Blog Post

Pre-Winter Roofing Checklist

Oct 22, 2020

Winter Is Coming...Are You Ready? 

Do Some Ground Work

We suggest you take a few laps around your house and see what stands out to you. There are plenty of things that are hard to spot with the naked eye, so just make some simple notes of any questions or concerns you have. After you've got a closer look, step back a bit. Head across the street to get a better look at the slope of your roof, and see if there are any noticeable warning signs that your roof might be in trouble. 
Things you can look for...

Dark Patches: Stains or discoloring can often be mistaken for dirt, but usually is a sign of much more. Mold, Mildew, and algae are all things that can grow on your roof and are signs of trouble 

Missing Or Damaged Shingles: Your roof saves you from all kinds of inclement weather and you probably don't give it another thought until there is a problem. Well you should, and all you have to do is look up every once in a while. Next time you are leaving your house on a walk or coming back to work take a look at your roof and look for any damaged or missing shingles. Yeah there are a lot on your roof but you need them all and this should be an immediate phone call to a trusted professional  for repairs. 

Damage To Chimney And Vents: It's not always structural damage like missing bricks or dents that you have to look out for when inspecting your chimney or roof vents. Often times the flashing and watertight sealant around these structures will give way over time or be damaged by inclement weather and lead to leaks in your roof. Using a pair of binoculars is about as much equipment as we would suggest for this inspection. If something looks off and you need a closer look call a professional to take a look. 

Rooftop Inspections

The first thing we suggest for this is to call a professional. We know you own a ladder and know how to use it, but it's just not safe. Besides, we have to go up there anyway so work smarter ,by calling us, not harder. If your still curious on what goes on up there here is a little list of what's on our checklist besides everything we've already mentioned...


Shingle Damage: Loose, cracked and worn shingles are common signs that you need shingles replaced before trouble starts.


Proper Flashing and Sealant: Any chimney, vent, plumbing stack, or structure on your roof needs to be water proof. Your roof protects you from the inclement weather and overtime will breakdown these safety barriers that keep your roof working properly and home safe. 

Attic Inspection

That's right, roofers go inside too! After inspecting the exterior of your roof we need to see what's inside, see what's goin on under your roof, and if there are internal factors creating exterior problems. Attic inspection usually include...


Moisture And Leaks: These are pretty easy to spot and are easy signs of a compromised roof. Accompanying leaks is often wet insulation. Insulation that becomes wet or damp is no longer effective and will need to be replaced along with that pesky leak. 


 Animals In The Attic: Chances are you wont see them, but you will see evidence of them. scratches or gnawed surfaces, shedding, feces, or nests are all signs your attic is now an AirBnB for a furry or feathered friend. Obviously this is bad and more than just the elements are getting in your attic.


Staining Or Rust: These are some signs that you have a roof leak but it may be small or just have started. look for stains to the plywood decking or damp surfaces as they are evidence of active leaks. Rusting around nails can also be a warning sign when there is no stain or wet areas at this time. It most likely means that when there is severe weather your roof cant quite properly protect your home anymore.


Contact Us

Each year small problems compound into bigger and bigger issues that eventually can't be ignored. Contact us today to make sure your roof repair doesn't snowball out of control this winter

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ASTM The American Society for Testing and Materials; organization that sets standards for a wide variety of materials, including roofing. BARGE BOARD A board that conceals roof timbers projecting over gables. COUNTER FLASHING That portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the step flashing. CORNICE The overhanging part of the roof (the part that sticks out past the walls). CRICKET The evaluation of a part of a roof surface as a means of promoting drainage of water from behind an obstacle such as the chimney. CURB A short wall or masonry built above the level of the roof; it provides a means of flashing the deck equipment. DECK The base surface to which a roof system is applied. DORMER A structural element of a building that protrudes from the plane of a sloping roof surface; creates a usable space in the roof of a building by adding headroom and usually also by enabling the addition of windows. DRIP EDGE A device designed to prevent water from running back or under an overhang.
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