The heavy winter storms that we got in Macomb County Michigan this year may have damaged your roof. Many home owners don’t notice that anything is wrong until the spring rains come and suddenly there are leaks in the house and backed up gutters. Here are a few things that you can do now to prevent any unpleasant surprises when the storms come.
Check Flashings
The purpose of flashings is to fill gaps to keep water from getting into your home. Wherever there’s something sticking out of your roof like a chimney or pipe, there will be a flashing. You’ll want to check out these areas to make sure the flashing is secure as they could have been loosened by the winter storms. Pay particular attention to these major problem areas:
- Chimney Flashings
- Valley Flashings (Debris often accumulates here and absorbs water)
- Vent Flashings
Check for Missing Shingles
If you get on a ladder and inspect your roof, missing shingles won’t be hard to spot. You may find that over the winter some of your shingles may have lost adhesion and came loose. Replacing these shingles now can save a lot of money in the future.
Clean Gutters
Clean gutters are especially important in spring when we get hit with heavy rains. If you have trees surrounding your home, you need to pay even more attention to your gutters and keep them clear. Remove all leaves, twigs, and debris. Most people will stop after this step, but it’s important that you flush your gutters to confirm that they’re clear. Flushing will also help loosen and push out stuck debris.
Check the Attic for Holes
During the day, you may want to take a trip up to your attic to look for holes in your roof. We suggest doing this during the day because it will be easier to spot cracks as you’ll see slivers of light coming through. Taking care of holes in your roof now can save you thousands in future repairs. And that’s it. All these steps combined take only a couple hours to do and will lead to a better piece of mind when the rain starts beating against your roof.
A Sterling Heights Roofing Contractor You Can Trust!
If you are near Sterling Heights or the surrounding areas and need a residential roofing company, give us a call at 248-629-9260 for a free estimate!
