Preparing Your Roof For The Wet Season

One of the biggest challenges for any homeowner is trying to ensure that their roof stays in optimal condition. A roof protects your property, and it adds a unique aesthetic element that others will appreciate. Mother Nature will flex its muscles no matter what climate you live in. From the beating sun of summer to the freezing, icy snow in the wintertime, your roof is continuously taking a beating. You probably think your roof is out of the water with spring approaching, but you might have forgotten about those notorious April showers.

The spring is a time of renewal, but it’s also the wettest season. Winston-Salem certainly follows that claim. With an annual rainfall of about 45 inches, it surpasses the U.S. national average. Have you ever thought about how it could be impacting your roof? Here’s a brief overview of what heavy rainfall does and how you can better prepare yourself for this wet season.

One of the biggest problems you’ll come across is the damage that heavy rainfall plays on your shingles. With the continual pounding of rain, the shingles can start to warp and deteriorate. Additionally, the springtime is the year with more thunderstorms that produce higher-level winds. These strong winds can blow off shingles from your roof. As a result, it’s much more likely that water trickles down into your roof to create further damage.

If water leaks into the roof deck, you now run the risk of a host of additional problems. The solid foundation of your roof will be compromised, and then you are more likely to have water seepage inside the home. Did you know that as little as one inch of water can create thousands of dollars of damage to your property? If water leaks into your home, then it’s also very likely you’ll have a mold problem. This situation poses a serious risk to everyone in the household.

Your residential roof can show signs of damage that need to be addressed to prevent further problems. After the fall and winter season, a buildup of debris like leaves, mud, and twigs can cause your gutters to clog. One of the first things you can do is conduct a visual inspection of your gutter system. If they look bent or damaged at all, you should have a contractor conduct a roof inspection. Here are some other signs that you may need roof repair immediately.

One of the best things you can do is take a proactive approach for your roof maintenance. Once you know you have compromised shingles, it’s imperative to schedule an appointment with an experienced contractor right away. Addressing any roof repair needs sooner will prevent you from a costly repair down the line.

Many individuals don’t feel comfortable getting on a ladder themselves, and this is understandable to us. A professional has been trained to conduct a thorough inspection of your roof and make the necessary recommendations. As a general rule, you can expect a shingle roof to last about 15 to 20 years, but its longevity is only maximized if you have proper maintenance.

As mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to have an expert come out to your property for a roof inspection. With a long, hard winter gone by and a wet spring approaching, there is no better time to have this done. They’ll be conducting a thorough inspection in the following areas:

Structure – This is an examination of the overall roofing system. They’ll be looking for signs of roof sagging, the fascia, and gutter system.

Inside Of The Home – The walls, ceiling, and attic are examined for moisture and mold growth.

Materials – This is a closer look at the shingles, and the contractor may suggest the replacement of missing or curled ones.

If you live in the Winston-Salem area, the experts from Crossover Roofing can help be a part of your roof maintenance plan. We understand how important it is to have a functional roofing system. With our help, you can begin the spring season with the peace of mind knowing that your roof will be able to handle the heavy rain. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a no-risk estimate or if you have any questions.