7 Common Roofing Problems In Spring

Each season brings different problems to your roofing system, and as you welcome spring with full force, it’s best to be aware of the common roofing problems in spring. 

In today’s article, we will walk you through some of these problems and how you can handle them. As your professional team serving Mayville and the surrounding areas of Wisconsin, we hope this information helps you preserve your roofing system and home. 

#1 Water Damage from Melting Snow and Ice

As temperatures rise in spring, the snow and ice that’s built up will start to melt, resulting in your roof becoming water damaged. This melting creates a steady flow of water that will find its way into small cracks or gaps that may have formed during winter.

You’ll want to look for signs of water damage, such as discoloration on your ceiling, peeling paint, or water stains on your walls. These are all indicators that water has seeped into your home through vulnerable spots in the roofing system.

To repair water damage, start by identifying the source of the leak in order to patch any holes or replace damaged shingles. In severe cases, you may need to replace sections of your roof’s underlayment that have become compromised.

In order to prevent this form of damage to begin with, make sure your roof has proper flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. You should also apply a quality waterproof sealant to vulnerable areas before winter sets in and ensure your attic has proper ventilation and insulation to prevent ice dam formation that leads to water damage when spring arrives.

#2 Clogged or Damaged Gutters

Winter generally leaves your gutters full of debris, twigs, and leaves that have accumulated during fall and remained trapped under snow and ice. Once spring arrives, these clogged gutters can’t properly channel water away from your home.

As a homeowner, you may already know that when your gutters are clogged, water can overflow the system and run down your home’s exterior. This potentially damages your siding, foundation, and the overall structure of your home. 

You may notice water stains along your fascia boards or water pooling around your foundation. To fix clogged gutters, start by removing all the debris and flushing the system with water to maintain a proper flow. 

If your gutters are sagging or pulling away from your home, reattach them securely or replace sections that are beyond repair. To prevent this issue, consider installing gutter guards that allow water to flow through efficiently while also keeping debris out. 

Schedule regular gutter cleaning in late fall and early spring to ensure your drainage system works effectively throughout the year. You should also trim trees during this time that are shading your roofs to reduce the number of leaves and twigs that end up in your gutters.

#3 Roof Leaks

Spring showers certainly bring May flowers, but they can also cause roof leaks that develop during winter. Leaks mostly occur where shingles are damaged or around roof penetrations like vents and chimneys.

Signs of roof leaks include water stains on your ceiling, mold growth, or damp spots in your attic. You can also notice missing or damaged shingles from the ground.

For small leaks, you can apply roofing cement under your lifted shingles or replace individual damaged shingles. For leaks around penetrations, check and replace deteriorated flashing and apply new sealant where needed.

To prevent leaks, perform regular roof inspections, especially after severe winter weather. Replace damaged shingles promptly and reseal around roof penetrations as needed. 

#4 Damaged or Missing Shingles

Winter weather can be harsh on your roof’s shingles. They may experience destructive winds and freeze-thaw cycles that cause roofing materials like asphalt shingles to crack, curl, or blow off entirely.

Inspect your roof from the ground using binoculars, or, when the weather is safer, you can climb up a ladder to view the roof’s surface up close. During this time, start looking for shingles that appear loose, cracked, or missing altogether. You should also check for excessive granule loss, which appears as bald spots on your shingles.

When it comes to a few damaged shingles, replacement is relatively simple. Carefully lift the surrounding shingles, remove the nails holding the damaged shingle in place, slide out the old shingle, and install a new one.

In order to reduce the chances of shingle damage occurring in the future, choose quality roofing materials rated for your climate. Ensure proper installation with adequate fasteners, and replace your roof when it reaches the end of its service life.

Regular inspections can help you find and repair small issues before they become major problems.

#5 Poor Ventilation and Moisture Buildup

Your attic’s ventilation system plays a very important role in your roof’s health. Poor ventilation can result in moisture buildup, which becomes particularly problematic during spring’s temperature fluctuations.

Signs of ventilation problems include excessive heat in your attic, ice dam formation in winter, mold growth, or a feeling of dampness in your attic space. Your energy bills might also start to increase as your HVAC system works harder to keep interior temperatures consistent.

To address ventilation issues, just make sure that you have a balance of active and passive vents. Add soffit vents, ridge vents, or attic fans as needed to improve air circulation, and also check that existing vents aren’t blocked by insulation or debris.

You can prevent ventilation problems ahead of time by calculating the proper amount of ventilation for the size of your attic during roof installation or replacement. Also, make sure to keep soffit vents clear of insulation by using baffles, and make sure your exhaust vents are properly sized and positioned.

Also Read: Do You Really Need Roof Ventilation?

#6 Pest Infestations

Spring is when many pests become active, looking for places to nest. Your roof, especially if it already has damage, can become an attractive home for birds, squirrels, and insects.

You should watch for signs of pest activity, such as droppings in your attic, sounds of movement above your ceiling, or visible nests on or under your eaves. 

You may also notice small holes or damaged areas where pests have gnawed through materials.

To address pest problems, repair any entry points such as gaps in soffits or damaged roof vents. Then, remove any nests or debris left behind, checking for additional damage that might need repair.

Prevention includes keeping trees trimmed away from your roof, sealing potential entry points, and addressing roof damage as soon as possible so pests can’t get in. Regularly inspecting your attic space can help you catch problems early before significant damage occurs.

#7 Flashing Damage

Flashing, which is the metal material used for sealing joints and preventing water intrusion, can develop problems during winter that become apparent in spring.

Look for loose or rusted flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and along roof valleys. Water stains near these areas inside your home are a clear indicator of flashing issues.

To repair flashing damage, remove the old flashing and replace it with new material, ensuring proper overlap and secure attachment. Apply quality sealant around edges to prevent water from slipping through.

Prevent future flashing problems by using quality materials appropriate for your climate, ensuring proper installation techniques, and inspecting these vulnerable areas regularly. 

Why Is It Important To Get A Professional Roof Inspection In Spring?

Although you can spot many roofing issues yourself, a professional roof inspection in spring offers several important benefits.

👉 The first benefit involves the way that professional roofers have the training and experience to notice subtle problems you might miss. They know exactly what to look for and understand how small issues can develop into major problems if left unaddressed.

👉 Safety is always a significant concern. Roof inspections require climbing ladders and walking on potentially slippery or damaged surfaces. Professional roofers have the required training and experience needed to perform inspections without risking injury.

👉 Professional inspections often include a thorough examination of areas you can’t easily see, such as your attic space and structural components. This approach is very important to make sure that no small or big problems go unnoticed.

👉 Professional roofers are able to provide documentation on the existing condition of your roof, which can be valuable for insurance purposes or when planning for future maintenance and replacement.

Get Free Roof Inspections In Wisconsin 

At BRH Enterprises, LLC, we are your local roofing professionals serving Mayville and the surrounding areas of Wisconsin. 

We recommend scheduling a professional roof inspection each spring to catch and address any issues that developed during winter. This proactive approach helps extend your roof’s lifespan and prevents expensive emergency repairs.

Spring is truly the perfect time for a roof check-up. The weather is mild, making it easier to work on repairs and offering you plenty of time to address any issues before summer storms arrive. For a quality roof inspection that’s free, reach out to our team of experts today for a no-obligation discussion by giving us a call at (920) 249-4228.