What to look out for with your roof throughout the 4 Seasons here in New England.
As a home owner, there are a lot of things to look after. We hope this information is helpful to you and the health of your roof. It is always a good thing to be proactive and prevent additional issues or costs. Always call a professional if you see an issue that can cause longterm damage or extra costs in the long run.
Winter
During a New England Winter we can get all sorts of weather from snow to icy rain. With cold temperatures, ice and snow can build up on roofs and remain for some time. If you are concerned about the health of your roof during the winter, especially if there is a cumulation of snow on your roof with some melting, do your best to look in the attic for leaks. If you see any water dripping or damp spots on wood or flooring, call for an inspection. Also, if you get ice dams that are weighing down on the edge or your roof and soffit, call for help to avoid structural damage or leaks into your home's living space. Lastly, make sure that any ventilation from your home at the roof level is clear and not compromised by snow or ice build up.
Summer
Summertime in New England can bring hot temperatures and we get a lot more direct sunlight this time of the year. In the dead of the summertime heat, you would want to look for roofing that is cracking, peeling, fading or any shingles that are pushing up from the roof itself. Another concern to look out for in the summertime would be making sure no trees or plants are growing too close to your roof or even out of your gutters. Plants are very strong and can cause bulging under shingles. Another issue can be animals that come alive from the springtime into the summer, keep an eye out around your roof line and soffit that there are not small opening were small animals such as birds, squirrels or chipmunks can gain access.
Spring
As you know the springtime can bring lots of rain. After the winter weather and early in the spring, it is a great time to have your roof inspected. If you see any roofing shingles that are bulging or have come loose since the winter season has settled, call for a roofing inspection so you don't wait until the rain comes and risk leaks into your home. You should also do a visual inspection of your gutters and downspouts to help prevent water building up and not draining properly, hence resulting in water seeping into your home. If you notice any sagging in the roof, water can pool up in low areas on a roof also risking wood rot and water leaks into your attic, which may not be noticed right away and can lead to mold growing.
Fall
In the fall here in New England, and that transition between the warm air from the summertime and the cooler air that can occur in the fall, hurricanes and strong wind gusts are common. After the hot summer and drying out of roofing shingles that are old, can lead to it being easy for wind to blow off shingles from your roof. At the beginning of the fall, especially after any kind of windy rain or cold front, look for any missing shingles or ones that look out of place. As the leaves begin to fall, make sure that your gutters are cleaned and that the brackets holding them in place are secure and free from debris. This is a good time to also inspect your attic for any leaks when it is raining. You would not want to wait until the winter comes where snow and ice could build up and cause additional leaks.