Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

After a particularly harsh winter, you may be worried that the condition of your roof may have suffered from exposure to snow and ice. After looking at the shingles to find that none are missing or loose, you may believe that your roof is ready to endure the upcoming spring rains.

However, there are other areas of the roofing system that may have sustained damage. Below are a couple of things you should check when inspecting your roof in the early spring. For more information, contact a residential roofing service.

1.  Make Sure the Flashing Is Intact and Tight

While inspecting your roof during the early spring months, one area that you should closely examine is the flashing. These metal sheets are found around chimneys, vents pipes, and along edges of the roof that are flush with pitches.

To provide tight seals around these structures, the flashing is tightly attached. However, with constant exposure to moisture, wind, and other weather conditions, the metal can start to rust and deteriorate, and the edges may start to pull away over time.

While looking at the flashing, look for any signs of corrosion, and make sure that the edges are still tight. If not, you should have a roofer examine the sheets up close to determine whether they need to be replaced.

2.  Look at the Roofing Caps for Signs of Damage

Another area of your roof that is often impacted by severe wintry weather is the peaks that are covered by roofing caps. These caps provide an extra layer of protection for the more vulnerable areas of the roof. 

However, because the peaks are exposed to the weather on both sides, the edges of the caps could more easily suffer damage. This is especially true during high winds and icy conditions. If the edges of the caps become loose, water can easily run underneath the caps and cause massive leakage. Any caps that appear damaged need to be inspected by a professional.

When checking your roof after a harsh winter, hopefully, you will not find any signs of damage to flashing or the roofing caps. However, if you do find problem areas, they need to be addressed by a professional before water leakage occurs. Contact a contractor in your area who provides residential roofing services to have them inspect your entire roof and discuss your options for fixing any issues they may find with the flashing, caps, or other areas of the roof.