5 mistakes homeowners make in the spring
Apr 17, 2017, 4:46 AM | Updated: Nov 21, 2017, 3:35 pm
Every spring, wise homeowners go through a checklist to make certain their property is ready for the upcoming seasons. Most remember to clean up the landscape, check the air-conditioning system, repair broken sprinkler heads, tune up the mower and so on.
However, during this springtime process, some homeowners don’t take the time to do a thorough inspection of their roofs. That’s unfortunate because many roofing issues are minor if caught early and fixed. When ignored or unnoticed, unfortunately, they can become serious, costly problems.
Of course, inspecting and repairing a roof isn’t something homeowners should do themselves. Many people do not have the right equipment to ensure safety, let alone trying to make a repair. In most cases, hiring an experienced, licensed roofing company to do the work will save you money down the road without the potential safety hazards.
Here are some of the mistakes homeowners make and the problems you might miss if you don’t have a thorough roof inspection in the spring.
Not getting on the roof
Homeowners sometimes try to inspect the roof by standing back and looking at it from ground level. That doesn’t work. You might spot a few broken shingles from the ground, but you also need to check the flashing around pipes, chimneys, gutters and more. You can’t see everything you need to inspect unless you get on the roof and even then, most homeowners are not able to spot deterioration under the tiles.
Failing to check drains and gutters
Many people know drains and gutters need to be cleared of leaves and debris in the fall, as explained in an earlier article. They also need to be checked in the spring. Additionally, you should make certain gutters haven’t loosened over the winter. When gutters are loose or clogged, instead of being carried away from your home, water from rainstorms comes over the top of the gutters and ends up next to your home’s foundation.
Not trimming trees and shrubs next to the house
Big trees and greenery close to the house are great when they provide summer shade. They are less appealing if a tree blows over on your house or if a dead branch breaks and ruins a window or gutter. Spring is the best time to prune and trims trees and other vegetation, so there will be room for the year’s new growth. Always remove dead branches and limbs that are pressing against gutters or hanging over them.
Not looking inside for problems
Water spots on ceilings or on exterior walls are sure signs of roof leaks, reports an article in Popular Mechanics. Before the stain appears, you might notice paint bubbling away from the damp drywall underneath. If the leak is bad enough, you might even see a bulge in the ceiling because of the weight of the water. In many cases, roof leaks are apparent in the attic before you see the stains on walls or ceilings.
Trying to do-it-yourself with the wrong equipment
If you don’t have the right tools and know-how, you probably should not try to fix roofing problems on your own because you can make the situation worse. You also might not be able to do it safely. If you are putting a stepladder on top of a table so you can get onto the roof, that’s a good sign you should call a roofing professional or at least make sure you know the way to the closest emergency room.
If you have an old home, and it’s been two or three decades since the roof was replaced, you might want to look for warning signs to see if it is time for a new roof. Your roof is one of the most important elements in keeping your home comfortable, safe and secure. Take a few moments this spring to make certain it is in proper condition to do its job.
Since 1994, KY-KO-Roofing has replaced tens of thousands of roofs in the Valley. Over 50% of our business is from referral or repeat customers and that when surveyed over 95% say they would refer us to a friend or family member. KY-KO Roofing Systems specializes in installation, maintenance, repairs, all roof types, foam, flat, shingle, tile, residential, commercial and industrial. Visit us at www.kykoroofing.com or call 602.353.7187 to schedule a free roof check up.