Fall Roof Inspection: Some Advice for New England Homeowners
When was the last time you gave your roof a good look? You would want to be certain it is in shape for a New England winter. Then there are the minor matters of last season, one has to wonder if they have not become something more.
You will find the answers here. We at JP Carroll Roofing, LLC can tell you what fall entails; we have put in more than 30,000 roofs in this part of the country since 1987. Should you wish an expert opinion before the cold sets in, pick up the phone and call (860) 775-7511.
There is no better time for an inspection than in the fall. The summer is over and the winter storms are yet to come, so any repairs done now will see your home through the worst of it. All too often a homeowner will put it off until he sees a leak and the harm is done. An hour or two of your time in October or November is money and stress saved in January.
The Case for Fall Inspections in New England
Roofs in New England are put through their paces every year by the winter. Ice dams, wind, the freeze-thaw and heavy snow will do a number on them. What may have been sound in July can show its weak side after a few months in the sun, and when the ice and snow arrive those little cracks make for a bad leak.
It is easy enough to get on top of things early on. An inspection while the weather is still with you allows for some planning. Leave it to the winter and you are looking at emergency work in less than ideal conditions at a higher cost.
A Few Things to Note on Your Inspection
With binoculars from the ground you can make out most things. For your own safety, stay off the roof unless you are equipped and experienced for it. Keep an eye out for:
- Shingles that are curling, cracked or missing, leaving what is under them open
- Granules in the gutters, a sure sign of shingle wear
- Gutters and downspouts that are loose, rusted or sagging
- Flashing in disrepair near the chimney, skylights or vents
- Moss or dark streaks which will retain moisture
- A sag in the roofline
Give Your Gutters Some Thought
More is expected of your gutters than you might think. Pile on the leaves and debris and water has nowhere to go. It will freeze and expand and form the ice dams common to New England homes. To safeguard your foundation as well as your roof, clear them out in the fall. Make sure the downspouts are putting water at a distance from the house; inadequate drainage is a problem in its own right.
Make Sure to Check the Attic
An inspection is not complete without going inside. On a dry day, step into the attic and see if there is any trouble:
- Dark spots or water stains on the roof deck
- Holes or gaps where you can see daylight
- Insulation that is matted or damp
- A mustiness from moisture
- Any evidence of pests
Good ventilation and insulation in the attic will keep the roof surface at an even temperature and stave off ice dams. An unduly warm attic means heat is melting the snow only to refreeze at the eaves.
Leave it to a Pro
You may spot an issue but not be able to put it right in a safe manner, or the problem is beyond an untrained eye. If you are in any doubt about what you see, let us have a look.
Our team is GAF President’s Club material, an honour held by under 1% of contractors in the U.S. We can put our finger on trouble before it becomes a disaster. We do not just deal with the roof, we cover siding, windows and gutters as well. There is no risk in getting a free estimate to see how your roof is faring.
We put in seven days a week between 7:30am and 9:00pm to fit your schedule. For more extensive work we can arrange 0% financing with GreenSky, pre-qualification is simple.
This winter do not leave your roof to chance. Spend some time in the fall with an inspection and the gutters and attic. And for the kind of help you want, including expert repairs done now, the folks at JP Carroll Roofing are at (860) 775-7511. We have been looking after New England homes since 1987 and will do the same for you.
