Roofing systems are expensive, so you want to take whatever active measures you can to ensure the lifetime of your roof. Roofs will last an average of 25 to 50 years, but how long it lasts will depend on how well you maintain them. Many homeowners aren’t happy when they see that their roofs only lasted 10 to 15 years. Let’s look at what spring means for a roofing system.
Why Think About Maintenance in the Spring
The more pleasant weather of springtime is neither too hot nor too cold. After the harsh winter months pass, the bad weather from before can damage your roof and reduce its lifespan if you don’t take immediate action. The constant snow and ice will make the roofing materials expand and contract.
At the least, you want to perform an inspection to see if the winter season damaged your roof. Check to see if any water leaks into the home. This demands immediate action because leaks can work their way down from the top of the home to the foundation. You can wind up with rot and serious structural damage that costs you thousands of dollars.
Mold and mildew can start to form after the moisture penetrates the home. You want to check the gutters to see if the winter weather damaged them since the ice can freeze and expand and contract in the gutters putting stress on them.
Easier to Get a Contractor in the Spring
Roofers in NJ and DE will have more projects in the summer and fall than any other season, which makes the springtime perfect to hire a roofing company. They don’t have as many roofing projects, and it’s the slow season. With them having more time to work on your project, you decrease the risk of having a sloppy job done, and you can often negotiate a lower price for the project.
Most Effective Choice for Your Budget
As we said before, you can often get a lower price on a roofing project in the spring season because of it being a slower time. However, taking action in the springtime will save you money in other ways. For example, the summer season has the highest energy bills next to the winter months. Taking action before the summer heat arrives will keep your energy costs lower.
When your roof has cracks or leaks, your heating and cooling escape through that region of the roof. This leak in energy will lead to a higher energy bill due to greater consumption.
Getting it taken care of right before that hits will put you in the best position to save because you handle it before it has a chance to leak energy. Spring usually has more comfortable weather where you don’t need to use heaters or air conditioners as much.
Most Common Problems to Check for in the Spring Season
You want to check for a few things in the spring season and address the issue as quickly as possible to prevent it from getting worse:
- Animals and insects
- Roof leaks
- Gutter issues
- Roof moss and algae buildup
- Moisture retention
Animals and Insects
Winter storm damage can loosen shingles, crack siding and leave entrance points for animals. Some of the most common critters that can enter through the roof include bees, wasps, raccoons, bats, mice, and rats. You want to keep an eye out for droppings in the attic and respond fast if you spot them before the infestation gets out of hand.
Roof Leaks
The fluctuating temperatures of winter can damage your shingles and leave you with leaks that began in the winter. To spot a leak, look for stains, drips, and moisture spots in the interior. Once a roof leaks, it can cost you thousands of dollars in water damage.
Gutter Issues
Your gutters serve at the front line of your roof’s defenses because it drains the water. You must check during this time to see that no clogs remain in the gutters and no damage occurred to the gutters over the winter months.
Roof Moss and Algae Buildup
Roof moss and algae in small quantities won’t cause a problem, but the issue is after it has had a chance to grow. Once it takes root in large quantities, the roots can start to lift up your shingles in search of water. This search on their part will damage your roof and shorten its lifespan.
Moisture Retention
New Jersey averages about 23 inches of snow each year, and Delaware averages about 15 inches. In large quantities, snow can damage your roof because it can cause ceilings to buckle, leak, or creak. The moisture from the snow can bring a buildup of moisture in your roof system that can harm the whole house if not addressed quickly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking at roofing companies in Delaware, check out RGB Construction. We have the knowledge and expertise to assist you with your next roofing project, and we can inspect your roof to ensure that it remains in good standing for the upcoming summer months. You might even consider a roof inspection in the springtime to plan for your future roof repairs and maintenance. Call us now at 856-264-9093.
