As winter comes to a close, you breathe in a sigh of relief, as you think you no longer need to deal with winter-related roof problems. Unfortunately, as the snow melts, you’ll have a new set of roof-related issues to deal with. The season of spring will welcome you not only with blossoming flowers but with problems due to post-winter damage, as well.
In this post, we will break down the common problems you’ll face with your roof when the winter snow melts.
1. Damaged Shingles
Roofs are supposed to withstand strong winds, and in general, whatever you throw at them. However, they will undergo wear and tear, especially after the winter. This will significantly lower their strength, and at times, the roof’s shingles will warp. You’ll be able to tell when your roof shingles need to be replaced, as the edges will have curled upward.
When dealing with damaged shingles, you can either replace each shingle or the whole roof (also known as reroofing). Keep in mind that if you replace single shingles, your roof will look like patchwork as the colors of the shingles aren’t consistent throughout. With the help of a property management company, you can hire a professional roofer to determine the ideal option for your property.
To safeguard your roof’s shingles from strong winds, don’t forget to repair your shingles as part of your disaster preparedness plan. Florida’s winds tend to be so strong that they can blow away your shingles. Your property management agent should add roof repair to your property’s disaster preparedness checklist.
2. Pest Infestation
Critters such as raccoons and birds will want to seek shelter on your roof in the winter as it’s warm. Unfortunately, these cute critters aren’t good for your roof, as they can wreak havoc on eaves, shingles, and so on. If you notice a gap in your roof’s shingles or siding, that’s a sign that critters have moved in.
If you’re renting out your single-family home, tell your tenants to notify you if they spot pests on the property, or if they notice strange noises from the roof. The moment your tenant tells you about pest problems, be sure to remove the pests from your real estate investment immediately. Otherwise, the pest problems will get worse.
3. Tree Damage
Homeowners tend to forget that overgrown trees, particularly ones that protrude toward their roofs, can cause damage to their property. In strong winds, your property is at risk, as the branches of nearby trees can rub against the side of the roof. As the shingles get loosened, rainwater will get into the gaps, which puts the property at risk of mold growth. By getting rid of protruding tree branches, you can protect your property from tree damage.
It’s worth mentioning that tree trimming is not your tenant’s responsibility, but yours. This is particularly true if the tree is so tall, that it would be perilous for your tenant to attempt to trim it on their own.
Don’t forget to tell your property management agent to inspect the trees when they conduct a regular property inspection. That way, they can nip the tree problem in the bud before it’s too late.
4. Clogged Gutters
Again, this is something that homeowners tend to forget to do. Homeowners, particularly those in states with winter, put off this task – or worse, they don’t do it at all. They prefer to wait until the gutter is even more clogged to “save energy”. Unfortunately, this causes the gutters to get so clogged that it starts to cause damage to the roof itself.
Remember to regularly check the gutters to keep them clear of tree branches and other forms of debris. The downspouts should allow for proper drainage in order to prevent water from pooling.
As a rule of thumb, you should give your gutters a deep clean twice a year, however, this should be done more often if you’re in a rainy area.
5. Chimney Damage
If your property is particularly old, it likely has cracks that will allow water to seep in. As the weather starts to warm, it will melt the ice, and allow water to enter your chimney via these crevices. And when the temperature drops, the water can turn into ice again, causing the bricks to expand. Eventually, the chimney may crumble.
For that reason, it’s important to conduct chimney maintenance. A professional roofer can apply a special sealant to block the bricks from water.
6. Membrane Damage
Due to changing temperatures, the membrane beneath your roof’s shingles can begin to erode. This section of the roof works to keep water out, so if your home’s membrane has been worn down, your roof will likely get damaged during rain showers in the spring.
Keep an eye out for leaks inside the house. If you notice excessive moisture, you should have a professional roofer inspect it ASAP. Do not attempt to do it yourself, as this isn’t a DIY project.
7. Moisture and Mold Growth
Mold isn’t a specific roof issue, but rather the result of unresolved roof issues. Your roof will only be the cause of mold if you don’t nip moisture problems in the bud as soon as possible. The moment moisture accumulates on the roof, it can cause mold and mildew. Not only will this result in rot, but will also be harmful to you or your tenant’s health.
Prepare Your Property For Spring With Luxury Property Care
As you welcome the new season, don’t forget to show your property some TLC. It went through the worst during the winter, which means it won’t be in its best condition as it welcomes spring.
Fortunately, the experts at Luxury Property Care can prepare your property, whatever the season. We have a wide network of vetted vendors whom we can enlist to repair your roof, as well as the rest of your property. Our team will use a premade checklist for the particular season to make sure that your property is in tiptop shape.
Discuss your property’s needs today by calling us at (561) 944 – 2992 or completing our contact form online.
