Spring Thaw and Potential Roof Damage
As spring begins its slow thaw, we can often begin to receive insight into what hides below the snowy surface.
Issues that seem to lay dormant during the winter months can rear their ugly heads with melting temperatures. One area in particular that can often show signs of damage is the roof. Winter storms and winds, combined with heavy snowfalls, can cause serious issues to your homes protective upper layer.
If left untreated, roof damage can cause severe issues and possibly even create a situation of potential physical danger to the home’s occupants.
As we always do, emergency1 Property Rescue wants to help you be proactive for the possibility of an emergency. For this reason, we have created a simple list on what and how to check your roof this spring for signs of damage:
Sunlight:
Sunlight is a beautiful thing, But not when it is coming through your roof. When you see sunlight making its way through, it is because there’s a hole big enough to allow it to. We know it sounds obvious, but in overlooked areas, especially in those places where we don’t often go like an attic, wear and tear can take place without us even knowing. If sunlight is visible, things have progressed too far and a professional will need to be called.
Water Leaks:
One of the most common problems of a problematic roof is water leakage. When moisture is able to make its way into cracks, severe temperature changes can cause that crack to expand. If you find a location on your property where water has been entering easily and frequently, there is a good chance you are going to have more problems to address than just a simple roof repair.
Sagging:
A sign of a active, long-time slow leak, is sagging. Even if moisture doesn’t seem to be in play at the surface, the ceiling, wood, drywall, or any other material affected in due time will start to bulge. This is usually the final warning before that part of the roof collapses, causes damage, or an accident.
Moisture stains:
Catching a water leak before it happens is crucial. Moisture is the first sign of a leak, be aware of moisture stains that can appear on the interior of your roof. These stains on the sealings and walls, if not dealt with in several months, can cause significant damage to the structure by turning into water leaks. Also, pay attention to discolouring. A long-time leak in a place you cannot see will lead to a stain or discoloring; the discolorations are usually grey, yellow, or brown and are early indicators of an issue.
Increased energy bills:
So far, we have really only touched on water leaks, but you can tell when there is not a proper barrier by having air and heat leak through as well. Normally, we can tell this fairly easily by looking at your energy bills. Heating or cooling systems have to run more frequently to keep up with the desired temperature increasing the total cost. Looking into the attic or contacting a specialist with the proper tools are also ways to check on potential air leakage.
Missing roof tiles:
If snow has melted and you are noticing tiles missing, cracked, broken, peeling, or damaged in any way, call it in. Leaving this too long will lead to the previously mentioned issues.
Damaged Chimney:
A chimney with cracks or broken bricks can be open the door to some serious problems, including house fires. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly.
Here we have listed just a few things to check on that will help you determine if your roof needs to be fixed. No need to be a hero, you don’t need to try to fix it by yourself, Call an expert who has the proper equipment and training to ensure the proper job is done.
The Restorer
Have concerns or questions about your roof? Get proactive by contacting Neil at neil@emergency1.ca or phoning our team at 204-727.help(4357). Whether prepping for disaster or dealing with it, we will help you through the entirety of the process. Including making the insurance claim!