determine if your attic window screens are still in good condition.

If you discover your roofing system has been damaged at such a point that pests can freely come and go, you can contact a roofing company to have it fixed and cleaned up.

4. Keep it clean

Pests enter homes to forage for food, so keep it clean at all times. Make sure that your garbage is collected frequently, and that your containers have tight-fitting lids. Leave just enough food for your pets, because what’s left over could serve as fodder for pests. Also remove water from fountains and bird baths as pests gravitate toward a water source.

Make it a habit to frequently clean your attic, and use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for storage. Cardboard is another food source by many pests.

5. Keep it sealed

Inspect the attic for openings where animals can go through. Check for small cracks under your doors and windows, and seal cracks with silicone-based caulk or steel wool. 

If you’re having problems with pests in your attic contact Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 799-2173 for a consultation with one of our experts.

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