Tips for a Fall Roof Inspection in Reno Ahead of the Snow
Winter weather is coming to Reno and you want to be sure your roof can handle it. You may be asking yourself what kind of trouble could be lurking up there with the first snowfall not far off, or how to nip small things in the bud before they are costing you an arm and a leg in repairs.
We at Joe’s Roofing, LLC put homeowners in the Reno-Sparks Metro Area and Carson City in good stead for the cold months. As a family run business we are here to help; give us a ring at (775) 369-1919 whenever you like. There is no better season than fall to have a good look at your roof and we have put together this guide to show you what needs checking.
The Case for a Fall Inspection
Small problems have a way of growing quickly once the snow and ice put in an appearance. A shingle that is a bit loose in October and looks no concern will be a leak by January. Water will work its way into any crack, freeze and expand, and put pressure on your materials.
With the mild, dry conditions of fall you have the opportunity to find and put right these matters. It is invariably cheaper than having to address water damage in the home after the snow has come and gone.
A Ground Level Check
There is no need to make a climb of it to assess the state of your roof. Put on a pair of binoculars and take a leisurely circuit of the house. From down here you should be able to see:
- Shingles out of place with the others, be they missing, curled or cracked
- Any dark patches or streaks indicative of algae or moisture
- A sagging roofline which can be a structural red flag
- Debris, granules or leaves in the gutters
- Shingle granules making their way to the driveway or downspouts
- Flashing in disrepair around your vents and chimneys
Should you come across any of the above, it would be prudent to have someone have a closer look before winter makes its mark.
Make Sure Gutters and Downspouts are Clear
You will find clogged gutters are a prime source of winter damage to a roof. With leaves and the like obstructing them, melting snow has nowhere to run and will back up under the shingles or form ice dams on the edge.
Spend some time in the fall to clear them all out and verify the downspouts are putting water well away from the foundation. If the gutters are pulling away from the house or sagging they require some attention before the weight of snow does more harm.
Have a Look in the Attic as Well
Often the most telling signs are to be found inside. On a dry day make your way to the attic with a flashlight and check for:
- Stains or dark marks on the roof deck below
- Insulation that is matted or damp
- Gaps where you can see daylight
- A mustiness in the air from trapped moisture
- Mold or mildew on the wood
Proper ventilation in the attic will keep the roof surface temperature even and stave off ice dams. An overly warm or stuffy attic is something to put before a roofer.
Do Not Overlook the Siding
Wind, cold and moisture are hard on your siding as much as the roof. Examine it for warping, loose panels or cracks that would admit water. We do siding as well as roofing so we can inspect both in one visit.
Leave it to the Pros
While some of the inspection can be done by the homeowner, trained crews with the proper gear should be the ones on top of the roof. For an older roof, or if you have seen cause for concern in the attic or from the ground, a professional will put your mind at ease before the snow starts to fly.
We of Joe’s Roofing provide free estimates so you have nothing to lose by letting us have a look. Our work is backed by a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee. Being a GAF Master Elite and President’s Club contractor we can put a 5-year extended workmanship warranty on manufactured roofs and offer 30, 40 or 50 year extended warranties on certain GAF products.
Then there is our Roofs of Hope initiative, through which we replace the roof of a deserving family at no charge every year.
Rather than wait for the first snow to tell you your roof was not prepared, call us. We are at (775) 369-1919 Monday to Friday from 7am until 5pm, and we serve all of Carson City and the Reno-Sparks Metro Area. Let Joe’s Roofing, LLC get your roof in order for the winter.
