Address These Common Spring Roofing Problems

Winter can affect the integrity of your roof and result in a multitude of issues if left unchecked. Homeowners are typically excited about the warm spring weather, but you should ensure your home is also ready for the change.

Keep in mind that your roof can take a beating from spring's rainy days, so ensure it's in optimum condition. If you detect any leaks or other problems, consult a roofing expert for professional advice. Explore the common spring roofing problems below and their solutions.

Leaky Roofs

If snow or frozen water is on your roof, it will begin to thaw with the start of spring. This water can cause leaks, which is why you should look out for signs of water damage. Check for any visible damage on the roof or stains in the walls and ceiling.

Address water damage early on to keep it from escalating. Leaks can also damage the items in your attic and facilitate mold growth. Call expert roofers as soon as possible for repairs. While some homeowners attempt to fix leaks by themselves, the roof's icy surface is dangerous to navigate. Roofers have all the necessary equipment to fix water leaks.

Damaged Gutters

Gutters direct rainwater away from your roof and home. During winter, accumulated ice can weigh down your gutter system and result in cracks. The ice can also damage the downspouts, which can result in drainage problems.

At the start of spring, take the time to inspect your gutters, removing any accumulated debris. If your gutter has too many leaves or twigs, ask your roofers to install gutter shields. If you notice any cracks on the gutter system, call professional roofers for repairs.

Roof Algae

If you have noticed unsightly black streaks on your roof, this is likely algae. While most people consider algae to be green, this variety features a dark exterior as protection from the sun's UV rays. If you leave these streaks on your roof during winter, the issue will have worsened by the start of spring. However, you don't have to replace your roof as you can clean it.

While you can buy roof cleaning solutions for a DIY project, many of them will have corrosive chemicals that can damage your shingles. A roofing expert will give your roof appropriate care and remove the unappealing streaks.

Chimney Deterioration

Warm spring temperatures will melt the ice on your roof, and the water can flow into any cracks in your chimney. Additionally, temperature changes in the night can cause bricks and mortar expansion and result in a loose chimney. Therefore, check for any chimney cracks at the end of winter.

You may be able to repair any minor cracks with caulk or any other bonding material. If you have cracks on a brick chimney, you can use a silane-siloxane water repellent on the bricks. The best solution is to call seasoned roofers to repair your damaged chimney thoroughly and prepare it for spring.

Pest Infestation

If your chimney and shingles experienced damage during winter, they could create breeding grounds for pests. Animals like squirrels, raccoons, rats, and birds commonly invade roofing systems during spring. These creatures will often cause more roof damage, resulting in high repair costs and damage to the venting and electrical systems.

A roofing contractor will seal any gaps and entry points and replace missing shingles or repair damaged ones. What's more, they'll repair any roof damage the pests left behind.

Is your roof ready for spring? Winter weather can be brutal on roofs, so contract a roofing expert for a thorough inspection. Even if you can't spot any significant problems, cracks and leaks can start small and result in extensive damage. For more details on spring roofing problems, contact us at Cal Roofing Systems Inc. today.