In the Midwest, most homeowners start preparing for winter in October. Even this can sometimes be too late as there have been numerous examples of blizzards before Halloween. One of the big questions we hear from a lot of homeowners is whether or not their roofs can make it through the coldest months of the year. As exterior professionals, the staff at A&A Roofing & Exteriors knows that repairing and replacing roofs in the winter is very difficult and sometimes impossible. That’s why we always advise our customers and potential customers to take care of any roof repairs or replacements before the snow falls.
Are you wondering whether or not your roof can make it through another winter season? Here’s what you need to consider.
Do You Have Leaks?
Leaks are a sure sign that the integrity of your roof has been compromised. To identify them, go from room to room in your home and inspect the ceiling. Are there any discoloration or spots? Any bubbling or sagging? Roof leaks do not always appear as moisture, so it’s important to pay attention to anything out of the ordinary. You should also keep in mind that the spot on your ceiling may not be directly under a leak on your roof. Due to the way roofs and attics are constructed, a leak could be located in a completely different area from where the roof damage is.
Does the Exterior Look Solid?
We very rarely recommend that our customers climb on their roofs, especially if there is any adverse weather. However, most people can get an idea of the condition of their roof by taking a look from the ground and the use of binoculars can help out even more. Try to inspect where chimneys, skylights, walls, or pipes intersect with your roof as these are often the location of problem areas. Look for anything that appears loose as well as holes or obvious cracks. Can you see any shingles that are missing or damaged? If anything catches your eye, it’s time to call in a professional inspector who can climb up and get a closer look.
How Old is Your Roof?
Even if there are no obvious leaks or signs of damage, if your roof is 20 years or older, it makes sense to have an inspection. Asphalt shingles normally begin failing at this age so it’s a good idea to have them inspected around that time. The professionals at A&A always offer free roof inspections, so you don’t have anything to lose by one of our experts examining your roof to make sure it’s sound for wintertime.
Having an inspection gives you peace of mind as well as providing an early warning should you have any issues. If you take care of small problems before winter hits, it could save you from having an emergency during the coldest months of the year and will also help you prepare if you’ll need to install a new roof once the spring rolls around.
It’s not too late to have an inspection and repairs done before winter arrives! Call A&A Roofing & Exteriors now for a free inspection.