Spring has sprung, but hopefully not any leaks in your roof! 

They say April showers bring May flowers, but unfortunately they can also bring damage to your shingles, adding wear and tear to your roof after it’s already endured winter’s wrath! That’s why now is the perfect time to assess your roof for any winter damage before those spring storms make anything worse. 

Here is a complete guide to spring roof maintenance and repairs so you can nip problems in the bud (Get it? Spring. Bud.😉)

Did Winter Take its Toll on Your Roof?

In Michigan, we’re used to an abundance of ice and snow, but those harsh winter conditions can wreak havoc on your roof. Ice dams and snow accumulation can trap moisture under shingles causing rot and leaks, and gutters can fill with ice and debris, adding to the problems. 

Take advantage of milder weather to check out the condition of your roof and identify any issues that need to be addressed, such as loose shingles or clogged gutters. Also, look for signs of leakage in your attic, like water stains or mold. Oh, and assess the ventilation and insulation while you’re at it.

The Importance of Spring Roof Maintenance

If Old Man Winter was not kind to your roof, it’s best to deal with problems as soon as possible. Even a small leak can result in a large amount of damage, and come summer, you could have more than just a growing water problem on your hands — your bills will likely be growing right along with it. 

Roof issues left unresolved can result in difficulty keeping the elements out and the cool, comfortable air in, and that means higher bills — thanks a lot, Old Man! 

In addition, spring roof maintenance is essential for keeping your roof in its best possible condition which will extend its life, protecting your investment, as well as your home and family.

The Most Common Spring Roof Repairs 

To-do’s this time of year often include plenty of yard work and cleaning, but if you’ve spotted any issues with your roof, be sure to add these spring roof repairs to the list. 

Clogged Gutters

Sticks, leaves, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your gutters and downspouts throughout the winter, which will definitely inhibit their ability to deal with spring showers. Make sure you clear the clogs and clean your gutters so they’re ready for whatever the spring brings next.

Loose or Missing Shingles 

Harsh weather conditions can often result in loose or missing shingles, revealed when the ice and snow melt away. It’s important to remove loose shingles and replace them along with any that are missing ASAP to avoid any leaking or other problems.

If you are handy and know how to get on your roof safely, you can make shingle repairs on your own, or you can call in the pros to take care of it. Either way, move it to the top of that to-do list of yours!

Leaks

Fixing leaks is another necessity that should be at the top of your fix-it list. Water damage can cause all sorts of problems over time, including rot, mold, and mildew, and premature deterioration of your roof. Take note of where you spot water stains and mold so you can locate the source and stop the leaking before it gets worse, not to mention more costly.

Poor Insulation

Attic leaks often go hand-in-hand with poor insulation. If you noticed icicles forming on your roof over the winter, your house felt drafty or temperatures fluctuated between rooms, and the kicker: your energy bills were, well, through the roof, then you likely have some insulation issues. It’s time to add or replace old insulation to keep your house comfy and your wallet happy.

Mark Spring Roof Repair Off Your To-Do List!

With spring right around the corner, it’s time to give your roof a checkup. The quickest way to get this done is to give Werner Roofing a call! Dial 616-844-5382, or contact us online for a free inspection. We can find and fix any problems winter left behind, and are here for all your roofing needs.

When it comes to the upkeep of your home, a roof inspection probably ranks right up there with getting your septic tank cleaned out. Unfortunately, putting this chore off can have just as damaging, albeit not quite as pungent, consequences. 

A regular inspection of your roof is necessary and important to catch problems early, which can save you costly repairs later down the road, as well as lengthen the lifespan of your roof, thus extending the amount of time before you need to replace it. 

Regular roof checks also ensure your house, and everything in it (including your family!) remains protected. Those are some pretty big reasons not to keep pushing that roof inspection to the bottom of your to-do list! 

So, without further ado, here’s a complete homeowner’s roof inspection checklist. Keep it handy and use it annually to keep your roof and home safe and sound. 

Inside Roof Inspection

Before you head outside, take a look around at your ceiling and walls. Do you see any dark stains or circles? These are water spots and a sure sign you have a leak somewhere. Check the attic for mold or additional dark areas which indicate that moisture is coming in through the decking under your roof. 

Another warning sign to look for is sagging between rafters. If you see light coming through anywhere while you’re inspecting your roof from the inside, you definitely have a hole in your roof that needs immediate repair. You should also check to make sure your roof’s ventilation is clean and clear.  

What to look for:

• Water damage — dark spots or circles
• Mold
• Sagging ceiling/decking in attic
• Light coming in through attic rafters
• Obstructions in roof ventilation

Outside Roof Inspection

View From the Ground

Start by checking out your roof from the ground. Walk around your house and look for any noticeable damage to gutters, eaves, and soffits. Is the roofline sagging at all? Do your shingles look a little worse for the wear? What about moss growth or debris?

What to look for:

• Bent or missing gutters
• Damaged eaves and soffits
• Shingles that are loose and flapping, missing, curled, or cracked
• Sagging roofline
• Moss
• A large amount of debris

Up-Top Perspective

From atop the roof, you can get a closer look at shingle damage as well as the condition of gutters. Take note if gutters are clogged, but don’t assume they just need a good cleaning. Be sure to check if there are any pieces of shingle or shingle granules in the gutters, which is a sign your roof may be ready for replacement. 

While you’re up there, pay special attention to the roof flashing. This is what protects the transition areas of your roof such as around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys where the slope of your roof changes. Flashing that is missing or damaged can allow moisture to get underneath shingles and cause rotting and structural issues. Definitely not good! 

You should also check that the rubber and seals around pipes and your roof boot are in good condition; look for signs of animal intrusion, like nests or chewed areas; and inspect your chimney for any damage that may keep it from working properly.

What to look for:

• Damaged or missing shingles
• Clogged gutters
• Compromised flashing and seals
• Signs of rot
• Animal intruders
• Chimney damage

Roof Inspection Complete! Now What?

Hooray, you marked that roof inspection off your to-do list. That’s great! But now what do you do? Well, despite what you might think, you don’t just move on to the next thing on your list — looks like you can put off the septic tank cleaning just a bit more. You’re welcome. 

Unless your inspection passed with flying colors, what you need to do now is fix some things. Remember, the sooner you address issues, the better! First, decide whether you are willing — and more importantly, able — to make any needed repairs on your own. 

If you prefer professional help, and even if you prefer professionals to do the actual inspection, you can count on Werner Roofing. We’ll come out and evaluate your roof’s condition at no cost, make recommendations for maintenance or repair, and provide you with a free estimate to get your roof in top condition. Give us a call to schedule a roof inspection, repairs, or if need be, replacement by dialing 616-844-5382 today. 

How to Get on Your Roof Safely

Hey, we get it. We understand there are some times when you might need to get up on your roof. Maybe it’s to remove some branches or clean your gutters. Perhaps you wish to make some minor repairs, take down your Christmas lights before the Fourth of July, or heck, even retrieve a kite or rescue your cat. We know stuff pops up that doesn’t necessarily seem like it requires a pro, but this isn’t your average “take out the garbage” chore. This can be dangerous. That’s why we created these guidelines to ensure you know how to get on your roof safely, not to mention get back down!

Don’t Go it Alone

It’s always wise to have someone spot and assist you if you’re getting on a roof. Ask (or bribe!) a friend or family member to help out by holding the ladder and hoisting up any tools you happen to forget. That way, you won’t have to go up and down the ladder to retrieve what you need. It’s also smart for the simple reason that someone else is there who can get help in case of an emergency.  

Wait for the Right Weather 

Never just decide to venture up without checking the forecast first. Make sure the weather is appropriate — not windy or wet! You don’t want to take the chance of being knocked off your feet or slipping and falling, so if it’s not a dry and calm day, check something else off your to-do list instead.  

Dress for Success

When you’re getting on your roof, it’s super important to wear the right shoes, with rubber soles and good traction. No bare feet or flip-flops allowed! A good tool belt is key as it will save you from trying to carry tools while navigating the ladder, and leather gloves can help you keep a good grip on things. 

This may seem over the top, but it’s also a good idea to equip yourself with a safety harness, especially if your roof is high or steep. Even if you’re only up there for a short time, it can save you from serious consequences if you happen to slip or trip on something. Temporary toeholds are also a good investment. They can help you keep your steps steady and can be removed when the job is done. You can typically find these things at your neighborhood hardware store.  

Climb Carefully

Perhaps one of the most important tips of all is to make sure you have a good, sturdy ladder and are using it safely and correctly. 

• Place your ladder on level, dry, and firm ground, or set a board beneath it. The ladder should extend several feet above the roof. 
• A good rule of thumb is for every 4 feet of ladder, you should move the base 1 foot from the house. 
• Avoid leaning the ladder against gutters so it doesn’t slide at the top or cause any damage, and pick a place away from powerlines. 

• Next, have your partner hold the ladder for extra stability. 
• Always face the ladder and when you start to climb, be sure to keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times — both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand. 
• When you reach the roof, hold onto the top of the ladder with both hands and step around, not over it. 

Step Safely

Congratulations, you’re on the roof! Now, be sure to move slowly and carefully, check that each step you take is stable before proceeding. Before you move forward, make sure the path before you is clean and hazard-free. Take your time and of course, don’t get too close to the edge.

Repeat in Reverse

Whether it’s right away because you’ve decided this wasn’t the best idea you’ve ever had, or if it’s after you’ve accomplished what you set out to do, when the time comes to head back down, let your partner know to spot you. Next, descend the same way you went up — holding the top of the ladder with both hands, stepping around and then down, facing the ladder, and maintaining three points of contact until you’re safely on the ground. Then, hope you didn’t forget anything up there and go get your partner the cold one you promised! 

Rather Not Get On Your Roof At All?

If you don’t feel that climbing up on your roof safely is something you can physically do, or the thought of being up so high and walking on a sloping surface gives you the heebie-jeebies, not to worry. We’ve got your back! For repairs, inspection, maintenance, and replacement, just give us a call at 616-844-5382 or connect with us online today.  

We’re told by our doctors about the importance of annual physicals, flu shots, vaccinations, and checkups. Preventative care is just as important for maintaining our health as it is for our home’s roof. Just like our bodies, your home’s roof needs regular maintenance to keep it healthy and working in optimal condition. Here are five reasons why regular roof maintenance is so important.

#1 Roof Maintenance Extends the Life of Your Roof

Your roof is a big investment and maintaining it can actually extend the life of your roof, which protects your investment in your home. Think of it like a flu shot. It doesn’t take a lot of time, but then you’re protected for a whole season and you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it. When you spend a little on regular roof maintenance, your roof will last longer before it needs replacing, which makes your money go a lot further.

#2 Roof Maintenance Keeps Your Family Safe

Your home’s roof is what stands between your family and the elements. It’s important to maintain that barrier to protect your family from obvious dangers like weather events, falling tree branches, or excess moisture which could lead to mold — but also the less-obvious protections that keep your family healthy, safe and warm. For example, regular roof maintenance like insulation inspection makes sure your home is retaining heat which prevents energy waste and saves your family money. 

#3 Roof Maintenance Keeps Your House Safe

Your home’s roof not only protects the contents of your home, but it also acts as a layer of defense for the elements of the structure itself. If your roof is well-maintained, you’re also maintaining the supporting beams, the rafters, the walls and the foundation, which keeps your home safer and extends its life. If the roof were to fail due to neglect or skipped maintenance tasks, it would put the rest of your home at risk.

#4 Regular Roof Maintenance Saves You Money

Regular roof maintenance year after year will actually save you money over the course of your roof’s life. This isn’t just because maintenance extends the life of your roof. It’s also because the cost of maintenance or small repairs is less when problems are detected early. They only get seriously expensive when significant damage has occurred when a problem is left too long. 

For example, if you notice ice dams forming on your roof in the winter, but don’t perform the small maintenance tasks of insulating and ventilating your roof, that small repair could turn into a big one when your roof starts leaking and causes water damage. Preventative care for your roof will pay off in the long run when you save yourself the expense of serious repairs or early roof replacement. 

#5 Roof Maintenance Protects Your Home’s Value

A well-maintained roof not only looks and performs better, it also sustains your home’s value. Better curb appeal alone will fetch a better price when you decide to sell your home, but regular roof maintenance makes your home more valuable to a buyer, who can trust its quality and protective ability.

Regular Roof Maintenance Tasks

These roof maintenance tasks should be completed annually by a professional roofer to check for damage and assess your roof’s condition and performance:

• Examine roof for stains, peeling or missing shingles
• Inspect pipe boots for cracks or damage
• Check for evidence of pests or animals
• Remove debris from roof and gutters
• Make sure roof ventilation is working properly
• Inspect flashing and caulking for potential leaks
• Sweep and inspect chimney

Regular roof maintenance makes the difference between an expensive, leaking, eyesore, and a protective, attractive barrier on your home. Completing the necessary tasks every year will ensure your roof lasts a long time and continues to perform at optimal efficiency.

If it’s time to get your roof checked and regular roof maintenance completed, don’t put it off. Schedule your roof maintenance with your local roofing company to make sure your roof is in good condition and protecting your home and your family the way it should. If it’s been some time since your roof has had an inspection or any upkeep, talk to the Werner Roofing team.