Your roof protects your home 24/7 from the elements and any damage they might cause. It has survived the winter months and now that it’s spring, homeowners should check to see what shape the soffit and fascia are in or if any shingles have gone missing. This season, assess the condition of the roofing system and make repairs before a minor problem becomes a major one.
You will have better things to do.
Is spring really the right season for roof repairs? After all, late March, April, and early May are famous for surprise sprinklings of snow, spring showers, pelting hail, and cold windy days. In spite of the unpredictable weather of spring in Metro Vancouver, the days are generally milder, there is more daylight, and drier conditions prevail. Tackling roof repairs such fixing leaks, replacing missing shingles, or applying new caulking around the chimney prepares your roof to meet the challenges of the rest of the year. It also reduces your summer home maintenance to-do list when you have better things to do like beach volleyball or go for a hike.
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of your roof.
Regular roof maintenance prolongs the lifespan of your roof. Making repairs in the spring gives your roof a new lease on life. Structural problems, leaks whose source of origin are hard to detect, and flashing failures or cracked sealant can remain hidden to the naked eye. Scheduling regular roof inspections and making timely repairs will go a long way to preventing significant damage to your roof and your home’s exterior.
Making repairs now will save your money.
When a roof is damaged, issues can range from a few “bald” shingles (asphalt shingles missing protective granules) to sagging to extensive moss growth. Whether they are minor or major repairs, they should be done as soon as possible.
If there are a number of roof repairs to be done and they don’t all fit into your current budget, prioritize them. Fix anything to do with water damage first such as leaks, moss growth, and wood rot in soffit, fascia, or the roof deck.
Doing roof repairs in spring lowers energy costs.
While many homeowners associate lowering energy costs with roof repairs in the fall before winter sets in, spring roof maintenance means your roof will be ready for summer. If cold air invades your home in January, warm air can make the interior of your house uncomfortable in June. Fixing roofing issues in the spring will ensure that the roof and attic are optimally insulated and vented.
Should I DIY of hire a roofing contractor?
When you’ve had to do the same type of repair in relatively the same place over and over during a period of six months or less, you might be repairing just the symptom of the problem and not the problem itself. A roofing contractor will get to the root of the issue. They will advise you on the type of repair needed or to skip the repairs and invest in a roof replacement.to save you money in the long run.
Especially if you haven’t had a spring roof inspection done by a professional roofing contractor for at least five years, hire someone to do the repairs. The elements – constant rain, heavy storms, active winds – can easily damage a roofing system. Cracks, missing shingles, the onset of wood rot, or leaks and cracks start out small but can become worse over time if left alone. A pro roofer can spot potential problem areas that might not be immediately apparent to a homeowner.
