1. Inspect for Interior Leaks
As the weather outside may not permit a visual inspection of the exterior portion of the home, interior leaks must be detected.
Look for noticeable leakage in your attic or crawl space. Do you notice brown or yellow stains on your ceiling? Does your attic have any visible wet spots? If you have answered yes, it's safe to say your roof leaks. This occurs due to the ice and snow that have piled up and begun melting. It creates moisture that will eventually seep beneath the surface and cause leaking. You can repair the leak once you have noticed where it is coming from. Here are some things to look for……
- Mold or moisture
- Trouble with ventilation
- Droopy decking
- Roof sheathing cracks
Today, some materials sold can help protect your roof against the wear and tear of winter weather. Metal roofing is an excellent option because of the interlocking panels, its durability, and the underlayment of the roof; it reduces the risk of water getting inside. When installed correctly, it's nearly impossible for water to penetrate the roofing system.
2. Look for Areas Where Ice Dams Accumulate
Ice dams will inevitably accumulate regardless of what type of roofing you have. Whenever the presence of too much ice is on the roof, it can cause stress on the structure. Therefore, it is vital to know and note where it has accumulated. Ice dams on roofs are generally discovered around the eave. Buildup can prevent proper drainage. Without adequate drainage, the excess water will create interior leaks. Worse yet, it could also develop icicles, threatening the safety of people below.
Gutters also pose a serious problem since this is where the water from melted ice dams sits. It prevents the melted water from draining from the roof correctly. If you see ice dams while inspecting your roof, you can avoid them simply by adding insulation and ensuring every air leak is sealed. Sealing air leaks could help warm the underside of the roof.
Avoid additional weight due to frozen debris by making sure you clear debris from the gutters during your roof inspection. Taking care of this during the inspection means you’ll have the advantage of preventing ice dams from forming and improving the overall condition of your roof.
3. Check for Signs of Damage
If you can safely inspect the roof during the winter, it's important to check the shingles, shakes, and tiles closely because the slightest crack could cause leakage. Here are some things to look for…….
- Materials out of place
- Sections where ice might freeze under panels or shingles
- Growth of moss
- Loose shingles or panels
- Splitting or cracks
- Rotted or warped wood
If you must replace your roof, you might consider stone-coated metal roofing as an option. Traditional asphalt roofing is estimated to last 12 to 20 years. However, metal roofs have three times longer lifespan than asphalt, wood, or tile roofing.
Ask Us for Professional Help
At Triumph Roofing, we highly recommend that you inspect your roof at least twice a year. Once just before the rainy season begins in the fall to avoid leaks. Again in the winter, it ensures the roof can hold up to the winter weather conditions. Inspecting your roof after severe storms is also advisable, especially if you suspect damages. It is essential to identify minor damage to your roof before it becomes a much larger problem. If you ignore minor damages, you are sure to incur expensive repairs. It can be dangerous to inspect your roof, which is why our professional team will do it for you. Do not hesitate to contact us today to inquire about our
roof inspections and
repair services we offer to Charlotte, NC, residents.
