What Did Winter Do to Your House? Exterior Maintenance Tips for Spring
Apr 24, 2023As Wisconsin’s weather gets even more erratic, roads aren’t the only thing breaking up. The rapid freeze-thaw cycles are also wreaking havoc on your home’s siding and roofing, and the snow, ice, and high winds haven’t done your house any favors. J&B Construction has exterior maintenance tips for spring that will help determine if repair or replacement is necessary.
Spring Roofing Maintenance
Winter compromises shingles, gutters, downspouts, flashing, soffit, and fascia more than any other season in Wisconsin.
“Most roof damage begins before anyone on the ground can see it,” said J&B owner Scott Cline. “That’s why a spring roof inspection is so important for maintaining your roof. We get up there and find the problems before they become serious.”
J&B’s expert staff looks for many things, including:
- Buckled, curled, or blistered shingles
- Loose, broken, or missing shingles
- Ripples or waves in the roof
- Nails popping out
- Moss or algae growth
- The quality of the ventilation system
- Animal nests and debris
- Damaged, rusty, or loose flashing, soffit, and fascia
- Damage or rust to vent pipe boots and the chimney cap
- Attic moisture as well as weak areas, damage, or mold in the rafters or decking
- Gutter damage, rust, or sagging
- Granules in the gutters, a sign of a deteriorating roof system.
Maintenance should include repairs to any damaged shingles, removing debris from the gutters and inspecting them for leaks, repairing caulking and mortar, and cleaning off any fungus or algae.
“We do not recommend pressure washing your roof,” Scott added. “It would strip granules off your shingles and hurt the longevity of your roofing system.”
Spring Siding Maintenance
During winter, siding may experience chipping or cracking, especially if it’s older or a hard material like vinyl. “Bitter cold temperatures can make siding stiff and brittle,” said Scott.
During the freeze-thaw changes, siding is at an increased risk of forming leaks. A careful inspection looks for these leaks to prevent the development of rot, mold, and severe water damage. Turbulent winds also can cause damage. “If your siding is riveted, we’re going to be looking to see if any sections have become too loose,” he said.
J&B will be able to determine if repairs are enough, or if you need new siding or a new roof.
Even if you’re capable of climbing onto your own roof, it’s a good idea to hire a professional who has extensive experience spotting potential problems. Exterior inspections should be done sooner rather than later, because timely repairs can save you from needing expensive replacements.
To discuss these exterior maintenance tips or schedule your spring inspection, contact J&B at 262-437-0537 or visit https://jandbconstruction.com/.
