With warmer temperatures approaching, it’s critical to check your roof for damage caused by winter weather. Detecting problems early on saves time and money by keeping issues from getting worse. Here are a few signs you should call a roofing contractor.

How to Tell If You Have Winter Roof Damage

1.  Ceiling Stains

The most obvious sign of roof damage is water entering your home. Take regular walks through the house to look for stains or discoloration on the ceilings. Check the attic, too, as stains or condensation on the ceiling or rafters may indicate roof leaks directly above.

2. Wall Blotches

Intrusion from rain or melting snow via the roof can find its way down into wall spaces. Once inside, moisture may cause yellowish or light brown blotches, and the plaster and wallpaper may appear bubbled or cracked. Additionally, surfaces may become damp. Once a plumber rules out pipe leaks, speak to a roofing contractor about the issue.

3. Chimney Problems

Chimneys, especially older stacks made of brick, stone, and mortar, are highly susceptible to damage from wind and moisture. After a storm or blizzard, step outside and visually inspect your chimney. Look for cracks or loose bricks. If flaws already existed, they can worsen as ice and water find their way in. Also, check the interior walls around your fireplace for signs of leaks.

4.  Roof Issues

Creaking sounds or a saggy feel while walking on the roof may indicate damage caused by leaks or snow burden. However, have a roofing contractor check, as stepping on your shingles can be dangerous, and you may accidentally cause damage. They’ll look for areas that were previously patched or resealed, especially at edges and corners, as these are easily redamaged by windy, snowy, and icy conditions.

Roofing contractors also look for loosened, raised, or broken shingles and tiles. Decking and underlayment beneath may also be damaged, allowing water intrusion into the living areas below. Finally, they check vent caps and the flashings for dings, rust, and separations. To protect your home, all roofing components must be intact and sealed.

5. Gutter Damage

Abrupt temperature changes cause snow to melt rapidly and refreeze, promoting the formation of icicles and ice dams. These burdens block drainage and may cause weight damage to gutters. Strong winds can also loosen gutters from their brackets. Other signs of damage include bowing and buckling.

 

Is your roof showing signs of storm damage? Ignoring problems only makes them worse, so contact the expert roofing contractors at Bulldog Contractors right away. Their licensed, bonded, and insured specialists handle all of your restoration needs, from repairs to claims. For a consultation, call their Lakeville, MN, office at (612) 799-8707, their Centennial, CO, office at (303) 481-4291, or their Plano, TX, office at (469) 757-8571. Visit their website to explore all of their services.