SPRING
Spring is the perfect time to check for any winter damage and address any problems before they cause expensive damage to your home.
HOW WE CONDUCT A ROOFING SYSTEM INSPECTION
Our seasonal roof assessment consists of two phases, both done on the day of our visit. First, our roof inspectors do a walk around from the ground, looking for cracks in the masonry or concrete panels which could indicate a roof leak. In addition, we check for signs of wear, such as shingle granules in the downspouts or on the ground. We also inspect eaves, ridges and other parts of the roof that are best viewed from the ground.
Next, we go up on your roof and do a walk around for a closer look at the condition of your shingles and your roof structure. If the situation calls for it, we may also check the underside of the roof from your attic and interior ceilings and walls.
During our evaluation, we document areas of concern and may even take photos so you can get a look at what we’re seeing. Based on the results of your inspection, we’ll recommend whether further action is necessary, such as roof repair, reroofing, or roof recover. Depending on the size of your home, you should plan for your roof examination to last approximately an hour.
ROOF DAMAGE WE LOOK FOR
The winter season is probably the roughest on a roof with harsh weather conditions like sleet, hail, blizzard force winds and heavy snow that melts and refreezes to ice. It makes the potential for storm damage that much greater. A spring inspection reveals common winter roof damage. Some of the things we look for are:
- Damaged shingles, with telltale signs that include cracked, buckled, blistering, or curled shingles.
- Broken or missing tiles.
- Loose seams, including edges and corners.
- Granule loss and its extent.
- Loose or missing roofing materials, such as flashing or seals around vents, chimneys, skylights, drains, etc., or between valleys.
- Areas where water is pooling.
- Dented storm collars.
- Damage to gutters.
- Interior water stains or bubbling of wallpaper or paint.
BENEFITS OF A HOME ROOF INSPECTION
We all have a spring cleaning to-do list and a call to Maxx Roofing for a spring inspection should definitely be on the top of the list. Preventative roof maintenance is very important because it can identify problems early on and save you big time in preventing further damage. For instance, by identifying and fixing missing shingles or damaged flashing early on prevents water from leaking into your home and creating a very extensive and costly problem to fix.
There are other roofing repairs, such as cleaning debris off the surface of the roof, replacing damaged flashing, removing worn out parts, recaulking cracked or damaged caulking and sealants, or replacing rusted or damaged hardware, that will save you from needing a new roof earlier than its expected lifespan.
Book your Maxx Roofing spring roof inspection today by calling or e-mailing us. We handle both residential and commercial inspections.
SUMMER
SUMMER ROOFING MAINTENANCE TO-DO LIST
Since we’re enjoying some hot summer days, we recommend doing your roofing checklist early in the morning when it’s a bit cooler. Binoculars are helpful for getting a closer look at your roof. We also recommend wearing work gloves.
- Inspect your roof with a complete walk-around from the ground, looking for shingle lift, missing shingles, cracked or dented shingles, moss or any other type of fungal growth, debris that has gathered in corners or roof valleys and roof damage of any kind.
- Inspect the flashing (metal strips) around the chimney, skylight, vents, satellite dish, or any other roof protrusion. Flashing often loosens during harsh weather or can deteriorate over time.
- Check the underside of eaves for debris that may have gathered and remove it. Be careful since this is a favorite spot for stinging insects to build nests.
- Check for loose gutters. It’s common for storms to loosen them. Tighten all bolts, making certain the gutters are properly angled and aligned to divert water away from the house.
- Clean out gutters, downspouts and roof drains. You’ll be surprised at the amount of flower blossoms, twigs, seeds and other debris that gathers in them during the spring. After cleaning the gutters, test them by running water through them using a garden hose. If the water flows freely through them with no leaks, you’re good to go.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SUMMER ROOFING MAINTENANCE
Summer brings some challenging weather conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, pounding rain, thunderstorms and heavy winds. Taking the time to perform some quick checks of your roof and minor roofing system maintenance assures you of three important factors:
- Your roof is up to the task of handling summer heat and storms.
- Your roof is in good operating condition.
- You’re on track to meet or extend the life expectancy of your roof.
If you’re short on time, you can always arrange for Maxx Roofing to perform your roof maintenance. We’ll establish a maintenance schedule to ensure your roof is properly inspected and maintained regularly. By being proactive with roof maintenance, problems can be spotted before they develop into costly repairs. Plus, with proper care, your roofing system will last longer. To learn more about our roof maintenance services, simply e-mail or call us. Make us Your Roofing Solution for all your roofing needs.
FALL
Seasonal Roofing Advice
FALL AND ROOF DEBRIS GO HAND IN HAND
Roof debris is everything and anything that lands on your roof and stays there. This is most common during fall season. Roof debris could be leaves, tree needles, twigs, pinecones, seeds, acorns, trash, nesting materials, or any lawn game component or children’s toy.
Most roofing debris gets on your roof during fall, a windstorm or could even be carried by birds or squirrels.
WHY ROOF DEBRIS NEEDS TO BE REMOVED
Debris on a roof can cause some pretty significant problems to your roofing system if not removed promptly. Some examples of roofing damage we’ve seen happen because roof debris was not removed include:
- Interior Water Leaks – Small debris, like twigs, decaying leaves, or children’s toys, can interfere with gutter performance. Blocked gutters are incapable of deflecting water off your roof and away from your home. As a result, overflowing water can leak into your home, particularly its foundation, and create water spots in your basement, or on ceilings and walls. Additional problems can occur if debris is blocking roof vents or other rooftop ventilation.
- Moss and Mold – Damp debris in corners and valleys of your roof or on the side of the roof that doesn’t get much sun is the catalyst for mold, algae, mildew, or moss growth, all of which can quickly spread to other areas of your roof. All four can cause roof rot because they trap water and create moisture that softens and weakens roofing materials. In addition, roof fungus causes water to run backwards beneath the roof’s shingles, creating roof leaks that enter the interior of the home.
- Roof leaks – Tree debris can easily get caught in the edges and valleys of your roof, clogging proper water flow. Once water seeps into the roofing layers under the shingles, roof leaks are sure to follow.
- Nesting - Small animals and birds use the debris as nesting material and move right in. Not only do their droppings spread disease, but their movement scratches away at your roofing materials. They can also get into your crawl space or attic if there are any weak spots on your roof.
- Fire – It takes only a small ember from a firework or a burning fire to ignite dry leaves, tree needles, twigs and other debris on your roof. Even with a fire-retardant roof, debris on a roof is a disaster waiting to happen.
HOW TO REMOVE ROOF DEBRIS
Removing all forms of roof debris is part of the regular roof maintenance provided by Maxx Roofing. While roof debris removal can certainly be a do-it-yourself fall maintenance project, if you’re skittish about going up on a ladder or are afraid of heights, then call or email us. Our affordable roof maintenance services will help you get the most out of your roofing system for many years to come.
WINTER
CHECK YOUR ROOFING SHINGLES
The rough weather ahead can easily tear off already loose shingles or damage areas where roof shingles are missing. By performing a quick ground inspection, you’ll be able to spot missing shingles or any shingles that are loose and popping up. If you find any, be sure to call Maxx Roofing right away to get your roof repaired.
INSPECT YOUR ROOF’S FLASHING, VENTS AND DECK
Flashing and vents have an important role in directing melting snow and rainwater off your roof so the water doesn’t seep into your home. Over time, roof flashings, which are metal pieces installed along roofing edges to protect them, can loosen or tear from strong winds or heavy rains. If this happens, a leaky roof is the outcome, creating a costly problem. When inspecting flashing, check the entire perimeter of the roof, as well as around chimneys, roof vents, piping and skylights.
As part of the inspection, check the roof deck for holes, tears, or other signs of deterioration. Joints, caulking and metalwork on the main roof surface also should be checked for signs of wear and tear.
CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS
Clogged gutters and downspouts are a major cause of roof damage in the winter months. Leaves, acorns, tree branches, pinecones, dirt and other debris block your gutters and downspouts from properly eliminating melting snow. As a result, the snow melts on your roof and the water remains there, weakening your roofing and leading to ceiling leaks in your home.
When cleaning your gutters, also check that their fasteners are properly fastened and secure. Well affixed fasteners will protect your home from water build-up and gutter overflow and prevent leaking water from damaging the interior walls of your home. For your peace of mind, Maxx Roofing will conduct a FREE gutter evaluation to ensure your home’s gutters are working properly.