When it comes to roofing, little problems often go undetected until they become major issues, costing a lot of time and money to resolve. An annual roof inspection each spring is the best way to catch any problems before they cause serious damage. Here are five common problems to watch out for:

1. Broken gutters.

Failing to repair or replace broken gutters could cause serious issues, especially after a big rainstorm. When your gutters are not properly attached to your roof, they are not able to do their main job: divert water away from your home. This can lead to costly property damage and flooding.

2. Defunct downspout.

Downspouts can become dislodged, causing water to flow directly around the foundation of your home. This can lead to foundation cracking, mould growth, and the potential destruction of any renovations you’ve already done. Have your downspouts checked to ensure they are connected and positioned correctly.

3. Chimney deterioration.

The older the chimney, the more likely it is to have cracks in the crown (top). When water gets into these cracks during the winter it freezes, which pushes the mortar and bricks further apart and makes the cracks larger. When the ice eventually melts, these cracks can cause your roof to leak and could even result in your chimney falling off your house.

4. Visiting pests.

Loose flashing, rotten fascia boards and dormant chimneys all make great homes for raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats and wasps. If you hear strange sounds, or you’re concerned something could get inside, call in a wildlife or pest removal company to get rid of any unwanted house guests and protect the areas where they are entering.

5. Leaky roof.

When snow melts and re-freezes, it can act as a wedge under shingles. Once the weather begins to warm up, these ice wedges melt and can leak through your roof. Your roof may look fine as you look up at it from the ground, but a professional will be able to determine any issue and how to fix it.

Inspecting your roof for these common problems is very important and hiring a professional to take on this task is always recommended.

– courtesy of NewsCanada