With the warmer weather, now is a good time for you to examine how well your home fared during the Wisconsin winter. You might not think much about the roof over your head until it has sprung a leak. But the roof is one crucial place to start in your examination of the state of your home post-winter. It is easy to only notice damages after a major storm. However, the constant cycles of freezing and thawing during the cold months cause wear and tear on the roof, leaving it in a weakened state for the next season.
Water damage, a common cause of roof damage, is one of every homeowner’s worst nightmares. By the time the water penetrates through the attic into your home, it is likely that there is already significant damage to repair. Not all damage is visible from the ground, so you need to get up close to do an examination. Climbing onto the roof or into the attic is dangerous work, so consider calling a professional. A professional roofer should be able to do an exam for a minimal fee and provide an estimate of any needed repairs. If you prefer to do an initial exam yourself, here are some simple visual checks you can do to determine how urgently you may need to act.
Check the Inside Ceiling and Attic
Inside your home, look up and review the current state of the ceiling paint. If the paint is bubbling, cracking, flaking, or discolored with dark stains, this is a sign that significant water damage may be on its way if not addressed now. Next, go into the attic to find the source of the moisture that caused the damage to the interior ceiling. While in the attic, look for damage that has not yet made it into the home’s living space. Check under the eaves and support beams for outside light coming in. Look at the floorboards and trusses and for discolorations in the attic ceiling. Touch water stains to see if they are damp, indicating if water is trapped. A thorough check can help you determine if the problem is coming from your roof, gutter, soffit, or another area of your home.
Check the Outside Roof
Now it is time to check the outside of the roof and the condition of the shingles. Does your roof no longer look flat? Do the shingles look worn, discolored, or cracked? The most common indicator of damaged shingles is curling and blistering along the edges. Look for shingles that are cracked, buckling, or not fully intact. Older shingles start to disintegrate as they age, so check the gutters and downspouts for shingle granules. While often you can replace individual shingles, large amounts of shedding indicate that it is time to consider a new roof. The life expectancy of shingles may be decreased depending on how harsh the winters in Wisconsin have been.
A few other visual checks will also indicate the condition of the roof. A common problem in Wisconsin is a sagging roof, which is caused by excessive snow and ice. Sagging puts the roof at risk of collapsing and requires immediate repair. Look for moss, algae, mold, or fungi growing on the roof, indicating trapped moisture. Trapped water will create ongoing wood rot and shingle damage to the roof.
Call the Pros to Assess Roof Damage
Winters in Wisconsin can be incredibly damaging on roofs, especially when we receive heavy snowfall. A roof in poor condition will put you and your family at risk. The longer that repairs are delayed, the more costly it can become, especially in the event of a major leak or a collapse. If you see any of these issues, it is a great idea to contact a licensed roofing contractor to get a professional opinion.
Remember that Turn Key Homes LLC is an experienced home builder and offers many different services. If you have questions about your roof, contact us today to see how we can help. Call us at (920) 470-4315 or contact us through our website at turnkeyhomesllc.com/contact-us.
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