Winter may not be finished yet, but as the new year rolls in, many homeowners take the opportunity to get roof inspections done in preparation for spring. Harsh weather conditions like snow, ice, and extreme temperature changes can have a major effect on your roof. By choosing to get your inspections out of the way early, you can catch small problems before they become big, expensive problems.
Winter Roof Inspection
It may seem counterintuitive, but winter roof inspections can be beneficial in the long run. Some problems, such as flashing separation, cold air leaks, attic condensation, or ice dam development, are easier to spot. These problems can be exacerbated if your roof is over 15 years old or already has unaddressed damage.
Most roofing companies offer free inspections even if you choose to go with a different contractor. Obviously, we’d love you to choose Prime Seamless for all your roofing needs. But San Antonio is lucky enough to have quality roofing services from many professionals. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from most inspection services.
Inspections typically start from the outside, looking for any obvious signs of damage such as loose flashing, damaged shingles, and blocked or sagging gutters. Some contractors choose to get up on the roof, while others may use drones to safely survey from the ground. These surface-level warning signs give the inspector a better idea of where to look once they are in the attic. Once inside, the inspector will look for water stains or active leaks, mold, poor ventilation, or ice accumulation around vents and eaves.
Once the assessment is completed, the inspector will give you a workup of what shape your roof is in and where the problems are. They may give you a general plan for what to expect if you go ahead with contracting and repair services from them. Don’t be shy about getting more than one quote. But remember that the longer these damages go unaddressed, the worse they will get.
Top 5 Winter Roofing Problems
Cracked Flashing: As the temperatures drop, the metal flashing around your chimney and vents can begin to separate and pull away from the structure. This allows moisture to seep into the underlying materials.
Blocked Gutters: If your gutters were left with debris before winter set in, then your drainage paths are blocked. This allows water to freeze and ice dams to accumulate, potentially damaging your roof and gutters.
Attic Condensation: When the warm indoor air meets with freezing outside temperatures, you get condensation. Left untreated, you will develop mold, mildew, and compromised insulation.
Shingle Damage: Winter winds can be unmerciful on your shingles. Once damaged or torn off, this leaves your underlying roofing structure exposed to moisture.
Ice Buildup: As the freeze-thaw cycle continues, ice buildup can block your drainage and allow moisture to seep in.
Homeowner Questions and Concerns
Can you inspect my roof in winter?
Yes. Absolutely. As you can see, it’s one of the best times to spot weather-related gaps in your roof’s integrity. Winter conditions allow us to spot things like ice dams, flashing issues, and moisture issues.
Do I need to schedule repairs immediately?
If your inspector finds something urgent, they will inform you of the situation and give you options. Otherwise, any contractor can help you come up with a repair plan based on what you and your roof need most.
What can I do to help prevent these issues?
Regular inspections will go a long way towards preventing these problems from occurring. But if you are looking to be proactive, invest in a roof rake to safely remove snowfall from the ground. Make sure to give your gutters a good clean before the first snow arrives to help reduce ice buildup.
When it comes to reliable roofing, Prime Seamless is at your service. We offer roof inspections in every season, focusing not only on today’s concerns, but also on how to protect your roof from bigger problems tomorrow. Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection and experience the difference of working with a trusted and experienced roofing company.