Some Fall Roof Inspection Tips to Get You Through Upper Midwest Winters
You should be wondering if your roof can stand up to the rigors of another hard winter in the Upper Midwest. Put some time in to examine your shingles as you have not done so since the spring. And are you aware of the kind of warning signs that will become a real headache when the snow is on its way?
Homeowners from South Dakota to Iowa and Minnesota ought to be posing those very questions. We at Heyn Brothers Roofing have been in the business for 20 plus years, putting homes in the region in order to face whatever the season may bring. For a little peace of mind ahead of the first freeze, put in a call to us in Rochester at (507) 519-6202 and we will see you through it.
There is no better time than fall for an inspection. The days are long and the weather is mild, which makes for safe ladder work, and any repairs are easily put right before the ice and snow complicate matters. All too often we see homeowners put it off until they have a leak in January, and the damage is well and truly done by then.
The Importance of a Fall Inspection in Our Part of the Country
One does not get a soft winter here. Your roofing system is under no end of stress from the ice dams, the freeze-thaw and the weight of the snow. A shingle in good order in July could be cracked or loose; let water in and have it freeze and you have a fast growing problem.
We can put an honest eye on these things in the fall while they are still a minor expense to remedy, or give you the chance to plan a replacement should the home call for it.
Things to Watch for From the Ground Up
It is not necessary to go climbing to find trouble. Stand in the yard and you will see enough. Look for:
- Shingles that are buckled, missing or have curled
- Any dark patches or streaks indicative of moisture or algae
- Granules at the bottom of downspouts or in the gutters
- A sag in the roofline
- Flashing about the chimney and vents that is loose or in poor repair
- Branches or other debris on top
Should you come across any of this, have a pro have a look at it prior to winter.
Do Not Neglect the Attic and Interior
A house has more to tell you than what is on the shingles. Make it a point to go up to the attic on a day without rain and check for:
- Staining on the roof deck
- Where daylight is penetrating that it should not
- Insulation that is matted or damp
- Frost on the rafters or condensation
- A mustiness in the air from trapped moisture
These are sure fire indicators. To be found out early and you will be spared the cost of bigger repairs, mold and ruined insulation.
Get the Gutters in Order
If you want to stave off ice dams, clogged gutters are what you need to address. Water that is unable to drain will back up and make its way under the shingles once it freezes. A bit of time in the fall to clear the leaves and debris is an easy safeguard for the winter. Check that your downspouts are sending water clear of the foundation while you are there.
Leave Some Inspections to the Professionals
For the most part you can do it yourself, but with steep or high pitched roofs it is wiser to have a trained crew on hand. An untrained observer will frequently overlook the early evidence of storm damage.
Our services at Heyn Brothers Roofing include storm damage restoration, repairs, replacements and inspections for both commercial and residential clients in Sioux Falls SD, Waterloo IA, the Minneapolis area and throughout Rochester and Mankato in Minnesota. We are a BBB A+ accredited firm and CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster certified, which has made us a Top North American Roofing Contractor; our 4.8 star rating in over 300 reviews speaks for itself.
We put a 5-year workmanship warranty on all our work in addition to what the manufacturer provides, and for the larger jobs GreenSky financing is available.
Why put it off until a heavy snowfall tells you your roof was not up to the task? Act now and we will make it simple. Contact Heyn Brothers Roofing for an estimate and a proper inspection. In Rochester you can reach us at (507) 519-6202, in Waterloo (319) 984-1680 and in Sioux Falls (605) 857-4770. We answer the phone 24/7, so whenever you wish to put your home in good order we are here.