As the weather starts to warm up and we start spending more time outside, it’s a good idea to check your home’s exterior for any damage that may have happened over the winter. At Dingers Roofing & Construction, there are a few common issues we receive calls about from Wichita homeowners each year. Here are five roofing problems to watch for in spring:
1. Missing or Loose Shingles
Watch for any gaps or shingles that aren’t laying straight on the roof. Over time, Wichita’s cold winters and notorious winds can cause roofing membranes to loosen and peel off. This leads to missing or loose shingles, which can cause roof leaks, mold, pest infestation and more. A basic visual inspection from the ground will reveal obvious issues, but a roofing contractor can provide a thorough inspection of the entire roof and its components.
2. Other Roof Damage
Keep an eye out for signs of roof problems, such as granules at the bottom of downspouts after a rain, moss growing on shingles, and roof debris in your yard after a wind or rain storm. Hail and animals can also cause damage, so take a look at the roof line and the flashing around your roof vents and the chimney, if you have one. If you can see any physical damage, contact an experienced roofer for an inspection.
3. Damaged Gutters
Your home’s gutters protect your home by directing water away from the roof’s edge, the siding, and the foundation. Repeated ice accumulation over the winter can loosen or break gutters, so it’s important to walk around your home and do a visual inspection at the beginning of spring. Any rusted, cracked or loose gutters should be fixed as soon as possible before the spring rains cause further issues. This is also a good time to clean your gutters and downspouts. If you find excessive gutter damage, contact Dingers Roofing & Construction for a gutter replacement quote in Wichita.
4. Pests Entering the Attic
When warm spring weather arrives, rodents and other pests come out of hibernation and look for their new summer homes. If your roof has loose shingles or damaged flashing, it could be a perfect invitation for raccoons, squirrels, birds and other pests to enter your attic and build their nest. Not only is this unsanitary, the animals can cause further damage to your home’s walls, ceiling, electrical system and more. If you notice any unusual sounds or smells coming from the attic, call a professional roofer as soon as possible.
5. Roof Leaks
Ice, snow and the wild Kansas wind can cause damage to roofs that isn’t detectable by the average homeowner until the first spring rain reveals a leak. Watch for discoloration and water spots on the ceilings of your home’s upper rooms. It’s also a good idea to take a peek into the attic on a sunny day to look for any sunlight shining through gaps or holes in the roof. If you spot either of these issues, contact a licensed roofing company for repair or replacement right away.
Have Your Roof Inspected
The only way to truly be sure of your roof’s condition is to have it checked by a professional. If you live in the Wichita area, schedule a free roof inspection from Dingers Roofing & Construction. We’ll assess the roof, flashing, valleys, angled areas and joints to determine if repairs or replacement are needed. Call us at 316-202-2066 with questions or to request an inspection.